Restore Accidentally Deleted Chrome Bookmarks: Step-By-Step Guide

In this blog, we will explore the common question: “Where are my deleted bookmarks in Chrome?” We will show you how to recover your deleted bookmarks using simple tricks and advanced techniques.

To begin with, here is a quick step-by-step guide to restoring deleted Chrome bookmarks:

• Check the Chrome bookmarks trash folder (if available)

• Use the Chrome sync feature to recover from a synced backup

• Use a third-party data recovery tool to scan for deleted files

• Check for a backup in the Chrome user data folder

• Use the Chrome browser’s built-in restore feature (if available)

Continue reading the full blog, as this is just an overview of the steps. Further along, we provide more methods with step-by-step details to help you recover deleted Chrome bookmarks.   

Understanding Chrome Bookmarks

First, before we delve into recovery, it’s essential to understand how Chrome bookmarks are stored and managed.

Specifically, Chrome saves your bookmarks in a file on your computer, which can be backed up and restored.

Bookmark File Location

• Primarily, for Windows, bookmarks are stored in a file named Bookmarks located in the following directory: C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default

• Similarly, for macOS, the path is: /Users/<Your Username>/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default

• Additionally, on Linux, you can find it at: /home/<Your Username>/.config/google-chrome/Default

Now, with that basic understanding, let’s move on to the recovery methods.

Also Check: How to import and export Bookmarks from Chrome ?

How to recover deleted Bookmarks in Chrome ?

Recovering deleted bookmarks in Google Chrome can be done through several methods. Here are the most effective ways to recover your lost bookmarks:

Method 1: Check the Bookmark Manager

• Open Chrome: First, launch the Google Chrome browser.

• Access Bookmark Manager: Next, click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner, go to “Bookmarks,” and then select “Bookmark manager” (or press Ctrl + Shift + O).

• Check for Bookmarks: Finally, browse through the folders to see if your bookmarks are still there. Sometimes, bookmarks may be moved to a different folder.

Method 2: Restore from Backup (Windows)

Alternatively, if you have previously backed up your bookmarks, you can restore them:

Close Chrome: Make sure Chrome is completely closed.

Navigate to the Bookmarks File:

• First, open File Explorer and go to the following path: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\

• Next, replace <YourUsername> with your actual Windows username.

• Subsequently, locate the Bookmarks Files: Look for files named Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak.

Rename the Backup File:

• After that, rename Bookmarks to Bookmarks.old.

• Then, rename Bookmarks.bak to Bookmarks.

Reopen Chrome: Finally, launch Chrome again, and your bookmarks should be restored.

Method 3: Restore from Backup (Mac)

For Mac users, the process is similar:

Close Chrome: Firstly, ensure Chrome is closed.

Open Finder: Secondly, click on Finder and select “Go” from the menu, then “Go to Folder.”

• Enter the Path: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/

Locate the Bookmarks Files: Subsequently, find Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak.

Rename the Backup File:

• Afterwards, rename Bookmarks to Bookmarks.old.

• Then, rename Bookmarks.bak to Bookmarks.

Reopen Chrome: Finally, start Chrome, and your bookmarks should be restored.

Method 4: Use Chrome Sync

Furthermore, if you have Chrome Sync enabled, your bookmarks may be saved in your Google account:

Sign in to Chrome: First, make sure you are signed in to your Google account in Chrome.

Check Sync Settings:

• Then, click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner, go to “Settings.”

• Next, under “You and Google,” click on “Sync and Google services.”

• Subsequently, ensure that “Bookmarks” is toggled on.

Access Bookmarks: Finally, if bookmarks were synced, they should automatically reappear in your browser.

Method 5: Google Takeout

Moreover, Google Takeout allows you to download an archive of your Google data, including bookmarks.

• Go to Google Takeout: First, visit Google Takeout at takeout.google.com.

• Select Data to Export: Then, deselect all and then select only Chrome data.

• Create Archive: Next, click on Next step and create the archive.

• Download and Extract: Subsequently, once the archive is ready, download and extract it.

• Locate Bookmarks: Finally, find the bookmarks file within the extracted data and follow the steps from Method 2 to restore it.

Also Check: How to remove all your Chrome bookmarks ?

Method 6: Using System Restore (Windows Only)

Importantly, if you recently lost your bookmarks, using System Restore to revert your computer to an earlier date might bring them back.

• Open System Restore: First, search for System Restore in the Start menu and open it.

• Choose Restore Point: Next, select a restore point from before your bookmarks were deleted.

• Run Restore: Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.

• Check Bookmarks: Finally, once your computer restarts, open Chrome and check if your bookmarks are restored.

Method 7: Use a Data Recovery Tool

Alternatively, if the above methods do not work, you can try using a data recovery tool:

• Choose a Recovery Tool: Initially, select a reputable data recovery software (e.g., Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard).

• Install and Run the Tool: Subsequently, follow the instructions to install and run the software.

• Scan for Deleted Files: After that, use the tool to scan for deleted files in the Chrome directory.

• Recover Bookmarks: Finally, if the tool finds the deleted bookmarks file, follow the prompts to recover it.   

Method 8: Contacting Google Support

Ultimately, as a last resort, you can contact Google Support for help recovering your bookmarks.

Steps to Contact Google Support

• Visit Google Support: First, go to the Google Support website.

• Select Chrome Help: Then, choose Chrome from the list of products.

• Get in Touch: Finally, use the available contact methods (chat, email, or phone) to explain your issue and seek assistance.

Preventing Future Bookmark Loss

Moving forward, now that you’ve recovered your bookmarks, let’s ensure you don’t lose them again.

Regular Backups

First and foremost, make it a habit to regularly back up your bookmarks file manually.

• Export Bookmarks: Initially, open Bookmark Manager (Ctrl + Shift + O), click the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Export Bookmarks.

• Save File: Then, save the file to a safe location.

Use Chrome Sync

Additionally, ensure that Chrome Sync is always enabled to keep your bookmarks backed up to your Google account.

• Enable Sync: Specifically, go to Settings > You and Google > Sync and Google services > Manage what you sync and turn on Bookmarks.

Third-Party Backup Solutions

Furthermore, consider using third-party backup solutions to regularly back up your entire system, including Chrome data.

• Backup Software: For example, tools like Acronis True Image, Carbonite, or Backblaze can automatically back up your data.

Also Check: How to enable Mica in Chrome ?

Conclusion  

Losing your Chrome bookmarks can be frustrating, especially when you’re wondering, “where is deleted bookmarks Chrome?” Fortunately, there are several ways to get them back.

Specifically, options include checking the Bookmark Manager, using Chrome Sync, employing Windows System Restore, or even using data recovery tools.

Most importantly, to prevent future loss, it’s essential to enable Chrome Sync to keep your bookmarks backed up to your Google account, regularly export your bookmarks manually as a backup, and consider using third-party backup solutions for added security.

If one recovery method doesn’t work, don’t panic – try another method from the guide. Most importantly, make backing up your bookmarks a regular habit to ensure you don’t lose them again.

Source: [ easeus, support.google, howtogeek, reddit ]

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)