OmniFocus sync errors: “No key in slot” or “Can’t decrypt server data” or “Encrypted file is corrupt”

If you see one of the following errors while using OmniFocus, it means that the copy of your OmniFocus database on the Omni Sync Server is unreadable.

• No key in slot.
• Can’t decrypt server data.
• Encrypted file is corrupt.

When you choose to sync with the Omni Sync Server, the copy of your database stored on the server is encrypted for the security and privacy of your data. If you see one of these errors, your data is still secure; it simply can’t get back to the unencrypted (readable) state on your device.

To recover from this, you will replace the Omni Sync Server database (server database) with a local OmniFocus database. We recommend one of these two methods:

• Replace the server database from within OmniFocus.
• Delete the server database from within your Omni Account. Then copy a local database to the server.

Replace the Server Database

To replace the Omni Sync Server database with a local database, follow these steps in OmniFocus on the device with the most current local copy of your database.

If OmniFocus for Mac has your most current data

1. Quit OmniFocus on all devices except the one with the most current data.
2. From the menu, choose File > Replace Server Database
3. Click Replace to confirm.
4. The system may show an error that the server database cannot be backed up. Please choose the option to replace the server database without backing it up.
5. Sync your other devices normally. (Note: On your other devices, you may see a message that asks if you want to replace your database and start syncing. Choose the option to Sync, which will overwrite the local data with the new server data.)

If OmniFocus for iOS (iPad or iPhone) has your most current data

1. Make sure you have a strong network connection.
2. Quit OmniFocus on all devices except the one with the most current data.
3. Open OmniFocus Settings > tap Sync > tap Replace Sync Database.
4. Tap Replace Database to confirm.
5. The system may show an error that the server database cannot be backed up. Please choose the option to replace the server database without backing it up.
6. Sync your other devices normally. (Note: On your other devices, you may see a message that asks if you want to replace your database and start syncing. Choose the option to Keep Sync Database, which will overwrite the local data with the server data.

Reset or Delete the Server Database

Follow the steps below to delete (reset) the server database, and overwrite it with a local database.

Here are the steps to delete the server database:

1. Open a web browser and sign in to your Omni Account.
2. Click the Edit link in the Account section.
3. Click on the Reset Data… link that appears.
4. Click Reset Data again to confirm.

Open up a copy of OmniFocus (for Mac or iOS) where there is data you would like to keep. When you sync, the system will write your good local data to the blank Omni Sync Server account.