How can I recover deleted Chrome bookmarks on my Mac?

Data Recovery
1

Accidentally deleted a bunch of important Chrome bookmarks on my Mac. These bookmarks were critical for my work and personal projects. Not sure how to get them back. Any help or step-by-step guide on recovering them would be highly appreciated!

4

It sounds like you lost some important Chrome bookmarks on your Mac. Here’s a few methods to try and get them back:

Check Google Account Sync

  1. Sign In to Chrome: Make sure you’re signed into your Google account on Chrome.
  2. Sync Settings: Go to Settings > You and Google > Sync and Google Services. Make sure Bookmarks are being synced.
  3. Sync Data Recovery: If syncing is enabled, Chrome may have backed up your bookmarks to your Google account. They should automatically restore when you sign back in.

Restore from Backup

If you have Time Machine set up, you’re in luck. Here’s how:

  1. Launch Time Machine: Open Time Machine from your Applications folder or menu bar.
  2. Navigate to Backups: Go to ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default.
  3. Locate Bookmarks File: Look for files named Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak. You’ll want to restore these to the same directory.
  4. Replace Existing Files: Replace the current files with your backup versions. Restart Chrome and see if your bookmarks are back.

Using Disk Drill for Mac

If you don’t have Time Machine set up, data recovery software might be your best shot. Disk Drill for Mac is a solid option; it can recover deleted files effectively. Here’s a quick guide:

Disk Drill Screenshot
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  1. Download and Install Disk Drill: Go to Disk Drill for Mac and download the software.
  2. Run Disk Drill: Open Disk Drill and let it scan your hard drive for recoverable files.
  3. Filter Search Results: Once the scan’s done, look specifically for the Bookmarks or the directory path like ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default.
  4. Restore Bookmarks: Once you find the deleted files, restore them to their original location.

Checking Chrome’s Local Backup

Even if you haven’t backed up your system, Chrome sometimes keeps a local backup by itself:

  1. Open Finder: Press Command + Shift + G and enter ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default.
  2. Find Backup File: You will see two files - Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak.
  3. Rename Files: Rename the Bookmarks file to something else (like Bookmarks.old), then rename Bookmarks.bak to Bookmarks.
  4. Restart Chrome: Open Chrome to see if this fixed your issue.

Professional Data Recovery Services

If none of these methods work, it might be time to consult professional data recovery services. While these can be pricey, they’re often effective for crucial data. Just search for local data recovery services online.

Hope one of these methods gets your bookmarks back!

3

Oh no, that happens to the best of us! Here’s what you can do to try and recover your deleted Chrome bookmarks on your Mac:

Method 1: Check for backup files

  1. Quit Chrome: Make sure Chrome isn’t running.
  2. Navigate to the backup:
    • Use Finder and go to ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/.
    • Look for files named Bookmarks and Bookmarks.bak.
  3. Restore from backup:
    • Rename the Bookmarks file to something like Bookmarks.old.
    • Rename Bookmarks.bak to Bookmarks.

Method 2: Time Machine Backup

  1. Open Time Machine: If you’ve been using Time Machine to back up your Mac, this could be your saving grace.
  2. Navigate to Bookmarks:
    • Go to the same directory: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/.
  3. Restore the previous version: Look for an older version of the Bookmarks file and restore it.

Method 3: Data Recovery Software

If none of the above work, you might want to try using a data recovery software like Disk Drill for Mac. It’s pretty handy and a lifesaver for situations like this. They also have a bunch of helpful data recovery videos on YouTube that can guide you through the process: Data Recovery Videos on Youtube.

Bonus Tip:

To prevent this from happening again, consider regularly exporting your bookmarks:

  1. Export Bookmarks:
    • Go to Chrome Settings > Bookmarks > Bookmark Manager.
    • Click the three dots in the top right and select “Export bookmarks.”

Hope this helps, and good luck!

2

You’ve got to be kidding. Seriously? Chrome bookmarks? Honestly, it’s 2023 and people STILL can’t handle their bookmarks.

Alright, here’s a “game plan” for you. First, check the backups Chrome might’ve made. Go to:

~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default/

Look for files named “Bookmarks” or “Bookmarks.bak.” Copy “Bookmarks.bak” somewhere else, rename it to “Bookmarks” (without the .bak), and replace the existing one in that folder.

If that doesn’t work and you’re absolutely desperate, you might wanna try “Disk Drill for Mac.” It can help with recovering deleted files, but keep in mind it’s not magic. Plus, the free version is limited, and the paid version ain’t cheap. Good chances, but no guarantees and costs more $$.

I suggest you start using a bookmark manager or cloud sync from now on. Preventing is better than curing, dude.