Tutorial: Syncing with iCloud

Recitation syncs your tasks, classes, and some of your preferences across devices to simplify your workflow and keep you connected on each device (after all, we are a homework planner app, you need your homework everywhere).

iCloud sync works by leveraging your personal, private iCloud storage to save and synchronize across devices and app installs / deletions. This means that your data will persist when you get a new iPhone/iPad/Mac, or delete Recitation and re-install it later.

Utilizing your own private iCloud storage ensures end-to-end encryption on anything input into Recitation, meaning we have no access to your tasks, classes, reminders, calendars, preferences, etc. With this data security in mind, you can comfortably add anything you want into Recitation without worry.

However, sometimes issues arise with iCloud sync. We'll address several issues and how to fix them and prevent them from occurring.

Enabling iCloud Sync in Homework Planner: Recitation

Thankfully, you don't have to do anything special to enable iCloud sync because it is enabled by default. However, if you want to check your sync status or toggle this feature on/off, you can head to the Backpack->General->iCloud Sync.

Debugging iCloud Sync

If iCloud sync isn't working for you, follow these steps!

1. Ensure iCloud sync is enabled in the Backpack (see above). Some status' you might see:

   1. "Synced with iCloud": you should be good to go, everything is up to date!

   2. "No network available": Check your cellular / wifi connection.

   3. "No iCloud account": Visit your device settings and login to your iCloud account.

   4. "Not syncing to iCloud": You may be out of iCloud storage. Check step 2.

   5. "Sync not started": Most often, this will resolve itself by leaving Recitation open for up to a minute. Try adding a task to trigger a sync.

   6. "Syncing...": Recitation is actively syncing with iCloud.

   7. "Error": An unknown error has occurred. Check the next couple steps.

2. Ensure you have storage available in your iCloud account. Note, this is separate from your device storage. To check your iCloud storage, head to your device settings and tap on your Apple ID at the top, then head to iCloud->Manage Account Storage. If you are out of storage, Recitation won't be able to sync anything.

3. Double check that your devices are logged into the same iCloud account in your device settings.

4. Try adding a task from both devices to try and trigger a sync.

5. Leave both devices open in Recitation for up to five minutes to allow time for a sync (recitation won't sync to iCloud in the background).

Still having trouble? Send us an email or fill out our contact form.