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How to Fix Notes Issues on macOS Sequoia?

Updated on Friday, December 13, 2024

iBoysoft author Sherry Song

Written by

Sherry Song
Professional tech editor

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Jessica Shee

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After updating, Mac users encountered various macOS Sequoia problem issues. Notes app is an essential productivity tool, however, it may have many issues on macOS Sequoia.

Here we summarize the common issues from the main forums, you can check your own situation.

Issue 1: No editing or previewing column

I found the Notes app not working properly: Before macOS Sequoia updates, there were three columns but now there are two columns. I want the editing/previewing window back. -discussion.apple.com

Issue 2: Note missing

On my Mac, my Notes vanished after updating to macOS Sequoia. I'm sure that I didn't delete them. I tried recovering them but failed, can anyone help me? -reddit.com

Issue 3: Saved Notes won't open

I suddenly was unable to open any of my saved Notes since I updated to macOS Sequoia, I need to work on them, how can I do? -reddit.com

Issue 4: Unsyncing with other Apple devices

After macOS Sequoia updates, my Notes app on each Apple device seems to lose connectivity. I add notes on iPhone and iPad, buy they do not appear on my Mac. -discussion.apple.com

If you are encountering one of the Notes errors at Sequoia above, keep reading and find your solutions.

Note issues on macOS Sequoia

How to fix Notes issues on macOS Sequoia?

The specific step-by-step solutions of Notes issue macOS Sequoia we test and summarize are listed here:

Issue 1: No editing or previewing column

One of the most common problems is the disappearance of the editing or previewing column in the Notes app. Without this feature, navigating through notes becomes cumbersome.

  • Change view mode: Open Notes > Click the View Notes as Gallery or click View of the top menu then choose as Gallery. Quit Notes and Restart your Mac. Last, open Notes but change the view into List mode
    Change Notes view way
  • Reset Notes .plist preference: Quit Notes completely and open Finder > Go > Go to Folder > Type /Library/Containers, find and open com.apple.Notes.../Data/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Notes.plist, delete it.

If the problem persists, consider updating macOS to the latest version as Apple frequently releases patches for known bugs.

Issue 2: Notes missing

Nothing is more alarming than opening the app and finding your notes have vanished. This issue can stem from account syncing errors or accidental deletions.

Notes issue missing Notes

  • Restart the Mac or Notes app. Ensure your Internet is connected.
  • Navigate to the Recently Deleted folder: Open Notes > Click the first icon near View notes as list > Click Recent Deleted > Find your missing Notes and edit then save them. 
    Recover missing Notes with Recently Deleted folder
  • Use Time Machine/iCloud backup if you set it before.
  • Utilize some professional recovery tools like iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac, which can help you find all lost Notes whether you have a backup or not.

Hope you can find the Notes finally, if not, find something useful from How to Recover Lost Notes on Mac? Share these issues and fixes.

 

Issue 3: Saved Notes won't open

Some users report that previously saved Notes won't open after Sequoia update. This can happen due to corrupted files or app settings.

  • Force quit and relaunch: Press the Command + Option + Esc keys, select Notes and force quit. Relaunch the Notes app.
  • Rebuild the Notes Database: Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder > Type /Library/Containers/com.apple.Notes/Data/Library/Notes, backup the files in this folder, then delete the original ones.
  • Check file compatibility: If your notes were created on another device, ensure the Notes app is up-to-date on all synced devices.

Issue 4: Unsyncing with Apple devices

Syncing issues between macOS and other Apple devices can disrupt access to your notes like Notes not working on macOS Sequoia.

  • Verify iCloud settings: Ensure all devices use the same Apple ID. Check that iCloud syncing for Notes is enabled on the Apple menu> System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.
  • Update all devices: Syncing issues often occur due to software version mismatches. Update all your devices to the latest versions of their respective operating systems.
  • Force resync: First, toggle iCloud syncing for Notes off and on. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Notes and repeat this process.
  • Sign out and back in: On macOS, log out of iCloud via System Settings > Apple ID, restart your computer, and sign back in.

You must know how to fix Notes errors at Sequoia, please share our post.

 

macOS Sequoia introduces new features, but also occasional hiccups like those found in the Notes app. By following the fixes above, you can resolve common issues and restore productivity.

If none of these solutions work, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance. Stay updated with macOS updates to enjoy a smoother experience with your Notes app.