Razer Synapse 4 Guide: Setup, Macros & Migration

Best Razer Synapse Guide 2026: Setup, Macros & Synapse 4 Migration

If you own Razer gear, Razer Synapse is the software that unlocks its full potential. But in 2026, everything changed. As of February 3, 2026, Razer Synapse 3 no longer receives cloud services—meaning your profiles won’t sync across PCs unless you upgrade to Synapse 4 . This guide covers everything you need to know: how to install Synapse 4, migrate your old profiles, create macros, customize RGB, and fix common issues.

Quick Comparison: Razer Synapse Versions

What’s New in Razer Synapse 4 (2026)

Razer completely rebuilt Synapse for 2026. Here’s what changed:

Critical Update: Synapse 3 cloud services ended February 3, 2026. If you haven’t migrated yet, your profiles are only on your local PC—and if you uninstall those devices, you lose them .

How to Install Razer Synapse 4

Step 1: Download the Installer

• Go to the official Razer Synapse download page

• Click “Download Now”

• Make sure you’re downloading Synapse 4 (not the older version) 

Step 2: Run the Installer

• Launch the downloaded file

• If User Account Control pops up, click “Yes”

• Check “THE NEW RAZER SYNAPSE” and click “INSTALL” 

Step 3: Let It Uninstall Synapse 3 Automatically

• During installation, Synapse 3 will be removed automatically—no need to uninstall it manually 

• Installation takes a few minutes

• Click “RESTART NOW” when prompted

Step 4: Log In and Start

• After reboot, ensure “Launch Razer Synapse 4” is checked

• Click “GET STARTED”

• Log in with your Razer ID 

System Requirements:

• Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit only 

• Minimum screen resolution: 1024×720

• Screen scaling under 350% (higher may break display) 

How to Migrate Your Synapse 3 Profiles to Synapse 4

Important: Do NOT try to manually copy Synapse 3 profile files—the profile structure is completely redesigned and manual copying can cause issues . Use the official method:

Method 1: Profile Migration Tool (Recommended)

When you first launch Synapse 4 after installation, the Profile Migration Tool should appear automatically. Follow the prompts to transfer your existing profiles.

Method 2: Manual Migration (If Tool Fails)

If the migration tool didn’t work or you need to retrieve cloud data:

Step 1: Download your cloud data

• Log in to your Razer ID at razer.com

• Click “Account”, select “Privacy Center”

• Request your Razer Synapse data 

• Check your email for the download link

Step 2: Extract the files

• Download and extract the cloud profile data

• Look for the “Synapse 3” folder

Step 3: Copy to local folder

• Extract and copy the “Razer Synapse3 Data” folder

• On your PC, go to 

• Paste the “Razer Synapse3 Data” folder 

• Copy the contents from “Synapse 3” folder into the “Emily3” folder

Note: This method is for retrieving profiles if you couldn’t migrate before the February 3 deadline .

How to Create Macros in Razer Synapse 4

Macros are automated sequences that turn a single button press into multiple actions—perfect for MMO combos or productivity shortcuts.

Step-by-Step Macro Creation

Step 1: Open Macro Module

• Plug in your Razer device

• Open Razer Synapse 4

• Select “MACRO” from the menu 

Step 2: Create New Macro

• Click “New Macro”

• By default, it’s named “Macro 1″—rename it by clicking on the name and selecting “Rename” 

Step 3: Record Your Actions

• Click the dropdown next to “RECORD” to adjust settings:

  • Record Delay: Set whether to record timing between keystrokes

  • Record Mouse Movement: Choose how cursor movement is captured

  • If you select “Record Delay,” there’s a countdown before recording starts 

• Click “RECORD” and perform your keystrokes or mouse actions

• Click “STOP” when finished

• Click “SAVE” to save the macro 

How to Assign Macros to Keys

Step 1: Select Your Device

• Open Synapse 4 and select your device from the DASHBOARD 

Step 2: Choose a Key or Button

• Click on the key or button you want to assign

• Note: Some keys cannot be remapped, like “Windows” and “FN” 

Step 3: Assign the Macro

• In the assignment menu, select “MACRO”

• Choose the macro you created from the list

On-the-Fly Macro Recording

You can record macros without opening the software:

• Press the macro recording key (varies by device) to start

• The LED will stay lit while recording

• If the LED blinks three times and turns off, Synapse 4 isn’t running in the background—keep it open 

Note: On-the-Fly Macro Recording requires Synapse 4 running in the background (system tray icon visible) .

How to Customize RGB Lighting in Synapse 4

Step 1: Open Lighting Settings

• Launch Razer Synapse 4

• Select your device from the dashboard

• Click “LIGHTING” 

Step 2: Choose Effect Type

• Quick Effects: Pre-made lighting effects (breathing, spectrum cycling, static, etc.)

• Advanced Effects: Customize individual zones or create layered effects

• Chroma Studio: Full control for advanced users 

Step 3: Adjust Settings

• Customize color, speed, brightness

• Link effects to games using “LINKED GAMES” module 

How to Set Up Linked Games (Auto Profile Switching)

Linked Games automatically switches your device profiles when you launch specific games.

Step 1: Enable the Module

• In Synapse 4, click the “More” icon (three dots) in the upper right

• Under “MODULES”, select “LINKED GAMES” 

Step 2: Link a Game

• Select any game from the list

• Click the Razer device or Chroma Effect you want to link

• The profile will activate automatically when that game launches 

Note: Non-game applications (browsers, media players, productivity software) can be added, but Synapse won’t monitor telemetry for them—it’s designed for real games only .

How to Fix Common Razer Synapse Issues

Synapse Won’t Open or Crashes

• Check display scaling: Minimum resolution 1024×720, scaling under 350% 

• Run as administrator: Right-click the shortcut, select “Run as administrator”

• Reinstall: Uninstall Synapse 4 first, then download fresh installer 

Synapse Not Detecting Device

• Ensure your device is supported—Synapse 4 supports all Synapse 3 devices 

• Try a different USB port

• Restart your PC

• Check for device-specific drivers

Macro Recording Not Working

• Make sure Synapse 4 is running in the background (system tray icon visible) 

• If LED blinks three times and turns off, the app isn’t running—launch it 

Synapse 3 Profiles Won’t Migrate

• Use the Profile Migration Tool in Synapse 4—do NOT manually copy files 

• If tool fails, follow the manual cloud data retrieval steps above 

Can I Run Synapse 3 and 4 Together?

No. Running both versions concurrently is not recommended due to conflicting configuration issues. Install Synapse 4 and let it automatically remove Synapse 3 .

Can I Go Back to Synapse 3?

Yes. Uninstall Synapse 4 first, then download and install Synapse 3 . But remember: cloud services are disabled—your profiles will only exist on that local PC .

Buyer’s Guide: Which Synapse Should You Use in 2026?

Real User Feedback from Razer Insider:

“Due to the numerous bugs, and issues with Synapse 4, I have ‘downgraded’ to Synapse 3 and it now is working perfectly.” — User with Tartarus Pro, Blackwidow Chroma V2, Basilisk V3 

*”Synapse 4 has, in my opinion, easier Macro creation. Having said that I was able to re-create a Macro that I made in Synapse 4, as well as optimizing the Synapse 3 created one.”* — Sleuth 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Razer Synapse free?

Yes, Razer Synapse is completely free to download and use .

Do I need Razer Central to run Synapse 4?

No. Razer App Engine now launches Synapse 4 and Chroma apps—Razer Central is no longer required .

Does Synapse 4 work offline?

Yes. As long as you’ve logged in at least once, you can use Synapse 4 without an internet connection .

Will Synapse 4 work with my old Razer gear?

Yes. Synapse 4 supports all devices currently supported in Synapse 3 .

Can I sync profiles across multiple PCs?

Yes. Log into the same Razer ID on each PC. Go to Settings > Last Sync and click the refresh icon .

What’s the minimum screen resolution for Synapse 4?

1024×720. If your screen scaling exceeds 350%, the app may not display correctly .

Can I add Photoshop or other apps to Linked Games?

Yes, you can add non-game applications, but Synapse won’t monitor events or telemetry—it’s designed for gaming use cases only .

How do I check for updates in Synapse 4?

Click the Settings icon (gear), then click “CHECK FOR UPDATES” .

Final Verdict

Razer Synapse 4 represents a significant upgrade in 2026—faster, cleaner, and better architected for modern gaming. The critical shift is the February 3, 2026 end-of-cloud for Synapse 3. If you haven’t migrated yet, do it now to keep your profiles safe.

The macro interface takes some getting used to, but once mastered, it’s powerful enough for anything from MMO combos to productivity shortcuts. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or just want your RGB to match your game, Synapse 4 is the tool you need.