How to Sync OneNote (and Fix Notebooks That Won't Sync)

OneNote sync usually works so quietly that you forget it exists, until you open a notebook on your phone and your latest notes aren't there. Almost every sync problem comes down to a handful of causes: automatic sync is off, the app is out of date, a prompt is waiting for you, or the notebook can't reach its server. Here's the checklist in the order I'd work through it.

How OneNote syncing works

Microsoft explains that OneNote automatically synchronises shared notebooks at regular intervals. That means your changes upload and other people's changes download in the background. Sometimes you don't want to wait, such as when you're about to board a plane and shut down your laptop. In that case you sync by hand.

Sync a notebook manually

1. Choose File, then the Info tab.
2. Select View Sync Status.
3. In the Shared Notebook Synchronization dialog box, select Sync All to sync every shared notebook, or Sync Now next to a single notebook.

Wait until the status shows the sync has finished before you close the app or lose your connection.

Make sure automatic sync is on

1. Choose File, then Options.
2. Select the Sync tab.
3. Check the box next to Sync notebooks automatically.

If this box was ticked off, you'd get exactly the symptom people complain about: changes that only appear when you sync by hand.

Work through the fixes in this order

Step	What to do
1	Install any available Office updates on your computer
2	Check Sync notebooks automatically is on
3	Run Sync All from View Sync Status
4	Open the notebook on onenote.com to see if the server has your latest notes
5	Deal with any Refresh prompt that's waiting

Microsoft's very first piece of advice is to check for and install Office updates. Don't skip it. A lot of sync errors disappear once the app is current.

Use onenote.com to find the culprit

If the notebook is stored on OneDrive or a newer version of SharePoint, open it in your browser at www.onenote.com. Microsoft suggests this to help work out whether the problem is on the server side or in the OneNote app. If your latest notes are there, the problem is local and you should look at the app. If they're missing there too, your device hasn't managed to upload them yet.

Refresh prompts

Sometimes OneNote asks you to refresh the notebook. Microsoft describes two versions. If the notebook is read-only with a message that says it isn't syncing, click Refresh now. If the notebook is still editable but shows a yellow bar asking you to refresh, click the bar. Either way, syncing resumes.

Error E000006C

If OneNote says it can't sync your notes right now and shows error E000006C (also written cig68), Microsoft's advice is to update OneNote to the latest version. After the update you'll see the Refresh message, and you follow the Refresh now steps. Don't delete the notebook, because it isn't broken. It just needs to catch up.

Protect your unsynced notes

• Before you try anything drastic, copy any important recent notes into a separate document.
• Keep the app open until the sync status shows finished.
• Don't edit the same page on two devices at once if you can help it.
• If a notebook has been offline for a long time, sync it before you start new notes.

Notes that vanish are rare, but they're worth guarding against. If you're still deciding which note app to use, my guide to turning meeting notes into actions and my overview of Microsoft tools for small businesses may help.

A quick routine before you travel

1. Open each notebook you'll need and let it finish loading.
2. Choose File, Info, View Sync Status and select Sync All.
3. Wait for the status to show every notebook is up to date.
4. Check one recent page on your phone or in the browser to confirm your latest notes are there.
5. Only then close the laptop.

It takes a minute, and it's far better than finding out at the other end of the journey that your notes are stuck on a device you've left behind.

Why shared notebooks need extra care

When several people edit the same notebook, each device keeps its own copy until sync brings them together. Most of the time that's invisible. The risk is highest when two people change the same page while one of them is offline. Agree who owns which section, keep pages short and don't leave a notebook unsynced for days. If sync problems keep happening, ask your administrator whether the notebook's storage location has a problem.

When nothing works

If you've tried everything above and the notebook still won't sync, make a safety copy of the unsynced pages by copying them into a new notebook, then contact your IT team or Microsoft support with the exact error message. Having the error code to hand speeds things up enormously, so copy it down before you start fixing.

My verdict

Update Office, check automatic sync is switched on, use View Sync Status to force a sync, and test the notebook on onenote.com to see where the problem is. Act on any Refresh prompt straight away.

Frequently asked questions

How do I sync OneNote manually?

Choose File, Info, View Sync Status, then Sync All or Sync Now next to a specific notebook.

How do I make OneNote sync automatically?

Go to File, Options, Sync and tick Sync notebooks automatically.

Why is my OneNote notebook not syncing?

The app may be out of date, automatic sync may be off or a Refresh prompt may be waiting. Update Office and try Sync All.

How can I tell if the problem is OneNote or the server?

Open the notebook at onenote.com. Microsoft suggests this to help determine where the problem is.

What does error E000006C mean?

OneNote can't sync right now. Microsoft says to update OneNote to the latest version and follow the Refresh now steps.