Question Chrome Mobile Bookmarks only on this Device

[ricardoburnsy]

I have a S25 and chrome has a mobile bookmarks tab with an only on this device section. I cannot get them to sync to google account. Are those bookmarks only for the device?

 

[VidJunky]

I don't use separate folders for my mobile bookmarks so I asked Google and to my surprise it says those bookmarks should be backed up too. Check these directions and let us know if it works for you.

Gemini
No, the "only on this device" bookmarks in Chrome are not exclusively for that device, but rather are a specific folder within your synced bookmarks that may not be syncing properly. To fix this, ensure sync is turned on in Chrome's settings, that you are signed in to the correct Google account, and that the "Bookmarks" option is enabled under "Manage what you sync".


Steps to Sync Your Bookmarks

1. Open Chrome and access settings: On your S25, open the Chrome app and tap the three-dot (More) menu icon in the top right.
   
2. Tap on Settings: From the menu, select "Settings".
   
3. Check Sync and Google Services: Tap on "Sync and Google Services".
   
4. Verify Sync is On: Make sure the "Sync everything" option is enabled.
   
5. Manage what you sync: Tap on "Manage what you sync" to ensure "Bookmarks" is toggled on.
   
6. Sign in to your account: If you're not signed in, select the option to sign into your Google account to turn on sync.
   

What to Do if Sync Still Isn't Working

• Sign out and back in: Try signing out of your Google account in Chrome and then signing back in.
  
• Clear browsing data: Clear your cookies and site data in Chrome.
  
• Check on other devices: See if your bookmarks sync to another device where you use Chrome signed into the same account.
  
• Export and Import: If all else fails, you can export your bookmarks from the original device to an HTML file and then import them on another device to prevent data loss.

 

[B. Diddy]

I think that may be an example of Gemini getting the answer wrong, I'm afraid. The Mobile Bookmarks on a mobile device have never synced to my Google/Chrome account in the cloud -- I believe that's what that particular folder was intended for, i.e. bookmarks that you only want on that device, and not anywhere else. If there's a bookmark in Mobile Bookmarks that you want synced to your cloud, then copy or move it to one of the other bookmark folders.

 

[VidJunky]

I think that may be an example of Gemini getting the answer wrong, I'm afraid. The Mobile Bookmarks on a mobile device have never synced to my Google/Chrome account in the cloud -- I believe that's what that particular folder was intended for, i.e. bookmarks that you only want on that device, and not anywhere else. If there's a bookmark in Mobile Bookmarks that you want synced to your cloud, then copy or move it to one of the other bookmark folders.

This was my first inclination as well, but it's not something that I do so I defaulted to Google. I mean it would make perfect sense if a folder named "only on this device" would only be for this device, but the OP is asking like they've used this folder and only now is it not syncing. Then Google's alter ego is saying, Oh sure you can do that, I figured it was worth a try. See what the OP says after trying it, but I agree it would make more sense if it was saying "only on this device" meant "Only on this device".

 

[ricardoburnsy]

I think that may be an example of Gemini getting the answer wrong, I'm afraid. The Mobile Bookmarks on a mobile device have never synced to my Google/Chrome account in the cloud -- I believe that's what that particular folder was intended for, i.e. bookmarks that you only want on that device, and not anywhere else. If there's a bookmark in Mobile Bookmarks that you want synced to your cloud, then copy or move it to one of the other bookmark folders.

I never used the folder. It's just says only on this device. Shows a cloud symbol with a slash through it. Guess those bookmarks come pre-installed to the phone?

 

[B. Diddy]

I never used the folder. It's just says only on this device. Shows a cloud symbol with a slash through it. Guess those bookmarks come pre-installed to the phone?

Yes, manufacturers and/or carriers can have certain bookmarks come with the phone in the Mobile Bookmarks folder.