diff --git a/packages/api/src/web5.ts b/packages/api/src/web5.ts
index e905332c5..8dda6aca3 100644
--- a/packages/api/src/web5.ts
+++ b/packages/api/src/web5.ts
@@ -370,7 +370,9 @@ export class Web5 {
       // Enable sync, unless explicitly disabled.
       if (sync !== 'off') {
         // First, register the user identity for sync.
-        await userAgent.sync.registerIdentity({ did: connectedDid });
+        await userAgent.sync.registerIdentity({ did: connectedDid, options: {
+          protocols: [] // TODO: Add protocols to sync
+        } });
 
         // Enable sync using the specified interval or default.
         sync ??= '2m';
diff --git a/packages/api/tests/dwn-api.spec.ts b/packages/api/tests/dwn-api.spec.ts
index 16ae2f8bc..870b0caa5 100644
--- a/packages/api/tests/dwn-api.spec.ts
+++ b/packages/api/tests/dwn-api.spec.ts
@@ -46,6 +46,10 @@ describe('DwnApi', () => {
     // Instantiate DwnApi for both test identities.
     dwnAlice = new DwnApi({ agent: testHarness.agent, connectedDid: aliceDid.uri });
     dwnBob = new DwnApi({ agent: testHarness.agent, connectedDid: bobDid.uri });
+
+    // clear cached permissions between test runs
+    dwnAlice['cachedPermissions'].clear();
+    dwnBob['cachedPermissions'].clear();
   });
 
   after(async () => {