# Automatic Syncing Using Dropbox

Starting in 1Password for Mac version 3.3, tighter integration with Dropbox was added to enable automatic syncing between Mac, iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Windows.

Also known as “syncing to the cloud”, this amazing feature allows you to keep your Macs, Windows, and iOS devices in sync at all times, even when they are running on different networks.

Here’s how to enable this feature.

## 1. Upgrade to Latest 1Password

Tighter integration with Dropbox is a new feature in 1Password, so make sure you’re running the latest the latest and greatest version!

### 1Password for Mac

Open 1Password and click 1Password > Check for Updates. 1Password will tell you if there’s a newer version available or if you’re already running the latest version.

### 1Password for Windows

Run 1Password and click Help > Check for New Version to make sure you’re running the latest version.

## 2. Configure Your Desktop to Use Dropbox

To allow your iOS device to find your 1Password data file, your desktop needs to store its data file in Dropbox.

If you are already using Dropbox to sync your 1Password data between your Macs and/or PCs, you have already completed this step. If you are not yet syncing with Dropbox, Macworld created a great video about using 1Password for Mac and Dropbox together. If you prefer written instructions, see Configuring Dropbox on Mac; or, if you’re using Windows, Configuring Dropbox on Windows.

NOTE: Currently you cannot sync your iOS devices to Dropbox without first configuring 1Password on your desktop to use Dropbox. This limitation may be removed in a future release.

## 3. Allow Dropbox Syncing to Complete

It is very important to allow Dropbox to finish syncing all your files before continuing! Click on the Dropbox icon and ensure it says “All files up to date” before proceeding.

## 4. Upgrade to the Latest 1Password on iOS

Upgrade to the latest version of 1Password on your iOS device. The update can be installed by launching the App Store on your iOS device and selecting the Updates tab at the bottom.

## 5. Configure Your iOS Device

Open the Settings window by tapping the More icon, and then selecting Settings. Tap the Sync setting at the top of the list:

You will now see the available Sync options. Tap Dropbox:

Toggle the slider to enable Dropbox syncing:

Syncing requires your Master Password to be unlocked. If it is locked, you will be prompted to enter it:

To enable fully automatic syncing, your Master Password can be remembered. When enabled, your password is stored in the secure storage provided my iOS.

You will then be prompted to enter your Dropbox credentials. Enter the same email address and password that you used to setup Dropbox:

Assuming 1Password can log into Dropbox correctly and it finds your data file, you will be prompted to enter the Master Password that you used to secure your data on the Desktop. Note that if you used the same password as you used on Dropbox or iOS, it will be used automatically.

1Password will now contact Dropbox and start downloading your items.

While 1Password is syncing you will notice the items appear one by one as they sync. During this time you can review your items, edit them, and in iOS 4, you can use fast application switching and 1Password will continue to sync in the background. The sync cannot run in the background forever, so you will need to launch 1Password periodically so it can restart the sync.

When syncing is completed, the Dropbox Sync screen will report the Sync is completed:

The “Sync Now” button allows manual syncing but it should not be required very often since every time local change triggers a sync with Dropbox. Syncing is also performed on application launch.

## 6. Have Fun!

We hope you love “syncing to the cloud” as much as we do! Keeping your Macs, Windows, and iOS devices in sync at all times will be a blessing that keeps on giving. Enjoy!

## FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. I never used Dropbox. Where do I start? You can register for a free Dropbox account at the Dropbox web site. Also, Macworld created a great video about using 1Password and Dropbox together.
2. Do I have to be always connected to internet to use my data with Dropbox? No, it is stored on each device where you use 1Password, whether that’s a Mac, a PC running Windows, an Android device, or an iOS device. Dropbox is used to sync changes back to all your other devices from the one on which you make your changes. If you don’t have an Internet connection, 1Password will sync your changes when you do; until then, you will have the latest version of your data on the device you’re using.
3. Is there a specific top-level Dropbox folder name or path that the data file must be in for the iPhone app to find it? No. All you need to do is start the latest version of 1Password on your Desktop and it will write out a “pointer” file to tell the iOS devices where to find the data file.
4. Do I need to turn off Wi-Fi syncing on my iPhone? Yes, but 1Password will automatically disable that for you when you enable Dropbox syncing.
5. I also have an iPod Touch. Can I have all of my devices sync to the same Dropbox keychain? Absolutely!! Add as many devices as you want!
6. When does sync occur on iOS? Syncing will start automatically when you start 1Password (after unlocking) and when you make a change to an item. We’re evaluating how to run the sync more often without compromising on battery life.
7. What will happen if I change the same item in multiple places at the same time? A conflict copy of the item will be created. On Mac you will be presented with the conflict resolution screen that will let you choose the best copy.