Helpful Info & FAQ for Brave Users

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Will Shields still work after Manifest V3?

Yes, Brave will not be impacted by Manifest V3. You can read more about this on the official article at https://brave.com/blog/brave-shields-manifest-v3/

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How do I become a Creator?

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You’ll need to go to https://creators.brave.com/ and create an account. Then provide all the information requested. Things like links to your content and much more will be required. Also make sure you thoroughly read all the Terms at https://basicattentiontoken.org/publisher-terms-of-service/

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Creators Suspensions

If your Creators account has been suspended, the only way to get assistance is by emailing suspensions@brave.com. Creators suspensions are NOT handled on Brave Community or through support tickets. Emailing is your only option.

The Creators suspensions team typically reviews emails once a month, so the wait time depends on when they process the next batch.

When writing to suspensions@brave.com, be sure to answer these questions:

1. How did you solicit tips/referrals/etc.?
2. Do you believe you may have triggered the security checks? If so, explain in detail.

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How to get support for Creator issues (other than suspensions)

For issues like payments, not showing as Verified, adding channels, or anything else besides suspensions, it’s best to create a Creators Support Ticket at: https://support.brave.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=10061687185549

You can also post in Creators but most likely, you’ll be referred to create a support ticket since they’ll need private information (like your account’s email) to assist you properly.

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How to Back Up Your Brave Data on Desktop

For long-term backups, it’s essential to export your passwords, bookmarks, and wallet information manually. Sync should not be relied on as a backup solution since the Sync Code changes daily. Here are the best methods for backing up your data.

Official Backup Method (Recommended)

1. Export Passwords
   Go to brave://password-manager/settings and click Export to download your passwords.
2. Export Bookmarks
   Go to brave://bookmarks/ and click Export Bookmarks from the menu in the top-right corner.
3. Back Up Your Brave Wallet
   If you use Brave Wallet and haven’t saved your recovery phrase, go to brave://wallet/crypto/backup-wallet to get your phrase.

Restoring Your Data

1. Import Passwords
   Go to brave://password-manager/settings and click Import to select your saved passwords file.
2. Import Bookmarks
   Go to brave://bookmarks/ and click Import Bookmarks from the top-right menu.
3. Restore Your Wallet
   Go to the Brave Wallet section, click Restore, and enter your recovery phrase and create a new password.

Additional Backup Option (Advanced)

For users who want to preserve more than just passwords and bookmarks (such as extensions or settings), you can back up your user profile folder. However, this method is not officially recommended as it can cause issues, especially with version mismatches.

1. Export Passwords and Bookmarks
   Follow the same steps listed above to export passwords and bookmarks.
2. Find Your Profile Path
   Go to brave://version and find the Profile Path. It will look something like C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Local\BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default.
3. Back Up the \brave-browser Folder
   Use your file explorer to navigate to the User Data folder and back up the entire folder to an external drive or cloud storage.

Restoring Your Profile

1. Install Brave
   Install Brave on your new device or after resetting your current one.
2. Replace the Profile Folder
   Replace the new \brave-browser folder with the one you backed up earlier.
3. Import Passwords and Restore Wallet
   Follow the steps from the Official Backup Method to restore passwords and wallet information.

Note: This method is less reliable, especially if you’re restoring from an older Brave version. Issues may arise with extensions, settings, and version compatibility.

Short-Term Sync Method (Not Recommended for Backup)

While Sync allows you to transfer data between devices, it should not be used as a backup solution. The Sync Code changes daily, and relying on it could result in data loss.

1. Set Up Sync
   Go to brave://settings/braveSync/setup and create a Sync chain. Write down the Sync phrase, but remember it will change every day.
2. Restoring with Sync
   Go to brave://settings/braveSync/setup, select I have a Sync Code, and enter the code (valid for 24 hours). This will restore your synced data.
3. Wallet Recovery
   If needed, go to the Wallet section, click Restore, and enter your recovery phrase.

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Important Reminder

Always manually export and save your passwords, bookmarks, and wallet recovery phrase. Sync should only be used for syncing data between devices, not as a reliable backup.

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How to Backup on Mobile

Brave now allows users to export and import passwords and bookmarks on both Android and iOS. However, there is no direct backup solution for all data.

iOS

You can back up and restore your bookmarks by going to Menu → Bookmarks → Export Bookmarks or Import Bookmarks. For passwords, use Sync or another solution as no direct password export is available.

Android

You can now back up and restore both passwords and bookmarks:

1. Passwords: Go to Settings → Brave Password Manager → Tap the three dots in the top-right corner, then select Export Passwords or Import Passwords.
2. Bookmarks: Go to Hamburger Menu → Bookmarks → Import/Export to back up or restore your bookmarks.

Storing Exported Files (iOS and Android)

When you export passwords or bookmarks, the files will be saved on your device. Since mobile devices are more vulnerable to being lost or damaged, it’s important to store these files somewhere secure, such as:

1. Cloud Storage: Upload the exported file to a trusted cloud storage service like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox. This way, you can recover it even if something happens to your device.
2. External Devices: If you have access to an external storage device like a USB drive with OTG (on-the-go) functionality or can transfer the file to a computer, save the file there for added security.

Sync as a Temporary Backup (Not Officially Supported)

While Brave Sync can help transfer data between devices, it is not reliable for long-term backup because the Sync Code changes daily.

Setting Up Sync

1. Go to Settings → Sync → Start a new Sync Chain.
2. Choose to sync everything and write down the Sync Code.

Restoring Data on a New Device

1. On your new or reset device, go to Settings → Sync → I have a Sync Code.
2. Enter the Sync Code you saved.

Important Note

The Sync Code changes daily, and as Brave developers have stated:

Warning: Brave does not officially support using the Sync code as a backup and you should not rely on this continuing to work in the future.

Sync can work if you’re transferring data immediately or have other devices on the Sync chain, but it’s not a reliable long-term solution.

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Daily Expiring Sync Codes: Not Meant for Backup

It’s important to understand that Brave Sync is designed for syncing data between devices, not for backing up your data. As one of Brave’s developers has stated:

Warning: Brave does not officially support using the Sync code as a backup, and you should not rely on this continuing to work in the future. Use the export functionality in bookmarks and the password manager instead.

Why is Sync not reliable for backup?

The Sync Code changes daily. This means writing down your phrase and trying to use it later to restore your data won’t work. Sync is intended for syncing data between active devices, not as a long-term backup solution. For reliable backup, use other options like exporting bookmarks or passwords.

Temporary Solution for Expired Sync Code

At the time of writing, there’s a temporary workaround if your Sync Code has expired. However, this is not guaranteed to last. Only the 25th word changes, and you can find the current 25th word here: https://alexeybarabash.github.io/25th-brave-sync-word/

Important Note

Please don’t rely on the workaround for the long term. The link could stop working at any time, and you may lose access to your data if you depend on it.

Why does the Sync Code expire daily?

Sync Codes expire daily to protect user data. In the past, people accidentally shared their Sync QR codes or phrases, allowing unauthorized access to their data. To improve security, Brave made Sync Codes expire regularly to reduce these risks.

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How to start a new sync chain

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Step 1:

• Go to Settings → Sync

Here you’ll see something like the image below:

NOTE If you don’t see these options, it likely means you have already started a chain. If that’s the case, you don’t need to progress further. Your page when you navigated to Sync should show your device and then also buttons that say View Sync Code and Add New Device. Both of those do the same thing but take you different ways to access the sync code or QR.

Step 2:

• Click/tap Start a new Sync Chain

At this point you’ll get to a screen like below:

Step 3

• Choose the type of code you’d like. If you click on Phone/Tablet it will show you a QR Code you can save to use. If you choose Computer it will give you a 25 word sync code.

(screenshot below, though with some words blotted out. Temporary/blank profile anyway, just FYI.)

Step 4

• Write down the code or in some way save it so it can be used on the second device (code changes daily, so what you see now won’t be able to be used tomorrow). Then hit Ok.

Step 5

• Choose what type of information you want to be synced. (design will be different on Mobile, with fewer options of what can be synced, but all is similar)

From here, you’re all set. Just need to add devices to your sync chain.

-NOTE-

Keep in mind that, as I mentioned in Step 4, this Sync Code changes daily. If you hadn’t seen it, make sure you read Sync is not a backup

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Adding a device to an existing Sync chain

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Step 1

• On the device that is currently on a sync chain, make sure you go to settings → sync and write down the code or be ready to scan the QR code.

Step 2

• On the device you want to add to the existing chain, go to Settings → Sync where you should see something like you do in one of the two screenshots below (if the first screenshot, then click on it to go to second screenshot):

NOTE If you don’t see these options, it likely means you have already started a chain. If you’re already in a chain, you’ll need to remove it by clicking the trash or remove icon in the Sync menu where device name is shown OR you can go to brave://sync-internals (desktop or Android) or on iPhone click the gear icon on top right to get to Sync Internals, then click on Disable Sync (Clear Data) to remove the device from its existing sync. At which point should arrive to current step when going to Sync menu.

Step 3

• Click/Tap on I have a Sync Code

Step 4

• Enter the 25 words you have from the existing sync chain -OR- scan the QR code. Then Confirm

Step 5

• You should now see a list of devices synced together and options of what you want to be able to sync. Select what you want synced. (All devices must have selected to sync content for it to happen. If one has passwords marked and the other doesn’t, then passwords won’t sync)

You should now have your new device added to a sync chain.

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What is Brave Wallet?

Brave Wallet is a self-custody crypto wallet built directly into the Brave browser. Like other crypto wallets, it allows you to send, receive, and swap cryptocurrencies. Brave Wallet supports multiple crypto chains and provides live market data, portfolio management, and more.

Brave is actively expanding support for Web3, integrating new partners, and enabling users to swap assets and interact with Web3 DApps across various chains.

Brave Wallet is free to use, but as with all crypto transactions, gas and transaction fees may apply depending on the network or action.

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Visible Assets: Activating or Adding to Brave Wallet

Sometimes tokens are in your wallet but not visible. To see them, you’ll need to either activate them from the Available Assets list or Add a custom asset to teach Brave Wallet what to look for.

Step 1: Go to your Wallet portfolio

You’ll see a screen like this:

Click the button to access My Assets and Available Assets.

Step 2: Checking Available Assets

• Step 2: Checking Available Assets:

You should now see a screen like this:

Go to Available Assets and check if your token is listed. If it is, click the + to unhide it and make it visible in your portfolio.

Step 3: Adding a Custom Asset

If the token isn’t listed, you’ll need to add it manually. Click Add custom asset, then enter the required information like the token address and name.

Step 4: Success

Once completed, your asset should now be displayed in your wallet. If needed, go back to Available Assets to ensure the asset is checked and visible.

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iOS crashes: How to share logs

Unlike Android and Desktop, sharing logs for iOS is a bit more complicated. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your device (not Brave’s settings).
2. Go to Privacy & Security.
3. Go to Analytics & Improvements.
4. Select Analytics Data.
5. Pull down to reveal the search bar and type Client.
6. Find logs that don’t say client.wakeups and click on them.
7. Tap the share button (top right on iPhone) and choose Save to Files.
8. Choose a location and save the file.
9. Navigate to your saved file in Files.
10. Rename the file by replacing .ips with .txt (e.g., Client-2023-05-08-101535.txt). If prompted, confirm the extension change.

Sharing your logs:

1. Option 1 (Private): Tag Mattches in your topic and ask them to DM you so you can share the crash reports privately. This ensures fewer people see your logs and may take longer.
2. Option 2 (Faster): Upload the .txt file directly to your topic so developers can review it faster. While it’s generally safe, Brave’s Privacy/Security team recommends option 1 for maximum caution.

Choose the method you’re most comfortable with.

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Tips for getting assistance

First Tip

Create a support ticket for issues that need it (e.g., missing Rewards payments). You can find more details on support tickets here.

Second Tip

If you’ve created a Support Ticket, share the ticket number in your topic. This helps Support check in on your issue faster. Most communication will happen via email, not on the Community forum, so keep an eye on your inbox. Also, create your own topic rather than posting on others’. Tag Brave staff (e.g., @Evan123, @Steeven, @Mattches) if you haven’t received a response after a few days.

Third Tip

Support doesn’t work on weekends, so you’re more likely to get help if you’re active during weekdays. They generally respond within 2–3 business days, but if you haven’t heard back after 3–5 days, tag them.

Fourth Tip

When responding to someone, tag them using @ followed by their username (e.g., @saoiray). This sends a notification and helps ensure they don’t lose track of your issue.

Note

Brave staff handles hundreds or thousands of issues daily. If you haven’t received a response, it doesn’t mean you’re being ignored—it just takes time. Make sure to provide as much detail as possible to help speed up the process.

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Creating Topics

Make sure you’re posting in the correct category and providing as much detail as possible. For example, referencing the numbers on the screenshot:

• #1: Provide a short, clear description of your issue.
• #2: Select the appropriate category. Adding no category or being too broad reduces visibility. Be specific, like choosing Brave Rewards → Rewards Support instead of just Brave Rewards.
• #3: Always answer the questions in the category template. Provide as many details as possible, like your Brave version and OS.
• #4: Add the proper tag. This helps sort topics. Use the right tags, like Mobile or Desktop, based on your device.

Provide lots of details

Always include specific information like the exact version of Brave (e.g., Brave 1.51.114) and your OS (e.g., Windows 11 or Android 12). Avoid vague answers like “the latest” or just “Windows.”

In addition, you should ideally be trying to troubleshoot and would provide as much detail on what you have tried and the results. You can check Troubleshooting Steps if you don’t know what types of things you should be trying.

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Can’t Scan QR Code or Enter Sync Phrase

This issue happens because you’ve accidentally created two different sync chains. Sync chains can’t be combined, so you’ll need to leave the sync chain on one of your devices.

Step 1: Check if you’re in a sync chain

Go to your sync menu. If you’re in a chain, it will look like this:

Scroll to the bottom. If more than one device is on the list, they’ll be displayed here:

Step 2: If you’re not in a sync chain

If you’re not in a sync chain, you’ll see this screen:

Step 3: Leave the sync chain

If your device is part of a sync chain and you don’t see the image above, you’ll need to remove a device from the chain to reset the sync process. After doing this, click on I have a Sync Code to either scan the QR code or enter the sync phrase.

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Installing Brave on Windows 7 or 8

You can’t install Brave from the main site because it only provides the newest versions, which no longer support Windows 7 or 8. Instead, you’ll need to download the last compatible version from GitHub: https://github.com/brave/brave-browser/releases/tag/v1.47.186

To choose the right installer:

1. Use BraveBrowserStandaloneSetup.exe for Windows 64-bit.
2. Use BraveBrowserStandaloneSetup32.exe for Windows 32-bit.
3. Use BraveBrowserStandaloneSetupArm64.exe if you’re on ARM 64 architecture.

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Indexing Websites on Brave Search

Brave uses the Web Discovery Project to handle website indexing. You can read more about it at https://support.brave.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409406835469-What-is-the-Web-Discovery-Project

Essentially, there are no webmaster tools or ways to directly submit your website to Brave. Instead, websites are discovered and indexed based on Brave users who have opted into contributing to the Web Discovery Project. Once a site reaches an undisclosed number of views from different users, it gets submitted to the Search QA team for validation and to filter out potentially harmful links.

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Correcting Wrong Information on Your Site Listing in Brave Search

Unfortunately, Brave hasn’t provided any webmaster tools yet, so there’s no way for site owners to directly edit or update the information that appears about their sites in Brave Search. This is different from other search engines like Google, where webmasters can use tools to manage how their sites are indexed and displayed.

One method suggested by the Product Manager for Brave Search is to submit feedback directly from Brave Search itself.

On the search results page, look for the gear icon labeled ‘More Settings.’ Clicking that brings up a menu where you can change things like the page’s appearance. Toward the bottom, there’s a Share feedback button. Click it and provide as much information as you can. This feedback goes straight to the Search team, though there’s no guarantee on how quickly they’ll see it or make changes.

Beyond that, you could try posting in Brave Search

in case any support staff or someone from Brave sees it and can relay the information. However, it’s been suggested that the best method is using the feedback form within Brave Search itself.

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Delete Cookies on Exit and How to Whitelist Websites

Cookie management has changed from what many people were used to due to upstream changes on Chromium. The key thing to realize is that using Delete Browsing Data will override any other settings—you can’t whitelist sites there anymore; everything gets deleted. In other words, you will want to never enable this option unless you want everything deleted.

In order to counter this and give people control, Brave has added a setting called Forget me when I close this site in your Shields settings. If you enable it by default (Settings → Shields), it will erase cookies from sites when you’re done with them. Any websites you want to keep your info on can be whitelisted by adjusting the per-site settings using the Brave Shields lion icon in your address bar.

The opposite also applies: if the global setting is off, you can enable Forget me when I close this site on a per-site basis for sites you want to clear data from when finished.