[SYNC] Mac Sync fails: Permissions + Multiple backup files + No auto-load

[albertkinng]

Mindwtr Bug Report for GitHub Issues

Suggested Title: Mac Sync fails: Permissions + Multiple backup files + No auto-load

🐛 Bug Summary

Mindwtr Mac (v0.6.13?) fails to sync with Syncthing/iPhone. macOS permissions block access, creates multiple data-backup-*.json files, loading errors, doesn't appear in Privacy & Security.

📱 Environment

• Mac: macOS (Sequoia?) /Users/albertkinng/Library/Application Support/Mindwtr/
• iPhone: Mindwtr iOS (version?) - WORKS (projects exist)
• Sync: Syncthing (Google Drive → Mac folder)
• Version: v0.6.13 (latest GitHub)

🔄 Steps Taken (Timeline):

1. iPhone → Export backup → Syncthing → Mac: mindwtr-backup-2026-02-15T17-39-52-010Z.json OK
2. Mac Mindwtr Settings → Sync → Browse → Select JSON → ERROR "No permissions"
3. System Settings → Privacy → Files and Folders → ❌ Mindwtr NOT listed
4. Browse again → AUTO-CREATES: data-backup-2026-02-15 13:XX (multiple files)
5. ERROR loading: "Permissions denied" on all
6. Terminal chmod 755 folder → ❌ Still fails

Screenshot evidence: (Sync settings + multiple JSONs) ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws

💥 Current Behavior

✅ JSON arrives via Syncthing OK (31KB with real projects)
❌ Mindwtr Mac NO auto-read backups
❌ "Browse/Save" → Permission denied  
❌ NO macOS Privacy & Security trigger
❌ Creates data-backup-*.json spam
❌ Sync Now → Error loop

🎯 Expected Behavior

✅ Mindwtr auto-detects/loads mindwtr-backup-* or data-backup-* files
✅ macOS Privacy prompt on first Browse
✅ Bidirectional Mac↔iPhone sync
✅ Single active JSON file

🧪 Attached Files

📎 mindwtr-backup-2026-02-15T17-39-52-010Z.json (iPhone export - REAL PROJECTS)
📎 AKCShot-02-15-2026_003910.jpg (Sync settings)
📎 AKCShot-02-15-2026_003911.jpg (Multiple backups created)

💡 Suggested Fixes

1. Sandbox permissions: Trigger macOS Privacy prompt on first Browse
2. Auto-detection: Load mindwtr-backup-* or data-backup-* without manual selection
3. Cleanup: Delete old backups on sync
4. Error handling: Clear message "Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security"

Thanks dev! Great app but Mac sync impossible.

mindwtr-backup-2026-02-15T17-39-52-010Z.json

[albertkinng]

I contacted you through Reddit.

[dongdongbh]

Add a fix 25d1d86.

This update improves file sync path handling for JSON selections and loads the latest backup JSON when data.json is missing.
Please test this in the next release and let us know if it resolves the issue.

[mahood73]

Same issue (still) occurs when syncing with iCloud - workaround is to re-select the sync folder, then it works from that device until another device tries to sync.

[albertkinng]

To be frank, it's a concerning sign if there are difficulties syncing data when solutions like Tailscale are available in today's tech landscape.

[dongdongbh]

To be frank, it's a concerning sign if there are difficulties syncing data when solutions like Tailscale are available in today's tech landscape.

Fair point — Tailscale is great for power users who are comfortable setting up a private network + sync server. But many of our users just want to tap "Connect" and have sync work. That's why we just added Dropbox OAuth sync — two taps and you're syncing across devices, no server setup needed. We're also keeping WebDAV and self-hosted options for users who want full control.

[albertkinng]

"That's why we just added Dropbox OAuth sync"

Well, it never worked for me. Out of frustration, I turned to vibe coding and created my own solution! It does the job for me. I really wanted your app to work! man. Let me know when you got it working flawlessly.

We are waiting for the Dropbox review, after that, it will work for users