How to Export and Import Bookmarks, Favorites, and Other Data in Google Chrome

Transferring your bookmarks, favorites, and other browser data from one computer to another can be essential when setting up a new device or ensuring a seamless browsing experience across multiple machines. This guide will walk you through the steps to export and import your Google Chrome data.

how to export bookmarks chrome

Step 1: Exporting Bookmarks from Google Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome on the Source Computer:
    • Launch the Chrome browser.
  2. Access the Bookmark Manager:
    • Click the three vertical dots (menu) in the top-right corner.
    • Navigate to Bookmarks and then select Bookmark manager.
    • Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + O (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + O (Mac) to open the Bookmark Manager directly.
  3. Export Bookmarks:
    • In the Bookmark Manager, click the three vertical dots (menu) at the top right of the manager window.
    • Select Export bookmarks.
    • Choose a location to save the bookmarks.html file and click Save.

Step 2: Exporting Other Data (Passwords, History, Settings, etc.)

To export other data such as passwords, browsing history, settings, and more, use your Google account to sync this data to the cloud:

  1. Sign in to Google Chrome:
    • Click on the profile icon at the top right of the Chrome window.
    • Ensure you’re signed into your Google account. If not, click Sign in to Chrome and enter your Google account credentials.
  2. Enable Sync:
    • Click the profile icon again and select Sync is on (or Sync and Google services if it’s not on).
    • Make sure the Sync everything toggle is on, or manually select the data types you wish to sync (e.g., Bookmarks, Passwords, History, Settings, etc.).

Step 3: Importing Bookmarks to Google Chrome on Another Computer

  1. Open Google Chrome on the Target Computer:
    • Launch the Chrome browser.
  2. Access the Bookmark Manager:
    • Click the three vertical dots (menu) in the top-right corner.
    • Navigate to Bookmarks and then select Bookmark manager.
    • Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + O (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + O (Mac) to open the Bookmark Manager directly.
  3. Import Bookmarks:
    • In the Bookmark Manager, click the three vertical dots (menu) at the top right of the manager window.
    • Select Import bookmarks.
    • Locate the bookmarks.html file you saved earlier and click Open.

Step 4: Importing Other Data (Passwords, History, Settings, etc.)

  1. Sign in to Google Chrome:
    • Click on the profile icon at the top right of the Chrome window.
    • Sign in to the same Google account used on the source computer.
  2. Enable Sync:
    • Click the profile icon again and select Sync is on (or Sync and Google services if it’s not on).
    • Ensure that the Sync everything toggle is on, or manually select the data types you wish to sync.

Additional Tips

  • Export Passwords Separately: If you prefer not to use Google sync for passwords, you can export them separately.
    • Go to Settings > Passwords > click the three vertical dots next to Saved Passwords > Export passwords.
  • Backup Extensions: If you have extensions installed, you can manually reinstall them on the new computer via the Chrome Web Store or use Chrome sync to transfer them automatically.
  • Local Files and Preferences: For local files and certain preferences not covered by sync, you may need to transfer them manually. These can typically be found in the Chrome user data directory.

By following these steps, you can ensure all your important data from Google Chrome is transferred seamlessly to a new computer, allowing you to continue your browsing experience without any interruptions.

How to Export and Import Bookmarks and Other Data in Google Chrome Mobile

Step 1: Ensure Sync is Enabled on Your Mobile Device

To transfer your bookmarks and other data between mobile devices or from a mobile device to a computer, you need to use Google Sync. Here’s how to ensure that sync is enabled on your mobile device:

  1. Open Google Chrome on Your Mobile Device:
    • Launch the Chrome browser on your Android or iOS device.
  2. Access Chrome Settings:
    • Tap the three vertical dots (menu) in the top-right corner (for Android) or bottom-right corner (for iOS).
    • Select Settings from the menu.
  3. Sign In and Enable Sync:
    • Ensure you are signed into your Google account. If not, tap Sign in to Chrome and enter your Google account credentials.
    • Once signed in, tap your account name, and then select Sync.
    • Make sure the Sync everything toggle is on, or manually select the data types you wish to sync (e.g., Bookmarks, Passwords, History, Settings, etc.).

Step 2: Transfer Data to Another Mobile Device

  1. Install Google Chrome on the Target Mobile Device:
    • Download and install the Google Chrome browser from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
  2. Open Google Chrome and Sign In:
    • Launch Chrome on the target mobile device.
    • Tap the three vertical dots (menu) and go to Settings.
    • Sign in to the same Google account used on the source device.
  3. Enable Sync on the Target Mobile Device:
    • After signing in, tap your account name and select Sync.
    • Ensure the Sync everything toggle is on, or manually select the data types you want to sync.

Additional Tips

  • Syncing Bookmarks Only: If you only want to sync bookmarks and not other data, you can customize the sync settings to include only bookmarks.
    • In Settings > Sync, toggle off the types of data you do not wish to sync.
  • Transferring Data to a Computer:
    • If you want to transfer your bookmarks from a mobile device to a computer, ensure that sync is enabled on both your mobile device and your computer using the same Google account. The bookmarks and other synced data will automatically be available on the computer once you sign in and enable sync on Chrome.

Managing Sync Data

  • Review Synced Data: You can review and manage your synced data by going to Settings > Google account > Manage your Google Account > Data & personalization > Chrome sync.
  • Clear Sync Data: If you want to start fresh, you can clear your synced data from the Google Dashboard. Visit the Google Dashboard and select Chrome sync to clear data.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your bookmarks, passwords, history, and other Chrome data are seamlessly transferred between mobile devices or between a mobile device and a computer, providing a consistent browsing experience across all your devices.