How to find missing files in your Obsidian vault
As of October 2026, File recovery can restore saved snapshots of Markdown and Canvas files.
How to find frequent file writes in Obsidian
Use the Sync activity log to inspect uploads, downloads and conflicts. As of October 2026, that core log clears when Obsidian closes. Sync Churn Watch adds local observed-write counts for a work session, not transfer measurements.
Background
A settings file can change while you read a note or switch tabs. Comparing a recorded work period can help you locate repeated writes before changing sync settings.
3 ways to do it
Read the Sync activity log
Run Sync’s Open activity log command or open it from the sync status icon. Read timestamps for transfers and filter for errors or merge conflicts.
- limits
- Copy the log before closing Obsidian because it does not persist after shutdown.
Review selective sync settings
Open Settings, then Sync, and review the files and configuration you want to sync. Use Manage beside Excluded folders to change the folder list.
- limits
- Review exclusions on each device. Adding an exclusion does not remove files already in the remote vault.
Sync Churn Watch from this site
Start a session before your normal work, then stop and compare settings, note and attachment rows. Copy the Markdown report and record what you did during that session.
- limits
- Settings checks can miss intermediate writes. Estimated bytes add observed file sizes and do not measure Sync traffic.
Open larger MIT · no telemetry · core features free
Use Sync Churn Watch
Run Open the watch view from the command palette.
Start a session before the activity you want to investigate.
Edit notes or use the suspected plugin, leaving time for settings checks.
Stop the session, copy the report and record what you did.
Common questions
Will folder suggestions change my sync setup?
No, Pro only copies a list for review. Check whether those folders contain notes or settings you need on another device.
Why should I stop before closing Obsidian?
Stopping saves the last table and ends the settings poll. Closing the view alone leaves the watcher running, while unloading loses an unfinished session.
Sources
- Obsidian Sync activity loghelp.obsidian.md
- Obsidian selective sync settingshelp.obsidian.md
You can now find frequent file writes.
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The plugin in this guide
Sync Churn Watch
Compare observed file and settings writes.