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Bookmarks backup and restoration using the "Sync" function

Browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox all allow you to create an account and use it to synchronise content such as bookmarks, history, passwords, and add-ons. Whilst this can be very useful to synchronise across multiple computers or Android devices, it is also a very convenient way to back up your bookmarks, even if you only use a single computer, as it automates the process of keeping your bookmarks up to date and backed up.
In this guide, we will outline the necessary steps to set-up this feature.

Mozilla Firefox

How do I set up Sync on my computer

A Firefox account lets you sync your data and preferences (such as your bookmarks, history, passwords, open tabs, and installed add-ons) across all your devices.

Create a Firefox account

You will need a Firefox account to set up sync. To create an account:

1. Click the menu button Hamburger menu icon to open the menu panel. 

Drop-down menu displaying the following options: Sync and save data, with the sign in button on the right; new tab; new private window;
 
2. Click the Sign In button next to Sync and save data.

Sign in screen

The Firefox accounts sign-in page will open in a new tab.

3. Enter your email and click Continue.

4. Fill out the form to create an account. Take note of the email address and password you used: you will need them to sign in.

5. Firefox accounts will send you a confirmation email. Use the verification link or code to confirm your account.

6. Click your Firefox account email or display name (you might need to sign in first). 

Firefox main drop-down menu
 
7. Click Sync Now.

Note: To bypass the prompt asking you to connect another device, if shown during the sign-in process, simply open a new tab or window.

Choose what information to sync

See How do I choose what information to sync on Firefox?

Connect additional devices to Sync

A device could be a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet), a desktop computer, or another Firefox profile. For more on mobile devices, see:

To connect another desktop computer or profile, just sign in and let Firefox Sync do the rest. To sign in, you'll need the email address and password you used in the previous section.

1. Open Firefox on the computer or profile you want to sync. 
2. Click the menu button Hamburger menu icon , then click the Sign In button (next to Sync and save data) and sign in

Drop-down menu displaying the following options: Sync and save data, with the sign in button on the right; new tab; new private window;
 
If you're already signed in (see How do I know the status of my sync?) click Sync Now to start syncing immediately.

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Microsoft Edge

When you sign into Microsoft Edge and turn on sync, you can easily browse the web from any of your devices, keep your favourites organized, and always pick up right where you left off.

For more support, check out the help for the Microsoft Edge app for iOS and Android.

Sync your account on your computer

1. Select the profile image in the browser taskbar.

Profile picture linked to your account

2. Select:

  1. Manage profile settings
  2. Sync
    Sync tab
  3. Turn on sync. If you see an option to sign in, continue to the next step.

Note: If you see Manage profile settings, you're already signed in.

3. Select Sign in and choose an account or enter your account details. Select Continue.

4. Select Sync when you're asked if you want to sync your account. This syncs your favourites, passwords, and other browsing data across the devices you use with this account.

Note: If you choose to sync favourites, any tabs you previously set aside will also be synced.

5. To switch to another account, click on your profile image, then add or select another profile.

Sync your account on your mobile device

1. Download the Microsoft Edge app for iOS and Android. A download link will be sent to your phone if you enter your phone number.

2. Select an account and sign in, following the prompts.

3. After the app is installed, select Settings and more and then select your profile image.

4. Under Sync settings:

  1. tap Sync
  2. then toggle Sync to the on position. 

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Google Chrome

To turn on sync, you'll first need a Google Account.

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. At the top right, click Profile .

3. Sign in to your Google Account.

4. If you want to sync your info across all your devices, click:

  1. Turn on sync  
    Turn on Sync button
  2. Turn on.

If you want to sync more than one account or you share your computer with others, learn how to add a profile in Chrome.

Sign out and turn off sync

If you turn off sync, you can still see your bookmarks, history, passwords, and other settings on your computer. If you make any changes, they will not be saved to your Google Account and synced to your other devices.

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Safari

1. Open the Apple menu on the top left, then select System Preferences...

System preferences within the Apple Menu

2. Click on the iCloud icon

iCloud icon highlighted

3.Check the box for Safari if it is not already checked. If it already is checked, the Synch is already working.

4. Click OK to confirm you want to merge your Safari bookmarks and Reading List with iCloud.

Screen asking if you want to merge your bookmarks and Reading List with iCloud

Turn off iCloud Bookmarks and turn it back on

1. Quit Safari

2. Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences. If you're using macOS Catalina, click Apple ID.

System preferences within the Apple Menu

4. Click iCloud.

3. Deselect Safari.

4. Close System Preferences and wait about a minute.

5. Open System Preferences and click iCloud.

6. Select Safari.

7. Open Safari.

Restart your computer and see if the issue persists.

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Related content

How to export and import your web browser bookmarks

How to download software

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