Persistent sync error after database check and missing media files

Anki Help
1

I’m experiencing a persistent sync error on my Mac (Anki Version 24.06.3). The issue started a few days ago.

When attempting to sync, I receive the following error message:

“Please use the Check Database function, then sync again. If problems persist, please force a one-way sync in the preferences screen.”

I followed the instructions; no errors were reported with Check Database, so I performed a one-way sync to download from AnkiWeb.

Nevertheless, the error message continues to appear.

I also tried:

  • Installing a previous version of Anki
  • Deleting all local files and installing the latest version of Anki

In all instances, the error still persists.

Incidentally, when I run “Check Media” on my Mac, it reports numerous missing files

Strangely, there are no sync issues or missing media on my iPhone.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

2

You’re trying the right things, for sure. If none of that helps, and you’ve tried everything else on the Troubleshooting Checklist – I think it’s time to give up on the Mac’s local copy of this collection.

This doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while a profile can get out-of-whack (I believe that’s the technical term :wink: ). Since you did a one-way download, you’ve already got everything you need on AnkiWeb/another device, right?

  • Go into your original profile on your Mac and log out of AnkiWeb syncing.
  • Create a new profile on your Mac and setup syncing there to download from AnkiWeb. Everything working now?
    • Have you synced enough times to make sure you have all your media? Run Check Media on both devices and make sure they match.
  • Delete your original profile. [I say all of this casually, but obviously anything that ends with this step is a BIG DEAL, so make sure you’re happy with how things look first.]
3

Thank you for your detailed suggestion!

I followed your recommendation and created a new profile and downloaded from AnkiWeb. Unfortunately, the same sync error persists in the new profile and the media is still missing (as per Check Media).

I’ve done some additional investigation and can confirm the missing media on my Mac still exists on my iPhone and on AnkiWeb.

This suggests the issue is likely specific to how my Mac is handling these files.

Would it be possible to get debug logs to help diagnose what’s happening? I’d be happy to provide any diagnostic information that might help identify the root cause of this issue.

Thanks again for your help!

4

Please provide an example card or filename that is not showing correctly, so I can check on the AnkiWeb state.

5

Card ID 1587453239724 / Note ID 1587453116382
has a missing illustration “paste-b49d4f23b9ee2b5297a6415b7dd0e0213f905d7d.jpg”

Many thanks!

6

Ok, that file is on AnkiWeb and appears to be valid, so the issue just seems to be that the sync is not completing. There was a similar report a while back: Anki will not sync automatically, must one-way sync each time - #15 by jmvenegas

7

Disabling the VPN has resolved the issue.

Many thanks!

8

For future reference, what VPN was it?

9

qustodio

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