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Syncing notes between Mac and iPhone: iCloud requirements and troubleshooting

How Brim sync works

Brim syncs notes between macOS and iOS via iCloud: notes you capture on your Mac automatically appear on your iPhone, and notes you write on your iPhone sync back to your Mac. Everything runs on the system-level iCloud service — you don't need to register or sign in to any Brim account. Your notes live only on your devices and in your own iCloud account.

Brim is local-first: you can keep capturing and editing while offline, with data stored locally first; iCloud completes the sync automatically once the device is back online.

What sync requires

All four of the following must be true for sync to work:

  1. Pro (paid) is unlocked: iCloud sync is a paid-plan capability and isn't included in the free plan. One upgrade unlocks both Mac and iOS — see Free vs. Pro limits.
  2. Both devices use the same Apple Account for iCloud: your Mac and iPhone must be signed in to the same iCloud account, or the two sides can't see each other's data.
  3. iCloud Drive is available: iCloud Drive is turned on in system settings, and your iCloud storage isn't full.
  4. The devices are online: first-time sync or large changes need a network connection to upload and download.

Troubleshooting steps when sync isn't working

If notes aren't syncing between your devices, check in this order:

  1. Confirm Pro is active: open Brim's purchase settings and make sure Pro is unlocked on the current device. If you recently switched App Store accounts, restore your purchase on each device first.
  2. Check the iCloud account: in System Settings → Apple Account on your Mac and Settings → [your name] on your iPhone, confirm both sides are signed in to the same account.
  3. Check iCloud Drive: make sure iCloud Drive is on and your iCloud storage isn't full — sync pauses when storage runs out.
  4. Check the network: confirm both devices can reach the internet; corporate networks or firewalls may block iCloud services.
  5. Give it a moment: iCloud sync is scheduled by the system and can be delayed under Low Power Mode or poor connectivity; it usually completes on its own once conditions improve.

Still not syncing?

If the problem persists after these checks, email feedback@brimmemo.com with your devices and OS versions, whether Pro is unlocked, and roughly when the issue started. We'll help you narrow it down.