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Troubleshoot Sync and Data
Troubleshoot sync and data#
Workbench is local-first. A sync error normally leaves the local copy available, but the correct recovery depends on the status. Open the affected badge before clicking Manual Sync or editing the item.
What the status means#
Swipe horizontally, or focus the table and use arrow keys, to see every column.
| Status or code | What it means | Safe next step |
|---|---|---|
| Local / Local only | The item is on this device; global Cloud Sync may be off. | Enable Cloud Sync if you want cloud backup. |
| Pending | The item is queued. | Wait briefly, then use the available sync action once. |
| Syncing | Transfer is active. | Let it finish. |
| Retrying / Will retry | A recoverable attempt failed; the local copy is safe. | Check connection and account; use Retry once if offered. |
AUTH | The cloud request could not prove the session. | Retry once; sign in only if Workbench opens Login. |
VALIDATION | Saved shape or content was rejected. | Correct the item, save, then retry. |
OVERSIZE | The item is too large for the sync operation. | Reduce or split it before retrying. |
LIMIT_REACHED | The plan has no available cloud slot. | Free a slot or review the plan; the local copy remains. |
CONFLICT / Choose version | Preserved local and cloud versions differ. | Download recovery JSON, compare, then choose or merge. |
UPDATE_REQUIRED | A compatible extension or server version is needed. | Update or reload Workbench, then retry. |
REMOTE_MISSING / Recover local copy | The cloud record is absent and a local copy may be recoverable. | Inspect recovery eligibility before restoring. |
TRANSIENT_EXHAUSTED | Automatic retries stopped. | Retry when the connection is stable. |
UNKNOWN_PERMANENT | Sync stopped after repeated server failures. | Retry once, then preserve the error and contact support. |
Safe recovery order#
- Confirm the intended Workbench account and that Cloud Sync & Intelligence is on.
- Open the item's badge or Notification Center entry and read its exact reason.
- Use Manual Sync once only for pending or retryable work when no item-specific action is offered.
- Follow Fix sync, Reduce or split, Plan limit, Choose version, or Recover local copy instead of repeatedly retrying.
- Download recovery JSON before resolving an invalid or conflicting copy when offered.
Data is missing on another device#
- Confirm both devices use the same account.
- Enable Cloud Sync separately on each device; signing in does not override a disabled switch.
- On the original device, resolve any non-Synced badge and run Manual Sync once.
- On the other device, clear filters, show hidden content, and reopen the relevant page.
An item marked Local, Pending, Will retry, Fix sync, or Plan limit may still exist only on the original device.
Recover a missing cloud conversation#
Open Recover local copy or the conversation repair action. Download every offered recovery JSON first. Choose Restore this chat to cloud only after Workbench confirms the local copy is valid and the ID is eligible.
A conversation whose ID was finally deleted or retired cannot be restored. Confirmed deletion wins over stale edits and devices, so recovery never revives that old ID.
“Scratchpad edited elsewhere”#
Another tab, an older open page, a restarted edit session, or another device can advance the starting revision. It does not by itself prove unauthorized access. Review the draft, then choose Save as new to preserve both, Keep cloud, or Overwrite deliberately. Close stale Scratchpad tabs before continuing.
Scratchpad says “Local only”#
When Cloud Sync is off globally, every scratchpad badge says Local only regardless of its earlier sync state. Turn Cloud Sync back on to resume syncing and reveal the current status.
Related pages#
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