Google Chrome bookmarks are a convenient way to save and organize your favorite websites for quick access. Understanding where these bookmarks are stored on various operating systems can be useful for troubleshooting, data recovery, or simply managing your browser settings. This guide will walk you through the process of locating your Chrome bookmarks on Windows 10 and Windows 11, macOS, and Android devices.
Whether you are using a Windows PC, a Mac, or an Android phone, finding your bookmark files can help you back them up or transfer them to another device. Follow the steps outlined below to locate the bookmarks for each platform.
Where to Find the Chrome Bookmarks Location on Windows 11 or Windows 10
This section explains how to locate the Chrome bookmarks folder on Windows 11 and Windows 10 systems.
- Open File Explorer
Open “File Explorer” by pressing Windows key + E or clicking on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar. This will open a new File Explorer window.
- Navigate to This PC
In the File Explorer window, click on “This PC” from the left sidebar. This will display the main drives and folders on your computer. Double-click on the “Local Disk (C:)” drive to open it.
- Go to the “Users” Folder
Navigate to the “Users” folder and open it.
- Open the Folder for your Username
- Show Hidden Items
Ensure that hidden items are visible by checking the “Hidden items” box in the “View” tab. This will allow you to see all folders and files.
- Locate the Bookmarks Folder and Find the Bookmarks File
Navigate to the “AppData” folder within your user folder, then go to “Local” > “Google” > “Chrome” > “User Data” > “Default“. Here, you will find the “Bookmarks” file and a backup copy called “Bookmarks.bak“.
- View Bookmark Files
The The “Bookmarks” file contains your saved Chrome bookmarks. You can open it with a text editor or use it to transfer bookmarks to another device.” file contains your saved Chrome bookmarks. You can open it with a text editor or use it to transfer bookmarks to another device.
Where are Chrome Bookmarks Stored on Mac Devices
This section describes how to find your Chrome bookmarks on macOS systems.
-
Open Finder
Click on the “Finder” icon in your Dock to open a new Finder window. -
Access the Library Folder
With Finder open, click on “Go” in the menu bar and select “Go to Folder“. Type~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/and press Enter. -
Find the Bookmarks File
In the “Default” folder, locate the “Bookmarks” file. This file contains all of your Chrome bookmarks and can be opened with a text editor or used for backups.
Where are Chrome Bookmarks Stored on Android
This section describes how to locate and access Chrome bookmarks on an Android device using a file manager app.
1. Open File Manager App
Launch your preferred file manager app. On many Android devices, this app is labeled as “Files”, “File Manager”, or “My Files”.
2. Navigate to Chrome Data Folder
Use the file manager to navigate to the following directory:
-
- Open “Internal Storage” or “SD Card” (depending on where Chrome is installed)
- Go to the “Android” folder.
- Open the “data” folder.
- Then navigate to “com.android.chrome”.
- Within this directory, open the “app_chrome” folder.
- Open the “default” folder.
3. Locate the Bookmarks File
In the “default” folder, find the file named “Bookmarks”. This file contains your Chrome bookmarks data.
4. View or Copy the Bookmarks File
You can view the “Bookmarks” file using a text editor to see the raw data, though this file is generally in JSON format and may be difficult to interpret directly.
To back up or transfer the bookmarks, copy the “Bookmarks” file to a different location on your device or to an external storage medium.
Note: Accessing Chrome bookmarks directly through the file system might be restricted on some devices due to security and privacy controls. If you cannot access these files, consider using the Chrome sync feature for bookmark management and backup.
How to Import and Export Google Chrome Bookmarks Locally
If you’re worried you’ll lose years worth of Chrome bookmarks but distrusting of Google’s cloud-based bookmark sync. In such cases, it’s best to export bookmarks from Chrome to a local backup so you can import them later on. A local Chrome bookmark save is also useful if you want to share them with a friend or family member. Rather than logging into your account, they can just import Chrome bookmarks via a simple HTML file. In our other guide, we show you how to export Chrome bookmarks to a local backup and import them again without the use of any third-party tools.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Google Chrome Bookmarks
Can Chrome bookmarks be accessed remotely without accessing the local files?
Yes, Chrome Sync allows you to access and manage your bookmarks from any device where you are logged into your Google account. This synchronization feature connects all your devices, so changes made on one device will automatically be reflected on all others. This is highly beneficial for those who use multiple devices, such as a phone and a laptop.
How can I transfer Chrome bookmarks from one user profile to another on the same Windows machine?
To transfer bookmarks between user profiles on the same machine, first navigate to the Chrome directory of the original user profile (typically located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default). Copy the “Bookmarks” file and paste it into the corresponding directory of the destination profile. Ensure that Chrome is closed on both profiles during this process to prevent any file conflicts.
How do I make hidden files visible on a Mac to access Chrome bookmarks?
To access hidden files on a Mac, including the Chrome bookmarks directory, open a Finder window, click ‘Go’ in the top menu, and select ‘Go to Folder’. Type ~/Library, and press Enter. This action reveals the Library folder where Chrome stores its data. Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default to find your bookmarks files.
Can I edit my Chrome bookmarks directly in the bookmarks file on a Mac?
Directly editing the Chrome bookmarks file is technically possible but not recommended as it could lead to data corruption. To safely edit bookmarks, open Chrome, go to the bookmark manager through the menu or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+O, and make any changes there. This method ensures that changes are properly saved and prevent file corruption.
How often does Chrome back up the Bookmarks.bak file on Windows?
Chrome creates a backup of your bookmarks in the Bookmarks.bak file each time the browser is closed. This backup ensures that there is always a recent snapshot of your bookmarks available, which can be particularly useful if your current bookmarks file ever becomes corrupted.
What’s the difference between the Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak files in Windows?
The “Bookmarks” file in Windows contains your current list of bookmarks as used by Chrome. The “Bookmarks.bak” file, on the other hand, is a backup copy of your bookmarks that Chrome automatically updates each time the browser is closed, providing a fallback option in case the original file becomes corrupted.
Can Chrome bookmarks be exported to other browsers like Firefox or Safari directly?
To move bookmarks between browsers, export them from Chrome by opening the bookmark manager, clicking the menu button, and selecting “Export bookmarks.” This creates an HTML file that can be imported into browsers like Firefox or Safari through their respective bookmark management tools.
What format are the Chrome bookmarks files in?
Chrome stores bookmarks in a JSON format, which can be opened using text editors for viewing or manual editing. However, managing these files directly is typically more complicated than using Chrome’s built-in bookmark manager, which handles the format and structure automatically.
How can I backup my Chrome bookmarks manually without using sync?
To manually back up your bookmarks without using Google’s sync feature, locate the bookmarks file (as described in the tutorial) and copy it to another secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This method ensures that you have control over when and how your backups are created.
What precautions should I take when transferring bookmarks files between devices?
When transferring bookmarks files, ensure that the devices are virus-free to prevent data corruption. Also, ensure that Chrome is closed during the transfer to avoid conflicts with open files. Finally, verify the integrity of the copied file by opening it in Chrome on the new device to ensure that all bookmarks are intact.
Why might I need to view the Chrome bookmarks file with a text editor?
Viewing the Chrome bookmarks file with a text editor might be necessary for advanced troubleshooting, such as recovering specific bookmarks manually or verifying the structure of the bookmarks if issues arise. It’s essential to understand JSON formatting, as incorrect edits can corrupt the file.
How do I access Chrome bookmarks on Android if my file manager doesn’t show the directory?
If your default file manager doesn’t show the Chrome directory on Android, you might need to download a third-party file manager that can access deeper system files. File managers like ES File Explorer or FX File Explorer often have the capability to navigate to the necessary folders where bookmarks are stored.
What should I do if I can’t find my Chrome bookmarks file on Android?
First, ensure your file manager has the capability to view hidden or system files, often found in the settings of the app. If bookmarks still aren’t visible, it’s possible that Chrome is fully syncing your data, not storing it locally. In this case, accessing bookmarks through Chrome sync on another device would be the alternative solution.
Can restoring bookmarks from the Bookmarks.bak file fix issues with Chrome?
Yes, restoring the bookmarks from the Bookmarks.bak file can be a useful troubleshooting step if your bookmarks aren’t displaying correctly. Simply rename the existing Bookmarks file for backup and rename Bookmarks.bak to Bookmarks. After restarting Chrome, your bookmarks should revert to their previous state.
How can I restore bookmarks after re-installing Chrome on the same device?
After reinstalling Chrome, replace the new, often empty bookmarks file with your backed-up bookmarks file. Ensure that Chrome is closed during this process to prevent any file conflicts. Restart Chrome to see your restored bookmarks. This is an effective way to retain your bookmarks even after a fresh Chrome installation.
Related: How to Delete Bookmarks on Chrome, Edge and Firefox
Browser bookmarks are an incredibly useful tool to save websites you might need later. At least, until you no longer need that website. Then they can become more of a nuisance than a benefit. In our other guide we show you how to delete bookmarks on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
Related: How to Export Favorites from Microsoft Edge or Import Them from Chrome or Other Browsers
Microsoft Edge offers a streamlined process for exporting favorites, which can be invaluable for users transitioning between different web browsers. The ability to export and import favorites not only aids in ensuring continuity of user experience but also in preserving the organizational structure of digital resources accumulated over time. In our other guide, we show you how to import bookmarks into or export favorites from Edge and how to import them into Chrome or other browses.
Related: How to Show or Hide the Bookmark Bar in Chrome, Edge and Firefox
The bookmarks bar is one of those features that you either love or hate. If you prefer a distraction-free environment over speed, hiding it is often a good idea. If you use it to regularly access your favorite sites, however, it can save you a lot of time. In our other guide, we show you how to show or hide the bookmark bar or favorites bar in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge using a variety of methods.
