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Trouble downloading the Shift Browser? Here’s what to do

  • Updated

If you’re having a hard time downloading or opening the Shift Browser, try the steps below. These work for both Windows and Mac users.

1. Check Your Antivirus

Sometimes antivirus software blocks apps like Shift by mistake.

  1. Open your antivirus and look for any alerts about Shift.
  2. If you see one, mark Shift as safe or trusted.
  3. Try turning off the antivirus while you download Shift, then turn it back on after.

If you get a warning, take a screenshot and share it with our Support Team — we’ll help fix it.

2. Check Your Internet and Firewall Settings

Some networks block downloads or websites without you knowing.

  • Make sure Shift is allowed in your firewall settings.
  • If you're using a school or work network, ask your IT team to allow Shift’s traffic.

Adjust your network traffic and firewall settings to allow access to the following URLs over port 443 (HTTPS):

  • profile.shiftapis.com
  • websocket.shiftapis.com

3. Mac Users: Check Security Settings

Sometimes macOS blocks apps that aren’t from the App Store.

  1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security
  2. Go to General
  3. Click the lock located on the bottom left-hand corner
  4. Scroll down until you see a message like: “Shift was blocked because it’s not from an identified developer.”
  5. Click Allow Anyway or Open Anyway
  6. Try the installer again

4. Mac Users: Make sure you’ve downloaded the correct version

There are two Mac versions: one for Intel and one for Apple Silicon (M1/M2).

To check what you have:

  • Click the Apple menu > About This Mac
  • Look for Chip or Processor:
    • If it says Apple M1 or M2 → download the Silicon version
    • If it says Intel → download the Intel version

5. Windows Users: Check Security Settings

When you download Shift in Windows, you may come across an error message saying "Search for app in the Store". If you get this message, try this:

  1. Open Windows Security (also called Defender)
  2. Go to App & Browser Control
  3. Click Reputation-Based Protection
  4. Turn off Potentially Unwanted App Blocking
  5. Try downloading and opening Shift again

You can turn the setting back on after installing.

6. If Nothing Happens When You Open the Installer

If you double-click the file and nothing opens:

  • Right-click the Shift installer file
  • Choose “Run as administrator”
  • Click Yes if you’re asked to allow the app to make changes

Have a question that wasn't answered above? Click to access our request form and get in touch with our Support team. 


 

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