For a long time, I’ve been trying to set up a system to sync my Obsidian notesvia Git on my iPhone. The process is straightforward and effective on my MacBook and PC using the Obsidian-Git plugin. However, the closed nature of iOS and the lack of mobile support for the Obsidian-Git plugin made this task challenging.
Initially, I tried to replicate the setup from my computers using the same plugin, which led to considerable frustration. Then, I attempted to use working copy to establish the .git folder in my directory and sync through that app. This approach was clunky, as using a different app for syncing and note-taking was cumbersome. Furthermore, ambiguous error messages would lead me down different rabbit holes of research. This process repeated itself at least three or four times. Each time I felt closer and closer to a solution but it never worked out completely or as seamlessly as I imagined it would.
I also experimented with automating the pull and backup features similar to those in Obsidian-Git using Apple Shortcuts. This became overly complex, resulting in sporadic Git errors and requiring excessive debugging sessions.
I found many posts like this one detailing how others had figured out a solution. It was frustrating that I wasn’t able to do the same. I use git for work all the time! How hard could this be?
Eventually I came across this blog post on the topic of syncing obsidian vaults. I read through it and it was so simple. I was so caught up in replicating my workflow from my computer that I introduced unneeded complexity to my mobile setup. The blog outlined a simple system using Working Copy and Apple Shortcuts: when the app opens, it automatically pulls from the remote repository, and when it closes, it commits and pushes any changes. So simple.
Now, this setup on my iPhone suffices. I’ve realized that I don’t need the auto-pull and auto-backup features at set intervals on my phone as I do on my laptop, where I work for extended periods without closing the Obsidian editor. On my phone, I primarily need to quickly jot down notes or reference existing ones. This setup more than meets my needs.
This experience reminded me of the importance of the “keep it simple, stupid” principle. It was a valuable lesson, and I’m glad I was able to recognize it.