Syncing 3 Macs using WiFi

CaptShaq

Here's what I have: MacBookPro with 2 users, syncing 1 vault via folder Sync. Works like a charm. I also successfully sync the same vault via Wifi (local network) to my iPhone. So far so good.

Now, I'd like to be able to sync the same vault, either from the Mac or iPhone, to a 2nd Mac (single user) using Wifi (local network). Any way I can do this without using any cloud service?

Thanks!

---

1Password Version: 6
Extension Version: Not Provided
OS Version: OSX 10.11.3
Sync Type: Wifi + Folder

littlebobbytables

Hi @CaptShaq,

It isn't possible to Wi-Fi Sync two Macs but if you change how you are using Folder Sync you can use it to sync both users on the MacBook Pro and the single user on the Mac.

I don't know how you have Folder Sync set up right now but the most robust and trouble-free Folder Sync setup for multiple Macs is actually to use a pen/flash drive. If you set up Folder Sync to synchronise with a removable drive such as a pen/flash drive 1Password for Mac will intelligently only try to sync when the pen drive is present and won't throw a hissy fit when the drive is removed because OS X does a good job of supplying notifications for when a removable drive is connected or disconnected from the Mac. Network shares don't have the same level of support which is why it's possible to end up in an unpleasant place if you try to use a network share with Folder Sync.

If you're happy with the idea of using a pen drive then all you need to do is every so often plug it in so that each copy of 1Password (unlocked) can see the pen drive and perform a full round of sync, both reading changes in the OPVault made by the other copies of 1Password and updating the OPVault with changes made in this copy.

None of this will alter syncing for the iPhone as you already know that Folder Sync and Wi-Fi Sync can be used in parallel, indeed it's for this very reason, because you can't sync two Macs via Wi-Fi.

Does that help at all? If you have any questions please do ask :smile:

CaptShaq

Thanks for the answer. So here's the followup one (:). My folder sync on the MacBookPro is using a folder located on my JetDrive (so both users on the MacBookPro can see it). Since the JetDrive is only compatible with the MacBookPro (and won't be recognized by my iMac), can I copy the contents of the synced folder from the jetdrive over to a USB stick (on the same MacBookPro) and then use the USB stick to do folder sync on the iMac?

Thanks again!

CaptShaq

One more question: you mention "each copy of 1Password (unlocked) can see the pen drive". Since I have 2 users on the MacBookPro, the 2 OPVaults will never be unlocked at the same time (i.e. when I log into the 2nd user, the OPVault of the first user will lock up automatically). Does this make sense?

ag_kevin

Hi @CaptShaq ,

To move from JetDrive to the USB stick, I recommend going into the 1Password sync preferences, turning off Folder Sync to the JetDrive, then copy the folder onto the USB stick, and set up Folder Sync in 1Password again and point it to the copy on the USB stick.

To answer your question on the unlocked status of the two opvault files: The opvault files never actually unlock. They never store unencrypted data inside them.

Also, 1Password uses opvault to sync, but that is a copy in a format optimized for syncing. Your actual data is kept in a database on your hard disk. This is why you could turn off sync and still use 1Password. Each user has its own database. And that database never stores unencrypted data either - unlocking only happens in memory. So if you log into the 2nd user, the 2nd user is not able to decrypt the 1st user's database or opvault file.

I hope that alleviates your concerns. Please reply if you have further questions.

Cheers,
Kevin

CaptShaq

Thanks Kevin. So to summarize, my process would be:
1. As one of the users on the MacBookPro (doesn't matter which since both users' OPVaults are synced via Folder Sync), I turn off Folder Sync, and copy the folder from the JetDrive to the USB stick.
2. Restart Folder Sync and point it at the USB stick, completing a full round of sync.
3. I eject the USB stick, and re-direct Folder Sync to the JetDrive (so both MacBookPro users can continue to sync as before)
4. I plug the USB stick into my iMac, start Folder Sync and point it at the USB stick, completing a full round of sync.
5. At this point, all 3 OPVaults (1 for each of the MacBookPro users and 1 for the single user on the iMac) are identical

Am I correct?

Thanks for your patience!

Shaq

ag_kevin

Hi Shaq ,

Yes, that sounds correct!

Cheers,
Kevin

CaptShaq

Much appreciated. I'll update once I try.

Have a great weekend,

Shaq

Drew_AG

I'm glad littlebobbytables and Kevin were able to help you out! We're happy to help if you run into any trouble with that, so just let us know. I hope you have a great weekend too! :)