# FAQ

If you hit issues during installation, first-time setup, or daily use, start with **Quick checks** or the **Common questions** list below. Each answer lists the **shortest “do this first” path**.

> [!INFO] First cross-device attempt fails
> Do not rely on scattered FAQ items alone: open [First-run troubleshooting](/getting-started/first-run-troubleshooting), finish the symptom table and ordered checks, then return here for related Q&A.

## Quick checks

:::steps{collapsible}
:::step{title="Confirm the app is updated to a recent version"}
Older builds may lack compatibility fixes—upgrade and retest.
:::
:::step{title="Confirm key permissions are complete"}
Missing permissions often breaks history capture, shortcuts, or background behavior.
:::
:::step{title="Restart the app and retest"}
Many transient issues clear after restarting the app or the system.
:::
:::

## Common questions

:::accordion{multiple}
:::item{label="Why does copied content not appear in history?"}
Do these 3 steps first:

1. Check that clip history is turned on.  
2. Check that the system has granted clipboard read permission.  
3. Check whether filter rules are ignoring that content.

Continue with: [Layer 1: Did the source device record it?](/advanced/troubleshooting/sync-failed#layer-1-did-the-source-device-record-it)
:::
:::item{label="Why is cross-device sync unstable?"}
**If this is your first time validating sync/paste between two devices**, follow [First-run troubleshooting](/getting-started/first-run-troubleshooting) first (symptom routing + minimal text test), then return to the three steps below.

Do these 3 steps first:

1. Confirm both devices are online and the app is running.  
2. Confirm both ends use the **same** sync method.  
3. Reproduce with unique text once (for example `octoclip-sync-test-001`).

Continue with: [Layer 2: Can it transfer?](/advanced/troubleshooting/sync-failed#layer-2-can-it-transfer)
:::
:::item{label="Why are shortcuts not responding?"}
Do these 3 steps first:

1. Check whether the shortcut conflicts with the OS or other software.  
2. Temporarily bind to an unused combo and retry.  
3. Restart the app and test the shortcut again.

Continue with: [Layer 3: It arrived but won't paste](/advanced/troubleshooting/sync-failed#layer-3-it-arrived-but-wont-paste)
:::
:::item{label="Why does resource usage spike after launch?"}
Do these 3 steps first:

1. Lower history capacity and watch for changes.  
2. Turn off less-used feature toggles temporarily and retest.  
3. Compare usage when idle vs when copying frequently.

Continue with: [Performance tuning guide](/advanced/performance)
:::
:::

## Still stuck

Include the following when you report—these speed up diagnosis:

- Device platform and OS version
- App version
- Reproduction steps (shortest path that reproduces)
- Expected result vs actual result
- Key screenshots or screen recording (if any)

You can also read [Settings overview](/advanced/settings) for finer-grained configuration.