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Why Are My Bookmarks and Passwords Already in Shift?

  • Updated

If you open Shift for the first time and find your existing bookmarks, browsing configurations, or login credentials already active, it means you authorized a local migration during your initial setup.

Shift values your data privacy and will never extract information from your computer without your explicit knowledge. Below is an overview of how your data was integrated and how we secure it.

How Your Data Was Migrated

During your initial installation and welcome onboarding sequence, the Shift setup wizard displays an Import Browser Data screen.

  • Your Explicit Consent: By completing the setup wizard, you selected your previous default browser (such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge) and approved the migration of your local browser data.

  • A Static, One-Time Snapshot: This data import is a one-time process designed to help you get started immediately without needing to manually rebuild your workspace. Shift does not sync with your other desktop browsers. Moving forward, any new passwords saved or bookmarks created in external browsers will not automatically reflect inside Shift—you will need to manage them independently within your Shift workspace.

Security and Privacy: Where Is My Data Stored?

Data privacy is the core pillar of our browser framework. We enforce strict technical protocols to ensure your sensitive credentials remain safe:

  • Strict Local Encryption: Any passwords, autofill payment setups, or browsing histories imported during setup are stored strictly on your physical computer's hard drive. They are secured using your operating system's native encryption layers (such as Keychain Access on macOS or DPAPI on Windows).

  • Zero Server Visibility: Your personal passwords and private browsing metrics are never transmitted to our network. Shift servers and employees have zero access to your credentials.

Managing What You Sync to the Cloud

While passwords and local configurations remain isolated on your physical computer, Shift utilizes a secure, proprietary system called Shift Sync to backup your workspace layout. Shift Sync securely stores your sidebar configurations, integrated application profiles, and custom Spaces in our encrypted cloud, allowing you to seamlessly load your customized workspace when logging into Shift on a second computer.

What's next?

Read more about Shift X’s privacy policy here.

Encounter a new issue or have a question you can’t find the answer to? Get in touch with our Support team here.

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