Troubleshooting

Having trouble with Cook Sync? Here are solutions to common problems.

Common Issues

Agent not starting

If the sync agent won't start:

1. Check if another instance is already running: cook-sync status
2. Stop any existing instance: cook-sync stop
3. Try starting again: cook-sync start

Not syncing

If recipes aren't syncing:

1. Check your login status: cook-sync status
2. If not logged in, run: cook-sync login
3. Verify your recipes directory is set: cook-sync config --show
4. Check that you have an active internet connection

Login not working

If the browser login doesn't complete:

1. Make sure you're using a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
2. Check that your browser allows pop-ups from cook.md
3. Try closing all browser windows and running cook-sync login again
4. Clear your browser cookies for cook.md and try again

System tray icon not visible

On some systems, the tray icon may not appear:

• macOS: Check System Preferences > Control Center > Menu Bar Only
• Windows: Check the hidden icons area in the taskbar
• Linux: See the Linux Issues section below

Linux Issues

No tray icon on GNOME

GNOME removed system tray support. You need to install the AppIndicator extension:

sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-appindicator
gnome-extensions enable [email protected]

Then restart GNOME Shell by pressing Alt+F2, typing 'r', and pressing Enter.

No tray icon on XFCE

Install the indicator plugin:

sudo apt install xfce4-indicator-plugin

Then add the Indicator Plugin to your panel (right-click panel > Panel > Add New Items).

AppImage won't run

Make sure the file is executable:

chmod +x cook-sync-*.AppImage

If you get FUSE errors, you may need to install FUSE:

sudo apt install fuse libfuse2

Desktop integration not working

If Cook Sync doesn't appear in your application menu after running the AppImage:

# Reinstall desktop integration
cook-sync install

If you moved the AppImage file, you'll need to reinstall:

cook-sync uninstall
./cook-sync-*.AppImage install

Checking Logs

Log files can help diagnose issues. They're located at:

• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/cook-sync/cook-sync.log
• Linux: ~/.config/cook-sync/cook-sync.log
• Windows: %APPDATA%\cook-sync\cook-sync.log

For more detailed logging, you can start the agent with debug output:

RUST_LOG=cook_sync=debug cook-sync start

Resetting Configuration

If all else fails, you can reset the sync agent to its initial state:

cook-sync reset --yes

FAQ

How do I migrate from the desktop app?

The sync agent automatically detects and migrates settings from the old Cook Desktop app. Just install and start the sync agent - your existing configuration will be imported.

Where are my recipes stored?

Your recipes are stored locally in the folder you configured. The sync agent only syncs them with Cook.md - it doesn't move or copy them elsewhere.

Is my data secure?

Yes. The sync agent uses OAuth for authentication (your password is never stored locally), and all data is transmitted over HTTPS. Authentication tokens are refreshed daily.

Can I use multiple computers?

Absolutely! Install the sync agent on each computer and log in with the same Cook.md account. Changes will sync between all your devices.

Does it work offline?

You can edit recipes offline. Changes will be synced the next time you're connected to the internet.

How do I uninstall?

On macOS, delete the app from Applications. On Windows, use Add/Remove Programs. On Linux, run cook-sync uninstall first to remove desktop integration, then delete the AppImage or binary.