Sync in Shift Browser keeps your Spaces, apps, bookmarks, and other supported settings up to date across your signed-in Mac and Windows devices. You can turn Sync on or off, or choose exactly what data you want to sync, from Quick Settings > Advanced settings > Accounts and preferences.

What Sync includes

We keep your most important information ready on every computer. While open tabs don't jump from screen to screen, you can find them in your history. Shift matches your preferences on every device.

Sync includes:

• Spaces and layouts
• Integrated apps and accounts
• Bookmarks
• Browsing history
• Supported toolbar and sidebar preferences

Data that does not sync

The following items are stored locally and are not synced:

• Passwords and payment methods are not synced.
• Custom app icons are not synced.
• Browser extensions are not synced.

Before switching computers, reinstalling Shift, or resetting Shift data, export any passwords you want to keep and make note of any saved payment methods, extensions, or customizations you'll need to recreate.

Note: Website shortcuts shown on the Google New Tab page are not synced through Shift. These shortcuts are stored locally by Chrome/Google and are unique to each device.

How to turn on Sync

Follow these steps to enable Sync:

1. Open Quick Settings by clicking the gear icon  

2. Click Advanced settings at the bottom of the menu.

3. Select Accounts and preferences from the sidebar.

4. Find Sync Shift and click Turn on Sync.

5. Sign in using your primary Shift account email address.

Note: If you’re coming from version 9/legacy and have a paid subscription, sign in with your primary email so Shift can align with your existing plan.

Important: Sync does not currently include passwords, payment methods, custom app icons, or browser extensions.

Once enabled, Sync will reflect your setup across all signed-in devices.

Managing your Sync data

You don't have to copy everything if you want to keep your setups separate. We give you the power to pick which data travels. This is great if you want to keep your work history on your office computer but want your favorite apps at home.

1. Open Quick Settings.

2. Go to Advanced settings > Accounts and preferences > Sync

3. Under Manage Sync, select one of the following:

   • Sync everything

   • Customize Sync: Toggle specific data types on or off (apps, bookmarks, history, etc.).

Note: Even if you choose Sync everything, some items are not supported by Sync, including passwords, payment methods, custom app icons, and browser extensions.

How to turn off Sync

If you prefer to keep your data local, you can turn off the feature anytime.

1. Follow the same steps above.

2. Click Turn off Sync.

Turning off Sync stops data from updating on that device, but it does not log you out of your account.

Related Articles

• Managing Sensitive Sync in Shift

Want to learn more? Check out more Shift resources here