3 Easy Ways to Transfer and Import Bookmarks with Safari

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Move bookmarks from another web browser into Safari with this simple guide

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: April 8, 2024 Fact Checked

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Importing Chrome or Firefox Bookmarks (Desktop)

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Importing a Bookmarks File (Desktop)

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Importing Bookmarks to Safari (Mobile)

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Troubleshooting

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

Are you trying to back up or import your bookmarks to Safari? It's an easy process if you're using a computer! If you want to sync your bookmarks to your iPhone or iPad, you'll need to do a few extra steps. This wikiHow article teaches you how to import bookmarks to Safari whether you're moving from Google Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser.

Quick Tips to Move Your Safari Bookmarks

To import bookmarks from another browser in Safari, click File, Import From, and then select a browser. You can also export your bookmarks into an HTML file in Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, and then import it with Safari.

Section 1 of 4:

Importing Chrome or Firefox Bookmarks (Desktop)

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1
Open Safari. This app icon looks like a blue compass with a red and white needle.^{[1]
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- Use this method if you want to import bookmarks from Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox into Safari on your Mac device.
- If this is your first time opening Safari, importing from Chrome or Firefox can be automatic if you choose Keep your imported items. If you didn't opt for that, continue reading to manually import bookmarks from Chrome and Firefox.
You'll find the File tab at the top of your screen and the Import From option at the bottom of the menu that drops down.^{[2]
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You'll see the options for either only if you have that web browser installed on your computer.
Check the boxes to indicate what you want to import, like Bookmarks, history, and/or passwords.
5
Click Import. The items you checked in the previous step will be imported to Safari. You can find the imported items in the Bookmarks bar at the top.
- If this button is greyed out and unclickable, make sure Chrome or Firefox is not open in the background.
- If you imported passwords, you may need to enter your admin password before you can continue.

Section 2 of 4:

Importing a Bookmarks File (Desktop)

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1
Export your bookmarks into an HTML file. This process will vary depending on the browser you're exporting from.
- Google Chrome:
  - Click ⋮ in the top-right corner.
  - Hover over Bookmarks and lists.
  - Click Bookmark manager.
  - Click ⋮ in the top-right corner.
  - Click Export bookmarks.^{[3]
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  - Select a save location.
- Mozilla Firefox:
  - Click ☰ in the top-right corner.
  - Click Bookmarks.
  - Click Manage bookmarks.
  - Click Import and Backup.
  - Click Export Bookmarks to HTML…^{[4]
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  - Select a save location.
This app icon looks like a blue compass with a red and white needle.^{[5]
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You'll find the File tab at the top of your screen and the Import From option at the bottom of the menu that drops down.^{[6]
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The Finder will open so you can find your files.
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Navigate to and select the HTML file to import. You can double-click the file name in Finder or you can single-click it to select it, then click Import.
- Imported bookmarks will appear under "Bookmarks" in the sidebar.^{[7]
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Section 3 of 4:

Importing Bookmarks to Safari (Mobile)

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1
Open Safari on your computer. Since this isn't a feature with the mobile app, you'll need to make sure that iCloud sync is on for both your Mac and iOS device so your Safari can sync.
- Safari is unavailable for Windows devices.
On some devices, this may look like System Settings.
If you're using macOS Catalina or later, this will say Apple ID; if you're using macOS Mojave or earlier, this says iCloud.
Login to your Apple ID. You should use the same login information you use to log into iCloud on your iPhone or iPad.^{[8]
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This will ensure that Safari's data, including your bookmarks, is saved on iCloud and available to any phone or tablet associated with your iCloud account.^{[9]
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This is the grey gear icon on your home screen.
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Tap your name. It's at the top of the screen with your profile picture.
- Enter your password if prompted.
It's next to an icon of a cloud.^{[10]
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Tap the switch next to "Safari" to toggle it on
. If the switch is green, Safari is updating via iCloud.^{[11]
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- You may need to tap Show all to see it.^{[12]
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Open the Safari app and tap the open book icon. Your Safari bookmarks should all be listed under the "Favorites" tab.

Section 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting

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If your bookmarks aren't syncing, make sure both devices are connected to a stable network so the sync can complete.
iCloud is attached to your Apple ID. If you're using two different accounts, your synced content will not appear.

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Question

What about Chromebooks?

Community Answer

Safari is only supported on Apple computers and cannot be used on Chromebooks, which use a different OS.

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Tips

Keep a copy of your bookmarks' HTML file on hand as a backup in case you lose your bookmarks.

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You can continue to add bookmarks to your library from within Safari by pressing ⌘ Command + D.

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To see a non-Safari browser's favorites on mobile, export that browser's HTML file to your desktop, import it into Safari, and then sync your mobile with iCloud.

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