Private Data Sync

What is It? 

Private Data Sync is a unique approach to storing and syncing your web browser's data. In the spirit of supporting users who believe they should own their own data, we've created Private Data Sync capabilities so you can store your browser data to any storage solution you want - not one that we own - and access it from anywhere. 

Note: Dropbox and Google Drive require that you download their desktop app in order to enable sync between multiple machines. Please make sure you have your desktop sync set up successfully on both machines prior to setting up Private Data Sync in Ghost Browser.


Here's how it works: 

  1. Choose a place to store your data. It could be Dropbox, Box.com, Google Drive, OneDrive, some service we've never heard of or maybe even a service you set up on your own. The key is it should have capabilities to sync data between computers like these popular services already do. 
  2. Next choose what you want to sync. At the moment, you can sync everything except autofill passwords and local storage. Sync for autofill passwords and local storage coming soon!

Using Private Data Sync with your Teams

You can use Private Data Sync to share your workspace and Identity settings with your team members. Note that while each user needs their own Ghost Browser license, one user can share PDS data with anyone else by going through the setup described below.

The best way to do this is for Manager to use profiles in Ghost for each Staff member. So, for example:

  1. Manager sets up a profile by clicking the "person" icon in the top right of the browser.
  2. Name the profile "Staff 1" or whatever.
  3. Set up Private Data Sync in that profile and share the credentials with Staff Member 1.
  4. Send the Private Sync code to Staff 1 and instruct them to set up PDS.
  5. Now, your Bookmarks, Workspaces, Identities, Cookies and Proxies will all be shared with that user.
  6. Just be careful, if you are active in the same workspace as that staff member, things could go wonky so try to coordinate to avoid issues.
  7. Next, Set up a new profile in Ghost called Staff 2 and repeat the process above for your whole team.

This setup gives your staff access to Bookmarks, Workspaces, Identities, Cookies and Proxies that you set up for them. Alternatively you can have multiple staff members work on the same projects at the same time.


Just remember that if your staff will be using the browser at the same time as each other, they need separate licenses. PDS will still work across different license accounts though.


Using Private Data Sync with a Cloud Storage Solution

Private Data Sync is off by default. To turn it on you need to select where you want to store your data and then choose what data to sync. 

  1. Go to the browser Menu > Settings 

  2. Use the Search feature to find the Private Data Sync settings and click Manage.

  3. Next Check the box to Enable Private Data Sync.
  4. Check the boxes to indicate what data you want to sync.
  5. Click Browse to choose the folder in which you would like to store and sync your Ghost Browser data.
  6. Finally select a Private Sync Code (this is like a password) that you will use to unlock the data when you access it from Ghost Browser on another computer.

  7. Click Apply and your selected data will begin to sync.


    When you are ready to access your Ghost Browser data on a different computer, follow the same process above but pay special attention to the notes below to ensure it's set up properly.


Set Up

1. Make sure you have your sync service (Google Drive, Dropbox) already installed on both computers first. For example if you are using Dropbox, then you should have Dropbox installed on both computers to make sure you can access the shared folder. 

2. On the second computer, again go to Menu > Settings and find the Private Data Sync settings.

3. Select the same folder and add the same Private Sync Code you used on the original computer.

  1. IMPORTANT: If you do not automatically sync all files in your storage solution, your data won't sync. For example OneDrive has a feature called "Files On Demand" which prevents your files from syncing unless you explicitly tell it to sync your PDS folder. Similarly, Dropbox allows you to "make files on-line only" as a way to save space used against your quota. You have to be sure to allow syncing of the PDS folder on all machines.

Using Private Data Sync to Backup Your Data on One Computer

If you only have one computer but you'd like to make a backup of your data for safe keeping, follow the instructions below.

1. Create a new Profile in Ghost Browser by clicking the person icon next to the browser menu in the upper right corner. Screenshot below for reference.

2. Follow the directions above to set up sync between your two profiles as if you were doing it between two computers.

Using Private Data Sync with a Removable Hard Drive (USB)

Now you can use a removable hard drive like a USB to keep your Ghost Browser data in sync between machines or to back up your data for safe keeping even if you're only using Ghost on one computer. You can also use this method to securely backup your data even if you're just on one computer.

  1. Connect the USB to your computer.
  2. Open the Private Data Sync settings by clicking the browser menu > Settings > Private Data Sync
  3. Check the box to enable Private Data Sync and select the data you would like to sync by checking the relevant boxes.
  4. Under the Private Data Storage Folder section, on Browse and chose the folder on the connected USB where you would like the data stored. If you do not already have a folder created to store your Ghost Browser data on the USB, we recommend creating one and labeling it "Ghost Browser Data".
  5. Enter a secure password in the Private Sync Code section.
  6. Click Apply to save your settings.
  7. Safely eject the USB from your computer.
  8. Connect the USB to your second computer
  9. Repeat points 2-5 mentioned above using the exact same information as the first computer.

Note: When you eject the USB the file path will look broken until you re-connect the USB drive. 


Using Private Data Sync with a USB Between Mac and Windows Computers

If you would like to use a USB for Private Data Sync between a Windows and a Mac, the USB will need to be compatible with exFat or Fat32 file systems. 

To check that your USB drive has the file system you need right-click  My Computer, select Properties and check to see that see that your file system is exFat or Fat32 compatible. For more information please see the following resource: https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-format-usb-drive-for-mac-pc

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