General Help
Get started with Wiser Browser and learn about its core features.
Updates #
Wiser Browser receives regular updates to improve security, performance, and privacy features. Updates are downloaded and applied automatically in the background, ensuring you always have the latest protections.
Unlike Chrome, Wiser Browser does not require a Google account or Google services to receive updates. The update mechanism connects directly to Wiser's own update servers, and no personal data is transmitted during the update process.
You can check your current version and update status by visiting Settings > About Wiser Browser.
Crashes #
If Wiser Browser encounters an unexpected error, it will attempt to restore your previous session automatically. Your open tabs, browsing history, and form data are preserved whenever possible.
Crash reports are never sent automatically. If you choose to submit a crash report, it contains only technical information about the browser state at the time of the crash and includes no browsing history, cookies, or personal data.
Persistent crashes can often be resolved by disabling extensions one at a time or clearing the browser cache in Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.
Reset Settings #
If you experience unexpected behavior, you can reset Wiser Browser to its default settings. This will restore the default search engine, startup pages, content settings, and disable all extensions without deleting your bookmarks, history, or saved passwords.
To reset, go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. This is a safe operation and you can reconfigure your preferences afterward.
For a complete fresh start, you can also create a new browser profile from the profile menu.
Wiser Sync #
Wiser Sync lets you securely synchronize bookmarks, passwords, settings, and open tabs across all your devices running Wiser Browser. Your sync data is protected with end-to-end encryption using your personal recovery phrase -- the sync server never has access to your unencrypted data.
Unlike Chrome Sync, Wiser Sync does not require a Google account or any third-party identity provider. Your identity is derived from a cryptographic key pair generated locally on your device, ensuring that only you control access to your synced data.
To set up sync, go to Settings > Sync and follow the setup instructions. You will receive a recovery phrase that you should store securely -- it is the only way to access your synced data on new devices.
Search #
Wiser Browser ships with privacy-respecting search engines as the default options. You can choose your preferred search engine in Settings > Search engine, and the address bar will use it for all searches.
Search suggestions are processed locally whenever possible to minimize data sent to search providers. Wiser Browser does not send partial keystrokes or browsing context to any search engine without your explicit action.
You can also add custom search engines by right-clicking any search field on the web and selecting "Add as search engine."
Account #
Wiser Browser does not require you to sign in to any account to use the browser. All features work fully without an account, and no data is collected about your browsing habits.
If you choose to use Wiser Sync, your account identity is based on a locally generated cryptographic key pair rather than an email address or phone number. There is no central account database that can be breached or subpoenaed.
You are always in complete control of your data, and you can delete all locally stored data at any time from the Settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Is Wiser Browser based on Chromium? Yes. Wiser Browser is built on the Chromium open-source project but removes Google-specific services and tracking, adds enhanced privacy protections, and grants full extension freedom.
Can I use Chrome extensions? Yes. Wiser Browser supports all Chrome Web Store extensions and also allows sideloading of extensions from any source without restrictions. See the Extensions help page for details.
Does Wiser Browser phone home? No. Wiser Browser does not make background connections to Google or any other third party. The only network connections are those you initiate by navigating to websites, and optional update checks to Wiser's update server.