iOS Safari Extension Sync Bug
I used the iOS Safari Extension on my iPad (running app version 5.4.1) to create a new login for a website. It saved the login locally, but the new login did not sync with my other devices (two iPhone 5S and one iPad mini, all running app version 5.4.1, and a MacBook Pro running version 4.3.3).
I use Dropbox to sync all the devices. I use only one vault.
I waited 20 minutes or so and ensured that Dropbox was running properly on all my devices. The new login still didn't show up on any of my other devices. It only showed up on the iPad I'd used to create it.
I went onto the iPad with which I'd created the login through the Safari extension, launched the 1Password app, and noticed that the total number of logins was different than on my other devices (much higher, not reflecting some recent deletions done via my MacBook). As I watched, I could see the app sync, bringing the total number of logins down to just one more than the rest of my devices (representing the new login I'd created on this device).
Once the iPad sync was complete, I checked on my MacBook and the new login was there.
So, it looks like that when a change is made through the iOS Safari Extension (new login, new password, etc.), that change is not synced via Dropbox until the next time the 1Password app is launched on the device that created the login via the extension. Then, syncing proceeds per normal.
Anyone else notice this behavior?
If so, is this something that can be fixed, so that one doesn't have to remember to launch the app after making changes through the iOS Safari Extension to get those changes to sync elsewhere?
Comments
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Hi @acampbell,
Unfortunately I don't believe it is something we can fix, not given the strict rules surrounding extensions. An iOS extension is meant to be as small and compact as possible. It should be launched, do its job and then terminate as quickly as possible. iOS may also terminate an extension at any time so we can't afford to do anything in the extension that could leave us in a bad state.
As such, I believe syncing will remain only in the app unless Apple significantly change the rules surrounding iOS extensions. I agree, it takes a bit of getting used to but iOS does remain extremely locked down so there are concessions we have to make compared to the likes of Windows or OS X. You may have comments or observations on something I've said so please do post if that's the case :smile:
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@littlebobbytables
Ok. So, the behavior I experienced isn't a bug, but a limitation of the extension, and the correct workflow is to launch the app after using the extension to make changes to logins in order to force those changes to sync. Is that correct?0 -
You should only have to launch the app @acampbell to initiate a sync but you're spot one with the sequence required to ensure the new Login item is synchronised. I know, it feels like it's ripe for a more elegant solution and who knows, this is the first version of iOS extensions after all so maybe Apple will open it up a little more in the future if they feel comfortable with how it's all progressing.
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Awesome. Thanks @littlebobbytables
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Glad I could help @acampbell :smile:
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