When you’re signed in to your Google account in Chrome on your computer and mobile device and have Google Chrome sync enabled, all activity is shared between the two devices, as Chrome appears as one unified browser. You can sync your browsing history, bookmarks, passwords, Google Chrome settings, and more. This post shows how to turn on sync in Google Chrome for your desktop and mobile devices.
Note: The following tutorial assumes you’re already signed in to Chrome on your devices.
How to Turn on Sync in Chrome for Desktop
To set up sync between multiple devices that support Chrome, you need a Google account. Don’t forget, you need to be using the same account on these devices for the option to come into effect.
- Launch Google Chrome on your Desktop.
- Select or add the Chrome profile with the data you want to sync.
- With your Google account signed in to Chrome, click on the profile icon at the top right.
- Click on “Turn on sync” in the pop-up that appears.
- In the next window, click on “Settings.”
- Under “Sync”, click on “Manage what you sync.”
- You can sync all data by selecting “Sync everything.” Alternatively, you can opt for “Customize sync” to choose the data you want to sync from the list under “Sync data.”
- Return to the previous screen by clicking on the back arrow to the left of “Manage what you sync.”
- Click on “Confirm” beside your Google account name to apply your Chrome sync settings. Your Chrome desktop’s data will now be synced across devices.
Tip: Want to navigate your browser more quickly? Put these keyboard shortcuts for Google Chrome to use.
How to Turn Off Sync in Chrome for Desktop
Turn off sync at any time in Chrome for desktop by following these steps:
- Launch Google Chrome.
- If you’re already signed in to Chrome with sync turned on, click on the profile icon at the top right.
- Click on “Sync is on.”
- Beside your Google account name under “Sync and Google services,” click on “Turn off.”
- In the pop-up window, you can opt to clear your browsing data from your computer. If not, leave the box unchecked and click “Turn off.” You’ll be prompted to sign in to your Google account.
How to Turn on Sync in the Chrome Mobile App
If you use Chrome on your phone, you can carry over your data from your desktop’s Chrome by following the steps below:
- Download and launch Google Chrome on your mobile device. For the purpose of this tutorial, we’re using the iPhone app, but the steps are the same for Android.
- Select or add the Google account you want to sync.
- Tap on “Yes, I’m in” to turn on sync.
- Once you log in with your account, tap on your profile on the Chrome app’s home page.
- Tap on “Sync.”
- To choose which data you want to sync, turn off “Sync Everything” and select the data you want to sync across your devices. However, if you want to sync all data, leave “Sync Everything” enabled.
Good to know: Want to enhance your browsing experience? Check out these useful Chrome flags.
How to Turn Off Sync in the Chrome Mobile App
Chrome lets you turn off sync on specific devices but also signs you out of the app. Here’s how to do that on Chrome for iOS and Android:
- To change the sync settings, tap on your profile on the Chrome app’s home page once you log in with your account.
- Tap on “Sync.”
- Tap on “Sign Out and Turn Off Sync” at the bottom.
- Select whether you want to clear or keep your Chrome mobile app’s browsing data.
Tip: Learn how to pin extensions to the Google Chrome toolbar for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn on sync in Chrome for desktop and turn it off in Chrome for mobile?
Yes. Google Chrome data from the device with sync enabled is the only data that will be carried over across your devices using Chrome.
If you use Chrome on your iPhone with sync turned off and also have Chrome on your Mac with sync on, only your Mac’s Chrome data will be synced in both devices.
What data does Chrome sync across devices?
Chrome syncs:
- addresses
- bookmarks
- browsing history
- open tabs
- passwords
- payment methods
- reading lists
- settings
- Chrome extensions
- Chrome profile information
Changed settings, deleted bookmarks, and any other changes you make will also sync across your devices.
Can I sync Chrome data from two or more Google accounts?
No. Chrome sync only works for one Google account that’s signed in to Google Chrome on multiple devices. You can’t sync your Chrome data from other Google accounts to a single Chrome profile.
If you use more than one Google account for work or school, you can create a Chrome profile for each and enable sync.
Image credit: fancycrave via Pixabay. All screenshots by Natalie dela Vega.
Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox
