How to Transfer Bookmarks from Chrome to Safari on Mac and iPhone

While there is no denying the fact that Google Chrome is the most popular browser across platforms, it also has an undesirable reputation as a resource hog. And if you don’t take control of the browser, it could be the biggest culprit of fast battery drain on your device. So what better way to prevent Chrome from consuming a ton of resources or consuming a huge chunk of battery? For a long-term solution, I would recommend switching to Safari, which is undoubtedly more efficient and faster. To start with the right note, proceed to import bookmarks from Chrome to Safari on your Mac and iPhone.

Transfer Bookmarks from Chrome to Safari on Mac, iPhone, iPad

In addition to getting a wealth of security and privacy features, including hiding IP addresses and preventing cross-site tracking, Safari has also greatly improved in terms of customization. For a change, the stock web browser for Mac can now let you set a custom background and even arrange tabs according to your preferences. In addition, the flawless iCloud tabs and Safari seem better equipped to deliver a smooth and faster browsing experience across iDevices. And that too without consuming too many resources.

As for transferring bookmarks and saved passwords from Google Chrome to Apple Safari on macOS, it’s simpler than ever. Also, you have multiple options to import all items from Chrome browser. It’s worth noting that importing bookmarks from Mozilla Firefox to Safari is pretty similar on Mac. So, you can easily switch from Firefox to Safari by following the same guide.

Automatically Import Bookmarks from Chrome to Safari on Mac

For a seamless experience, Safari allows you to automatically fetch all your bookmarks and saved passwords the first time you use Chrome/Firefox. Here’s how.

• Open the Safari app on your Mac.

• Since you are using it for the first time, you will see a message at the bottom of the start page with three options:

1. Keep your imported items: Select to allow Safari to access your imported bookmarks and history from Chrome.
2. Remove your imported items: Select this option to get rid of all imported items.
3. Then decide: Select this if you want to import Chrome bookmarks later (Bookmarks -> Show Start Page).

Note: Your imported bookmarks will appear after your existing bookmarks. And the imported history will appear next to your current Safari history. As for the imported passwords, they will be stored in the iCloud Keychain. Therefore, you can automatically fill in login information on websites.

Manually Import Bookmarks from Chrome to Safari on macOS

If it’s not your first time and you need to start transferring bookmarks and passwords from Chrome to Safari on macOS, follow these steps:

• Launch Safari on your Mac. After that, click on the File menu and select Imported from.

• Next, select Google Chrome from the contextual menu.

• Next, select the items you want to import, and then import.

Note: The Import option is grayed out if Google Chrome is open in the background. Make sure you leave it to continue processing.

• Next, a popup will appear that says, “Safari wants to use your private information stored in ‘Chrome Secure Storage’ in your keychain.” Enter your login keychain password (administrator password), and then click Allow in the pop-up window.

• Once your bookmarks have been successfully imported into Safari, you will receive a confirmation. Safari notifies you that it has added your browsing history, bookmarks, and passwords. click OK to finish.

Importing Bookmarks from Chrome to Safari on iPhone, iPad (Mac)

Unfortunately, neither Safari nor Chrome allow you to import bookmarks from another browser on iOS or iPadOS. But don’t worry. If you’re using an iPhone/iPad with a Mac, you can automatically sync imported Chrome bookmarks with Safari on your iOS device. One thing to note is that the Apple IDs on both devices must be the same. Here’s how to enable sync:

• Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and then select your Profile.

• Now select iCloud and then turn on the toggle right next to Safari.

Alternatively, you can enable syncing through iTunes. Just connect your iPhone or iPad to Mac device via USB and run iTunes. Following that, select Device -> Information -> Sync Bookmarks From Safari -> Apply.

Importing Bookmarks from Chrome to Safari on iPhone, iPad (Windows)

There is also a reliable workaround to transfer Chrome bookmarks from Windows to iOS. You can use the iCloud Bookmarks Chrome extension to sync your bookmarks with Safari. While this process requires a bit of setup initially, it works like a charm, just like the iCloud passwords extension for Chrome.

• To get started, you need to install both the iCloud Bookmarks extension (download) and the iCloud app for Windows (download).

• Now, open iCloud app on your Windows PC and then sign in using your Apple ID and password. Make sure you’re signed in with the Apple ID you use on your iOS device.

• In the iCloud window, click the icon. Options It’s located right next to Bookmarks and make sure Chrome is selected (if not already).

Note: By default, the iCloud Bookmarks extension syncs bookmarks from Chrome. However, you can also use this extension to sync bookmarks from Firefox.

• Next, be sure to click To apply.

• Once this is done make sure that Safari iCloud sync is enabled on your iPhone via Profile settings.

From now on, Chrome bookmarks will be automatically synced to Safari on your iPhone and iPad via iCloud.

Import/Export Bookmarks HTML File

You also have the option to export bookmarks exported in HTML format from Google Chrome to Safari on macOS. Make sure you have already exported the bookmarks HTML file from Chrome. For this,

• Open Chrome and select the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner. Now select Bookmarks and then Bookmark Manager.

• Click on the three-dot icon (as shown below) in the upper right corner and Export Bookmarks.

• Then save bookmark HTML file in the preferred position.

After exporting the bookmarks file, here is how to import it into Safari,

• On your Mac, open the Safari app, select the File menu, then Import From.

• Now, choose Bookmarks HTML File in the context menu.

• Next, bookmarks HTML file and then click on import.

• Your imported bookmarks will appear in a new folder at the bottom of the sidebar with the name “Imported” followed by the date. Click sidebar icon select it in the upper left corner of the screen and Bookmarks.

• Now, check Imported folder at the bottom of the sidebar.

Note: You can also import bookmarks HTML file exported from Microsoft Edge, Netscape Navigator, OmniWeb, Mozilla Firefox or even Safari by following the steps mentioned above.

Retrieve Google Chrome Bookmarks and Passwords in Safari with Ease

Thus, you can export all your bookmarks and passwords from Google Chrome to Safari. As I said above the process is quite simple and works reliably on Mac. And if you are an iOS user, you can effortlessly bring your imported Chrome bookmarks to Safari on your iPhone and iPad.

Transferring Chrome bookmarks from Windows to iPhone and iPad is also not boring, thanks to the super useful iCloud bookmarks Chrome extension for Windows. That said, what do you have to say about the redesigned Safari in macOS Monterey and what are your likes/dislikes in the stock browser for Mac? Share your thoughts with us.