Losing all your bookmarks, saved passwords, and extensions is more than just a minor glitch—it can disrupt your work.
Why Competent Browser Backup Sets Are Important
Today’s web browsers no longer only download pages. There are stored essential data, such as bookmarks, your browsing history, saved passwords, forms that are filled in automatically, and your custom extensions. Without all of this, you are left without the personalisation and convenience that are the reason you feel the browser is yours.
And it is not like you need to do a lot to lose it all. Once the system fails, hardware lets you down, you accidentally erase it, or the device is stolen, the information that you have saved over many years will vanish.
Opt for Auto Sync to Keep Your Data Safe
Most modern browsers have built-in sync capabilities, allowing you to automatically back up your data to the cloud. If you have the sync function turned on, you can get to your bookmarks, saved passwords, extensions, and other settings on all your devices simply by signing in.
For Google Chrome:
- Start Chrome.
- Click on your profile photo in the top-right corner.
- Turn on sync.
- If asked, log in to your Google account.
- Click “Yes, I’m in.”
To manage the sync settings:
- Click your profile icon again, then select “Sync is on” and “Manage what you sync”.
- Choose “Customise sync” and toggle on the types of data you want backed up.
Sync is one of the most valuable methods that people use to prevent data from being lost or erased, which is especially important for those who frequently switch between different pieces of equipment or regularly upgrade their computers.
How to Back Up Chrome Data Manually With Google Takeout
Even if you alter the data in the browser, it is highly recommended to have it stored on your local drive as well. This is always a good rule of thumb for additional security or for those who prefer no online access.
To manually back up Chrome data:
- Go to Google Takeout.
- Click “Deselect all”.
- Scroll down and check the “Chrome” section.
- Click “All Chrome data included” to select your data (for example, only your bookmarks, only your history, etc.).
- Click “OK” and then scroll down to select “Next step.”
- Select your method, format (e.g. .zip), and export frequency.
- Click “Create export”.
If the information contained within it is sensitive, you should be especially careful to store it securely.
What About Firefox, Edge, or Brave?
Indeed, there are sync functionalities and manual backup options in place that are there for users to operate in other browsers too:
- Firefox: You can use Firefox Sync by activating it on your Mozilla account, or even export bookmarks manually through Library > Bookmarks > Show All Bookmarks > Import and Backup.
- Edge: You can synchronise your data by signing in with your Microsoft account & heading to Settings > Profiles > Sync.
- Brave: Go to Settings > Sync, create a sync chain, and connect devices to share data.
Many browsers are equipped with a feature that allows users to export bookmarks and passwords, saving them as secure local files.
Do not forget to Secure Your Backup Files.
Suppose a backup file contains sensitive information, such as login details, phone numbers, or other private data. In that case, it is advisable to store the file in a secure location, such as a password-protected folder or an encrypted drive. It’s better not to leave these files on shared or public devices.
Moreover, do not trust a single backup method. By using a combination of both sync and local backups, the potential for recovering data increases.
