Keeping your OneNote notebooks synced across all your devices ensures you always have access to your latest notes, whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or computer. Whether you’re using OneNote for school, work, or personal projects, syncing makes sure you never miss a beat.

This guide will show you how to set up, verify, and troubleshoot OneNote sync on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web. You’ll also discover pro tips and advanced syncing workflows to stay organized anywhere.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sync OneNote Across Devices

1. Sign in with the Same Microsoft Account
   • Open OneNote on each device.
   • Tap or click Sign In, and use the same Microsoft account on all devices.
   • Confirm you’re signed in under File > Account (Windows) or OneNote > Preferences > Accounts (Mac).
2. Use OneDrive to Store Your Notebooks
   • Make sure your notebooks are saved to OneDrive, not locally.
   • On Windows, go to File > Share > Move Notebook, then select OneDrive.
   • On Mac, use File > Move This Notebook > OneDrive.
3. Open the Same Notebook on Other Devices
   • On mobile apps, tap More Notebooks or Open Notebook, then select the synced notebook.
   • On web, go to OneNote Online and log in.
4. Check Sync Status
   • On Windows, right-click the notebook name > Notebook Sync Status.
   • On mobile, tap Settings > Accounts > Sync Now.
5. Manually Sync if Needed
   • Windows: File > Info > View Sync Status > Sync All.
   • iOS/Android: Pull down the notebook list to refresh.
6. Keep Apps Updated
   • Make sure you’re using the latest version of OneNote.
   • Update via Microsoft Store, App Store, or Google Play.
7. Ensure Internet Connection
   • Sync requires an active internet connection.
   • Wi-Fi is recommended for faster sync and larger notebooks.
8. Avoid Sync Conflicts
   • Avoid editing the same page on multiple devices at once.
   • OneNote will mark conflicts with a warning and offer merge options.

Pro Tips & Workflow Improvements

• Pin Notebooks for Quick Access: On mobile, pin notebooks to your home screen or favorites.
• Use Section Groups: Organize large projects with section groups to reduce clutter.
• Set Sync Frequency on Android: Go to Settings > Sync and adjust frequency for battery efficiency.
• Enable Auto-Sync on iOS: Toggle auto-sync in Settings > OneNote for seamless updates.
• Use Tags Across Devices: Tags like To-Do and Important sync across platforms for consistency.

Advanced Use Case: OneNote with Teams or SharePoint

• Share a OneNote notebook via Microsoft Teams or SharePoint to collaborate in real-time.
• All changes are synced and visible instantly to team members.
• Ideal for group projects, meeting notes, and shared planning.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Sync Error: 0xE000005E: Notebook not found. Reopen from OneDrive or delete cache.
• Notebook Not Syncing: Try logging out and back in, then relaunch OneNote.
• Duplicate Notebooks: Close extra copies and open the correct cloud version.
• Changes Not Showing: Refresh or force sync on both devices.
• App Crashes: Clear cache or reinstall the app.

Conclusion

Once you sync OneNote across devices, your notes become a powerful, portable tool you can trust. Regular syncing prevents data loss and gives you flexibility no matter where you are.

Practice syncing today by creating a test notebook and editing it from two devices. Next, check out our guide on “How to Use OneNote Templates to Speed Up Note-Taking.”