Install and Pair the Extension
Install the Ghost Downloader browser extension and pair it with the desktop client.
Install the Extension
Three installation methods, differing in how the extension receives updates.
| Method | Browsers | Update mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Install (Settings → Browser Extension → Install to Chromium Browser → Install) | Chrome, Brave, and other Chromium-based | Auto-updates with the desktop client, no review delay |
| Store install (Settings → Browser Extension → Install extension from store) | Chrome, Edge, Firefox | Store version requires review before receiving updates; may lag behind the desktop client |
| Export CRX (Settings → Browser Extension → Install to Chromium Browser → Export CRX) | Chromium-based | Manually export a .crx file and install it yourself, for environments where Install cannot be used (e.g. enterprise policies block Developer Mode extension loading) |
Install unpacks the extension bundled inside the desktop client to a local directory, then opens the chrome://extensions page and navigates to that directory. You need to enable Developer Mode in the browser and drag the extension folder into the browser window to load it. Because the extension files are packaged with the desktop client, each desktop update automatically unpacks the new extension version and notifies the browser to reload it -- no manual steps required.
Store install provides three entries: Chrome Store, Edge Store, and Firefox Store. Update timing depends on each store's review cycle.
Pairing Flow
After installation the extension must be paired with the desktop client before it can send download requests.
Confirm the desktop client has Browser Extension enabled
Settings → Browser Extension → Enable Browser Extension must be on (on by default).
Initiate Auto Pair from the extension
Open the Extension Popup, go to the settings page, and click Auto Pair. The desktop client shows a "Browser Extension Pairing Request" dialog displaying the source address and extension version. Click Allow.
The extension automatically receives the Pairing Token and establishes a connection. The connection status indicator at the top of the popup changes to Connected.
If Auto Pair is unavailable (e.g. the desktop client is not in the foreground or the dialog is blocked), use the manual method instead: go to Settings → Browser Extension → Pairing Token and click Copy, then paste the token into the Pairing Token input field on the extension's settings page.
Pairing Token
The Pairing Token is the credential the extension uses to connect to the desktop client. It is generated automatically when Browser Extension is first enabled.
- Location: Settings → Browser Extension → Pairing Token.
- Copy: Click the Copy button. The token is copied to the clipboard.
- Regenerate: Click the Regenerate button (the rotate icon on the right side of the Pairing Token card). The new token takes effect immediately and is automatically copied to the clipboard. All currently connected extensions are disconnected and must re-enter the new token or Auto Pair again.
When to regenerate:
- The token has been exposed to an untrusted program or user.
- You switched browsers or cleared extension data and need to re-pair (the old token is still valid -- just re-enter it; if you cannot recall the old token, regenerate a new one).
Service Port
The desktop client listens on a local WebSocket for incoming connections, and the extension connects to it.
- Default service address:
ws://127.0.0.1:14370 - The port can be changed in Settings → Browser Extension → Service Port, range 1024--65535. After changing it, update the port number in the extension's Local Server Address field as well.
- If the default port is occupied by another program, the desktop client shows a warning on the settings page at startup. Switch to an available port.
ghostdownloader:// Protocol Wake
When enabled, the browser extension can launch the desktop client via a ghostdownloader:// protocol link. If the extension detects that the desktop client is not running, it attempts to wake it through this protocol instead of requiring you to open it manually.
This toggle is at Settings → Association Settings → Allow browser extension to wake the desktop client. Not available on macOS.
Cannot connect? See FAQ.