How do I set up Obsidian cloud sync?

Move your vault folder into your cloud service folder (iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive), then reopen the vault in Obsidian from its new location. Sync is then automatic.

Which cloud service is best for Obsidian sync?

For Mac + iPhone users, iCloud Drive is the easiest and most reliable. For cross-platform (Windows + Android), Dropbox or Google Drive work well. For the best experience across all platforms including plugin sync, use Obsidian Sync.

Is Obsidian cloud sync safe?

Obsidian Sync uses end-to-end encryption — even Obsidian cannot read your notes. iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive encrypt data in transit and at rest, but the service providers can technically access your files. Use Obsidian Sync or Syncthing for maximum privacy.

Obsidian Cloud Sync Setup – iCloud, Dropbox & Obsidian Sync Guide 2026

☁️ Obsidian + iCloud Drive Setup

Free Best for Mac + iPhone / iPad

Mac Setup (5 minutes)

1

Enable iCloud Drive: System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Drive → toggle On. Leave "Desktop & Documents Folders" off unless you already use it.

2

Create vault inside iCloud: In Finder, open the iCloud Drive folder (shown in the sidebar). Create a new subfolder called Obsidian, then create your vault folder inside it.

3

Open or move vault: If you already have a vault: drag it into iCloud Drive/Obsidian/. Then in Obsidian → Open vault → Open folder as vault → navigate to the new location.

4

Wait for upload: Check the iCloud status icon in Finder — wait until all files show a checkmark (✓) before proceeding to iPhone setup.

iPhone / iPad Setup

1

Install Obsidian: Download from App Store — free.

2

Tap Open vault: On the start screen, tap Open vault.

3

Choose iCloud: Tap Open folder as vault → browse to iCloud Drive → Obsidian → your vault folder.

4

Allow access: Tap Open to grant permission. Notes appear immediately and stay synced automatically.

iCloud storage tiers

5 GB free (usually enough for a text-only vault). 50 GB = $0.99/mo. 200 GB = $2.99/mo. Share with family using Family Sharing.

📦 Obsidian + Dropbox Setup

2 GB free Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS · Android

1

Install Dropbox desktop app: Download Dropbox from dropbox.com. Sign in or create a free account. A Dropbox folder appears in your file system.

2

Move vault into Dropbox: Drag your vault folder into the Dropbox folder (e.g. ~/Dropbox/Obsidian/MyVault). Wait for the sync to complete — all files get a green checkmark.

3

Reopen vault in Obsidian (desktop): Obsidian → Open vault → Open folder as vault → navigate to the vault's new Dropbox location → Open.

4

Set up on a second desktop: Install Dropbox on the second computer and sign in. Wait for the vault to sync down → open it in Obsidian.

5

Set up on Android: Install Dropbox + Dropsync (or Autosync for Dropbox) on Android → sync the vault folder locally → open in Obsidian for Android → Open folder as vault.

6

Set up on iPhone: Install Dropbox on iPhone. In Obsidian for iOS: Open vault → Open folder as vault → navigate to Dropbox folder → select vault. Note: Dropbox on iOS may show files as cloud-only — ensure offline access is enabled.

🔵 Obsidian + Google Drive Setup

15 GB free Windows · macOS · Android · iOS (limited)

Desktop Setup

1

Install Drive for Desktop: Download Google Drive for Desktop from drive.google.com/drive/downloads. Sign in.

2

Move vault into Google Drive: Drag vault folder into the Google Drive folder on your file system. Wait for upload — indicated by a cloud/checkmark icon.

3

Reopen in Obsidian: Open vault → Open folder as vault → Google Drive → your vault.

Android Setup

1

Install Autosync: Install Autosync for Google Drive from Google Play — syncs Drive folders to local device storage.

2

Sync vault folder: In Autosync: Add sync pair → Remote: your vault in Drive → Local: a folder in device storage.

3

Open in Obsidian: Obsidian → Open vault → Open folder as vault → select the local synced folder.

💡 15 GB free storage — more than enough for even very large text-based vaults.

⭐ Official Obsidian Sync Setup

$10/month All platforms · End-to-end encrypted

Setup (same on all platforms)

1

Create an Obsidian account: Go to obsidian.md and sign up. Then subscribe to Obsidian Sync under your account.

2

Log in inside Obsidian: Obsidian → Settings → About → Log in → enter your credentials.

3

Enable Sync plugin: Settings → Core plugins → Sync → Enable.

4

Create a remote vault: Click the Sync icon (left sidebar) → Create new remote vault → give it a name → set an encryption password (critical — write it down).

5

Start syncing: Click Connect. Initial sync starts immediately. Wait for completion before opening on other devices.

6

Connect other devices: Install Obsidian on each device → log in → Settings → Sync → select your remote vault → enter the same password.

7

Enable extra sync options: In Sync settings, enable Plugins, Plugin settings, Themes, and Appearance — these are off by default.

Why choose Obsidian Sync?

✅End-to-end encryption — nobody can read your notes

✅Syncs plugin settings, themes and hotkeys

✅12 months of version history per note

✅Conflict resolution built-in

✅Works on all 5 platforms natively

✅Official support from Obsidian team

✅Supports multiple remote vaults

⚠️ Don't lose your encryption password

Obsidian Sync uses client-side encryption. The password is never sent to Obsidian's servers. If you forget it, you cannot decrypt your remote vault — you must create a new one. Store the password in a password manager.

Cloud Sync Comparison

Service	Free Storage	Plugin sync	Version history	iOS	Android	Privacy
iCloud	5 GB	❌	30 days	✅ Native	⚠️ Limited	Good
Dropbox	2 GB	❌	30 days	✅	✅ via app	Good
Google Drive	15 GB	❌	30 days	⚠️ Limited	✅ via app	Moderate
Obsidian Sync	10 GB	✅	12 months	✅	✅	E2E encrypted
Syncthing	Unlimited	❌	No (use Git)	⚠️ Manual	✅	Excellent

Obsidian Cloud Sync Setup