How to Sync Chrome Bookmarks

This article explains how to sync Chrome browser bookmarks on a computer or in the Chrome mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Additional information on adding a passphrase to protect your data and on troubleshooting is included.

How to Sync Your Bookmarks on Chrome for Desktop

When you sign in to your Google account on one device, you can sync your Chrome bookmarks across all of your devices. All you have to do is log in using the same Gmail address.

The default setting includes syncing bookmarks. If you turned that off, turn it back on using Chrome on the desktop or on your mobile device.

To sync your bookmarks on a desktop computer:

1. Open the Chrome browser on your computer.

2. In the upper-right corner, click the More menu (three vertical dots) and select Settings.

   

3. Click Sync and Google Services.

   

4. Select Manage what you sync.

   

5. Select Customize sync and toggle on Bookmarks.

   

   Select Sync everything to turn syncing on for everything, including Bookmarks. This settings includes syncing for apps, extensions, history, themes and other data.

   Sync Your Chrome Bookmarks on Android & iOS

   You can also access Chrome’s sync settings on your Android or iOS smartphone. You can opt to sync Chrome bookmarks, sync everything, or somewhere in between. To sync your bookmarks using the Chrome app:

6. Open Chrome on your smartphone.

7. Tap the More menu (three dots).

8. Tap Settings.

9. Tap Sync and Google services.

   

   On an iPhone, you may need to sign into Chrome first.

10. Tap Manage sync.

11. Toggle on Bookmarks and any other category of data you want to sync.

    

Add a Passphrase to Protect Your Data

Google always encrypts your data while it’s in transit. If you'd like to sync your Chrome data but prevent others from reading it, you can create a Google passphrase.

When you set up a Google sync passphrase, you'll need to input it on current and new devices when you sign in with your Google credentials. On Chrome, you won't see suggestions based on your browsing history, and you can't view your saved passwords.

To create a sync passphrase:

1. Turn on sync in Chrome if you haven't already.

2. Go to Settings by selecting it from the More menu (three dots).

   

3. Click Sync and Google services.

   

4. Scroll down to Encryption options.

   

5. Choose Encrypt synced data with your own sync passphrase.

   

6. Input and confirm your passphrase. (Make sure it's a strong password.)

7. Click Save.

Chrome Bookmarks Not Syncing?

If you're having issues with the sync feature, there are few actions you can take:

• Make sure you've signed into the correct Google account. If you have multiple Gmail addresses, check that you've signed into the one that’s syncing your bookmarks.
• As with any IT problem, sometimes you can fix issues by turning the sync function off and back on again.
• Clear your cookies in Chrome. Doing this logs you out of your email and other accounts, and remove any site preferences you've set up.
• Try resetting your Chrome settings. Doing this resets your default search engine, homepage and default startup tabs, pinned tabs, and extensions and themes.