Many people keep important work notes or account numbers on the yellow Sticky Notes pinned to their desktop. But what if your PC suddenly needs formatting, or you need to check a note while you are out? Here is how to sync Sticky Notes with your smartphone in a few clicks and safely back them up using a single file.
Quick Summary
- Account Sync: Sticky Notes v3.0 or later auto-saves to the cloud when signed in with a Microsoft account
- Mobile Access: Open the Microsoft OneNote app and go to the “Sticky Notes” tab, or visit web (onenote.com/stickynotes)
- Local Backup Path: Press Win+R and enter
%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState- Core Backup File:
plum.sqlite(paste into the same folder after formatting to restore)
Real-Time Sync with Smartphones via Microsoft Account
Windows Sticky Notes (version 3.0 and above) automatically syncs to the cloud in real time once you link your Microsoft (MS) account—no manual saving required. It works just like having a post-it on your desk replicated instantly in your pocket notebook.
Setting up sync is straightforward:
1. Open Sticky Notes on your PC.
2. Click the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner of the notes list.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
4. If notes do not sync immediately, click [Sync now] in the Settings menu.
Once logged in, all your notes will automatically appear on any home PC, office desktop, or laptop when you sign in with the same account.
How to View Sticky Notes on Mobile and Web Browsers
You can view and edit notes created on your PC directly from your phone or web browser. Even without a standalone Sticky Notes mobile app, Microsoft’s default services have you covered.
| Platform | App & Access Path | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone (Android / iOS) | Microsoft OneNote App | Bottom [Sticky Notes] tab or Home Feed |
| Android Launcher | Microsoft Launcher | Home screen Feed menu |
| Web Browser | onenote.com/stickynotes | Sign in with MS account to view web notes |
| Webmail | Outlook.com | Click the [Notes] icon on the left navigation bar |
On some Android tablets, the dedicated tab in the OneNote app might not appear. In that case, accessing notes via a web browser (onenote.com/stickynotes) is the best alternative. Additionally, Samsung Notes sync with OneNote may vary in Sticky Notes integration depending on the app version.
Essential for PC Formatting: Local Manual Backup & Restore
If you work offline or prefer not to sign into a Microsoft account, you must back up the local database file manually. Sticky Notes stores all data in a single SQLite database rather than individual text files.
Follow these steps to manually back up:
1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Copy and paste the following path and press Enter:
%LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState
3. Copy the plum.sqlite file inside the folder and save it to an external USB or secure drive. (For best stability, also copy the accompanying plum.sqlite-wal and plum.sqlite-shm files if present.)
When formatting your PC or switching to a new computer, close Sticky Notes completely, navigate to the same folder path, and paste the backed-up plum.sqlite file to overwrite. Your notes will be restored immediately.
Version Requirements and Differences in Older Windows
To use cloud sync, Sticky Notes must be version 3.0 or higher. Version 3.7.106 or newer is recommended for optimal syncing. You can check your app version at the bottom of the Sticky Notes Settings (gear) menu.
Note that the backup file format differs depending on your Windows version:
- Windows 10 (Build 1607 and later) & Windows 11:
plum.sqlite - Legacy versions (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and early Windows 10 builds):
StickyNotes.snt
Using a dual backup strategy—combining cloud auto-sync with a local plum.sqlite copy—ensures you will never lose your important notes during PC failures or reformatting.
Sign in to your Microsoft account in Sticky Notes Settings or copy your ‘plum.sqlite’ file to an external drive today.