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forScore Sync Not Working? Fixes for Duplicates, Missing Setlists and Error Codes

Updated · By the Folio Stand team at KKV Labs

If forScore sync is not working, first make an Archive so nothing is lost, then update forScore on every device, check that each device uses the same Apple Account with free iCloud storage, and let one "good" device sync while the others are paused. Most sync problems come from an interrupted sync, devices on different app versions, or iCloud being full or slow.

Before you touch anything, make an Archive. Sync changes spread to every device, and forScore's help pages say synced data "cannot be reverted or restored." See how to back up your forScore library.

How does forScore sync work?

  • forScore uses your iCloud account and a private folder only the app can see.
  • When two devices disagree, the newest change wins. All devices are treated equally.
  • When you turn sync on, you choose whether to prefer this device's library or the iCloud copy.
  • Settings and dashboard items do not sync.

forScore sync problems and fixes at a glance

Symptom Most likely cause Go to
A device stopped syncing after an update Different app versions Fix 1
Nothing uploads iCloud full, wrong account or an outage Fix 2
"Syncing could not be enabled" with a number iCloud setup on that device Fix 3
Duplicate scores or bookmarks An interrupted sync Fix 4
Setlists missing or out of order A sync or update changed them Fix 5
Mac and iPad show different libraries Mac app out of date or not running Fix 6

Fix 1: Put every device on the same version

One reviewer reported that a new forScore version changed sync data so older versions on other iPads stopped syncing.

  1. Update forScore on every device that syncs: iPad, iPhone and Mac.
  2. Update iPadOS, iOS and macOS where you can.
  3. Open forScore on each device and leave it open on Wi-Fi for a few minutes.

Fix 2: Check iCloud itself

  1. Open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud. Make sure you have free storage. A full iCloud quietly stops uploads.
  2. Make sure every device uses the same Apple Account.
  3. Check Apple's System Status page for iCloud outages.
  4. For a big first sync, keep devices on good Wi-Fi and plugged in.

Fix 3: "Syncing could not be enabled" (with a number)

forScore shows this message with a code number, such as 14. We have not found an official public list of what each code means, so we will not guess. What helps in most cases:

  1. Confirm iCloud Drive is on and you are signed in (Fix 2).
  2. Restart the device, open forScore and try again.
  3. One reviewer found that on a brand-new device they had to add one document first before iCloud sync could be set up.
  4. If the code keeps appearing, send forScore support the exact number, your app version and your device model.

Fix 4: Duplicate scores or bookmarks

Interrupted syncs can create duplicates. An open-source analysis of forScore libraries found duplicate bookmarks making up as much as 93% of all bookmarks in badly affected libraries.

  1. Make an Archive first.
  2. Pick one device whose library looks most correct. That is your good library.
  3. On the other devices, turn sync off. Once the good device has finished syncing, turn sync back on and choose to prefer the iCloud copy.
  4. Remove any remaining duplicates by hand on the good device and let it sync.

Never delete duplicates on two devices at the same time.

Fix 5: Setlists disappeared or are out of order

  1. Check your other devices. If the setlist still exists on one of them, make an Archive on that device straight away.
  2. If needed, restore the setlist from your most recent forScore Backup.
  3. If a setlist keeps re-sorting, check its sort option. Several 2026 reviews say the setlist workflow changed after updates.

Fix 6: Mac and iPad libraries do not match

Some users report the Mac app failing to open after macOS updates, or drifting out of sync. Update both, open the Mac app and leave it running on Wi-Fi until it finishes. If the Mac app will not open at all, contact forScore support and treat your iPad as the main library until it is fixed.

What should you do before a concert if sync is misbehaving?

  • Turn sync off on your performance iPad so nothing can change it.
  • Make an Archive.
  • Export the pieces you need "with annotations" as PDFs, as a fallback.

FAQ

Why is forScore not syncing? The most common causes are devices on different forScore versions, a full iCloud account, different Apple Accounts on each device, or a sync that was interrupted.

Does forScore keep a history of changes I can roll back? No. forScore says synced data cannot be reverted. Your Archives are your history.

How do I fix duplicate scores in forScore? Make an Archive, choose one good device, turn sync off on the others, then turn it back on preferring the iCloud copy and remove leftovers by hand on the good device.

Why does my iPhone stop syncing? Reviewers mention vague server or date errors on iPhone. Updating, restarting and checking iCloud storage fixes many cases. Otherwise, contact forScore support.

Is it safe to turn forScore sync off? Yes. Your library stays on the device. Make an Archive before you turn it back on.

Sources: forScore help pages on iCloud syncing; forScore user guide 14.3; US App Store reviews of forScore (February to September 2026); TidBITS Talk thread on forScore sync (December 2024); inet-cologne/forscore-cleanup analysis of duplicate bookmarks.

About us: we are building Folio Stand, a sheet music reader planned for early 2027 whose sync is designed so it cannot create duplicates or overwrite your marks, with 30 days of undo. See how Folio Stand sync works. This guide is meant to help you either way.