Connection problems

Start with the device and server you are trying to connect. Obsidian vault connections and web app sessions use different setup flows.

Cloudflare does not return to Obsidian

On mobile, select Open Cloudflare in Crate’s connection dialog to begin authorization. When the callback page opens, select Open Obsidian if the app does not open automatically.

If authorization was interrupted, return to Crate settings and start Connect with Cloudflare again. Use the Cloudflare account that owns the server.

R2 is not active

Open the Cloudflare dashboard in the same account you chose during setup and finish R2 activation. Then retry the connection. Activating R2 in a different account does not enable it for this server.

See R2 activation steps.

A Docker server cannot be reached

Check that the host is awake and online, then inspect the server logs:

docker compose logs -f crate

Wait for confirmation that the public HTTPS address reaches this Crate server. Use Server address to paste into Obsidian, including https://. Do not use the internal Docker listener address.

The default Quick Tunnel address changes when the server restarts. In Obsidian, use Settings → Crate → Server → Update server address on each device, then sync. Create a fresh connection link for the web app.

On a phone, localhost and 127.0.0.1 point to the phone itself. Use the server’s public HTTPS address.

A pairing code has expired

Pairing codes work once and expire after ten minutes. Create a new code, then enter it under Connect to your server in Obsidian.

A pairing code for Obsidian is not a web app connection link. To connect the web app, use Crate web app → Connect another device after Obsidian has connected.

The web app asks to reconnect

Generate a new link from Settings → Crate → Crate web app on a connected Obsidian device. Open it in the browser or installed app you want to use.

If the app contains pending saves or drafts, preserve them before signing out or clearing browser data. Reconnect to the same server and folder, then follow its review and resume prompts. See Pending work.

Files are missing after connecting

Connection does not transfer files. Run Crate: Sync now on the original device, wait for completion, then sync the other device. Confirm both are connected to the same server and check ignore rules.

Automatic sync starts off on each device. Enable Settings → Crate → Sync → Automatic sync if you expect files to transfer after editing. For missing articles or reminders, also check that the feature is enabled and its configured folder contains the notes. The settings guide explains these controls.

If Crate reports an incompatible server, follow Updates. Do not reset storage to bypass a compatibility message.