When does the iPhone or iPad app sync?

When the iPhone or iPad app comes online it broadcasts its existence over the local network. If Moneydance and the extension are already loaded on the desktop program, it will detect that broadcast and attempt to sync.

In addition, when the extension detects that a file has been opened or the extension/MD is initially loaded, it will broadcast a query for any devices on the local network that have the MD sync service on them (like the iPhone app) and attempt to sync with any that respond.

So, in theory, it should start syncing when either 1) the iPhone or iPad app comes online if the desktop app is running, or 2) the desktop app+extension comes online (or a file is opened) and the iPhone or iPad app is running.

If you are using a fairly old version of Moneydance you might need to start the desktop version of Moneydance first, open the correct file, and then start the iPhone or iPad app.