You can fix crashing or blank screens in Shift Browser by performing a full app data reset. This process clears your local cache and refreshes the application on your Mac. While it requires you to sign back in and re-add some settings, it's the most effective way to solve deep technical issues.
Note: A full app data reset removes locally stored data. Passwords, payment methods, custom app icons, and browser extensions are not currently included in Sync and should be backed up before proceeding.
Preparing for a data
Before you start, you must ensure your data is safe. Shift'll save your primary setup if you've turned on the Sync feature.
Check your Sync settings
Click the gear icon to open Quick Settings
Open Advanced settings.
Go to Account & Preferences and make sure Sync is turned on.
If Sync isn't active before you reset, your setup will revert to a blank state or the last time you synced.
Important: Sync currently does not save passwords, payment methods, custom app icons, or browser extensions. Before performing a full app data reset, export any passwords you wish to keep and make note of any saved payment methods or customizations you may need to recreate afterward.
How to perform a full app data reset
Follow these steps to clear your local data and get Shift running smoothly again. Since this is a full reset, you'll need to re-import passwords, add back Chrome extensions, and adjust your personal link preferences once you're done.
Close Shift completely by pressing Ctrl + Q.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and open Task Manager.
Click on Details and type "Shift" on your keyboard.
Right-click each Shift.exe process and click End Task.
Open File Explorer.
For Windows 10:
Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
Click View, then Options, then Change folder and search options.
In the View tab, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
For Windows 11:
Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
Click View, then Show, then Hidden items.
Go to this folder: C:\Users[Your Name]\AppData\Local.
Open the Shift folder
Find the User Data folder, right-click it, and delete it.
Re-open Shift and Sign back into Shift.
Note: You don't have to go through onboarding. Simply sign in through the Sign in prompt. Once signed in, your synced Spaces and apps will be restored, but you'll need to re-import passwords, re-add extensions, restore custom icons, and re-enter any saved payment methods.
Why a full reset helps
Sometimes local files get cluttered or corrupted, which causes the browser to slow down. A full reset acts like a fresh start. It ensures that no old data is interfering with your current work. It's a powerful tool for keeping your workspace fast and reliable.