Update to 3.7 required for sync?

Support
1

Operating system

macOS

Joplin version

3.6.15

Desktop version info

Joplin 3.6.15 (prod, darwin)

Device: darwin, Apple M3 Pro
Client ID: 42093bcf32a64c06a960667b5c0d78c4
Sync Version: 3
Profile Version: 49
Keychain Supported: Yes
Alternative instance ID: -
Sync target: Joplin Cloud
Editor: Rich Text

Revision: c615726

Backup: 1.5.1

Sync target

Joplin Server

What issue do you have?

I'm getting an error message that I'm required to update to 3.7 to sync. I'm happy to update... but there seems to be no 3.7 update available (at least on mac?). See screenshot. There is also a banner at the top with the same error message (but the forum won't allow new users to attach more than one image).

Screenshots

Screenshot 2026-07-08 at 4.37.57 PM.png
Screenshot 2026-07-08 at 4.37.57 PM.png488×246 14 KB

2

Looks like you hit this Synch requires 3.7.0+ but 3.6.15 is the latest - #15 by laurent where a different device may have updated initially?

You can get a pre-release from Release v3.7.6 · laurent22/joplin · GitHub

3

You can download it directly from GitHub

4

Thanks both! Downloading the pre-release fixed it. What caused the error though? I don't remember downloading a pre-release before? I thought I was always using just the latest stable version? Why do i need to update to a pre-release?

5

There was a small window that a 3.7 version was released as a normal. Most likely you had an app update during that time before it was pulled and only available for pre-release.

6

Because from pre-release v3.7.3 changes were made to how the data was stored on your sync server. From that point onwards only v3.7.3 and above clients could read the data on the sync server. So all clients have to be updated to a compatible version if even just one of your clients is updated to v3.7.3+.

7

Help, I'm in way over my head. The Joplin download page still only provide v3.6.x. And I can't find the 3.7 pre-release version I need on the Github pre-relase page ( Releases · laurent22/joplin · GitHub )... I have an M4 iMac. I know I don't want arm64, the dmg is apparently for Intel, and the mac.zip says it is Intel also. What am I missing? Please help a novice!!! thanks

8

Pretty sure you want the M1 version which would be the arm64 DMGs on the releases.

9

So what do I do on my MacBook Pro running Apple M2 Pro? I am getting the same error Message. I am on Joplin version 3.6.15. Here is a picture...

Screenshot 2026-08-03 at 10.33.30 AM
Screenshot 2026-08-03 at 10.33.30 AM3026×1476 297 KB

10

Looks like you had one of your devices upgrade to a pre-release. For the MacBook Pro, you will probably want the DMG version as well.

This is the latest pre-release and will allow you to continue to sync.

11

I faced this issue recently. It convinced me to stop using mobile pre-releases, as I'm not aware of an easy way to upgrade to desktop pre-releases for my Joplin distribution. For those facing similar issues, comments in this Github issue contain instructions to downgrade the mobile app and minimum version accepted:

While their instructions fixed syncing between my devices without issue, your mileage may vary. You should back up everything before trying them.