safari bookmarks disappearing

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How to Recover Lost Safari Bookmarks

Tom Nelson is an engineer, programmer, network manager, and computer network and systems designer who has written for Other World Computing,and others. Tom is also president of Coyote Moon, Inc., a Macintosh and Windows consulting firm.

What to Know

• Restart Safari and see if bookmarks return.
• Or, tap iCloud > Account Settings > Advanced > Restore Bookmarks . Choose the bookmarks to restore and tap Done .
• Or, connect your Time Machine backup drive and use the Migration Assistant . Select the relevant backup and desired bookmarks.

You can easily restore missing bookmarks using the Apple iCloud service or Time Machine. Here's how.

How to Recover Safari Bookmarks with iCloud

There are a number of steps you can try to restore your lost Safari bookmarks. We list them below:

This method assumes you have iCloud turned on and you're using it to sync data across devices or to the cloud.

If you don’t have iCloud set up on your Mac, you can follow the instructions in our Setting up an iCloud Account on Your Mac guide. Be sure to select Safari as one of the items to sync via iCloud.

Restart Safari and/or your device and see if the bookmarks reappear. If they don't, continue on.

Go to icloud.com and log in with your credentials.

Open the drop-down menu next to your name in the top-right corner and choose Account Settings .

Scroll to the Advanced section and select Restore Bookmarks .

Choose the bookmarks you want to restore, then select Done .

Restart Safari if needed, then check to see if your bookmarks are back.

How to Restore Safari Bookmarks with Time Machine

Another common method of restoring Safari’s bookmarks utilizes Time Machine . This built-in backup feature comes with all Mac computers and lets you automatically back up all of your files to an external hard drive. You can use those backups to restore your missing Safari bookmarks and more.

Connect your Time Machine backup drive to your Mac and turn it on. Then turn on your Mac.

Open Utilities > Applications > Migration Assistant .

Select the option to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk . Then select Continue .

Select your Time Machine backup, then press Continue .

If you're asked to choose from a list of backups organized by date and time, choose one and select Continue .

Select the files you want to transfer, then hit Continue to begin the process.

Once the transfer finishes, restart your computer and log in.

The transfer process could take several hours to finish depending on the amount of information you're restoring.

Why Did Your Bookmarks Disappear?

One possible reason is a corrupted preference file, or .plist file, that Safari refused to load when it launched. Preference files store rules that tell your apps how they should work. They can become corrupted or broken over time thanks to app crashes, sudden power outages, hard drive corruption, and more.

Problems with .plist files are one of the Mac's Achilles' heels. They seem to be a weak point in how applications are structured. Thankfully, they're easily replaced, causing at most a bit of inconvenience.

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Safari Bookmarks Disappeared

In this article you will find the following:

Are your Safari bookmarks gone? What makes your bookmarks disappear in Safari? How can you recover them?

These are typical questions you might have after updating iOS or macOS. Unfortunately, it’s common that your Safari bookmarks might have gone missing after an update. Naturally, it’s upsetting—most users collect frequently visited websites and files in their bookmarks or simply their favorite sites. So, what should you do if you can’t find them anymore?

Luckily, it’s nothing to be worried about—retrieving your favorites isn’t complicated. In this article, we’ll show you how to restore bookmarks in Safari.

Before we start   Is your Mac not performing at its best? Whether you need help with security, cleaning, or speeding up your Mac, MacKeeper’s Find & Fix can help. Download MacKeeper . Open MacKeeper and select Find & Fix in the sidebar. Choose Start Full Scan.

• Why did your bookmarks disappear in Safari

There are several reasons why you might find bookmarks not showing up in Safari.

It could be due to corrupted files . Some files that store favorite data can be corrupted when you force quit the Mail app. This will cause the bookmarks to vanish. That’s because the Mail app and Safari share the same bookmarks library—so when one crashes, the other is affected.

Your bookmarks might be hidden behind the angled brackets in your Favorites bar, or your Favorites bar may be disabled. Click the angled brackets or go to View > Show Favorites Bar to fix this issue. (If you can’t easily see your Favorites bar, do you need to remove extra browser toolbars ?)

Bookmarks could be missing if the Screen Time restrictions are enabled . Talk to the administrator of your device about Screen Time. Or have you deleted your bookmarks?

Finally, there may be a problem with your iCloud sync . We’ll give solutions for many of these common issues in this article.

If you are having more severe issues with your Mac than just disappearing bookmarks, the reason could be malware or other performance issues. Fortunately, MacKeeper’s Find & Fix feature can help.

How to use MacKeeper’s Find & Fix :

• Open MacKeeper , and choose Find & Fix in the sidebar.
• Choose Start Full Scan .
• When the scan is complete, click Fix Items Safely to improve your Mac’s performance.

• How to restore Safari bookmarks on a Mac

Before you follow these processes, make sure that your bookmarks have actually disappeared! If you have over 500 bookmarks, they might not sync in the right order across your devices. Your bookmarks might not have disappeared—are they just displayed in a different order? If you still see bookmarks, scroll through the list to see if the missing entries are there.

Note:   If you have the opposite problem and want to delete bookmarks or history instead, follow our guide on how to delete bookmarks on Mac , or check out this article on how to clear Safari history .

1. Quit Safari and restart

If an application doesn’t work properly, restarting is always a good first step. Whether your bookmarks disappear in Safari, Safari keeps crashing on Mac , or you’re finding Safari slow , try the restarting process.

• To quit Safari, click the red circle in the top left corner or go to the Safari menu and choose Quit Safari .
• Go to the Apple menu and choose Restart .
• Choose whether you want to reopen windows when your Mac restarts, and click Restart again.
• Reopen Safari.

Step 2. Go to Apple menu > Restart

2. Restore from bookmarks library in Finder

As we’ve mentioned, some files can be corrupted by forced quitting the Mail app. You can restore these .plist files through Finder, allowing you to find your bookmarks in Safari.

How to restore corrupted .plist files:

• Open Finder and go to Macintosh HD .
• Press Command + Shift + . to reveal hidden folders and files. If this doesn’t work, open Terminal and enter chflags nohidden ~/Library .
• Go back to Finder, which is now showing hidden files. In the menu bar, choose Go > Go to Folder .
• Paste ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist to open the hidden Bookmarks library.
• Press and hold the Option key and simultaneously drag the Bookmarks .plist file to another folder. This will create a copy of the file while keeping the original in its initial location.
• Check that the bookmarks are restored.

3. Bring back Safari bookmarks from Time Machine

Time Machine is an Apple tool to back up data and restore files. You can use it to get bookmarks back on Safari browsers. This method works even if you’ve accidentally deleted your favorites.

How to restore bookmarks in Safari with Time Machine:

• Unhide the hidden folders in Finder—follow the guide from the previous section.
• In the menu bar, choose Go > Go to Folder .
• Paste ~/Library/Safari to open the hidden Safari folder.
• Open Launchpad and search for Time Machine .
• Once Time Machine is open, you can browse the Safari folder over time. Find a time when you know your bookmarks were still there.
• Right-click on the Bookmarks file and select Restore from the drop-down menu.

4. Recover Safari bookmarks from iCloud

If you have iCloud bookmarks turned on, you may be able to access them and recover Safari bookmarks that way.

Even if you haven’t been using iCloud bookmarks, turn them on now to have an easy fix if your bookmarks disappear in Safari again.

How to turn on iCloud bookmarks:

• Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences in the menu at the top of the screen.
• Choose Apple ID and then go to iCloud .
• In the panel on the right, check the box next to Safari .

How to retrieve deleted bookmarks from iCloud:

• Go to the iCloud website and sign in to your account. You may be prompted to enter a security code if you haven’t signed in from this browser before.
• Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen. Choose Account Settings , and then choose Data Recovery .
• Click on Restore Bookmarks .

5. Check your Internet connection

If the internet connection is faulty on your Mac, iCloud won’t sync properly. This may make your bookmarks disappear in Safari.

To check the internet connection on a Mac:

• Quit and reopen your browser. Try going to a new website. If it doesn’t load, your internet connection may be faulty.
• Check your Wi-Fi. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Network . Look for the confirmation of the status of your Wi-Fi.

6. Check your account details

iCloud synchronizes data across devices that use the same Apple ID. If you have several Apple IDs, are you signed in with the correct one?

Check that your Mac is signed in to the right Apple ID:

• Choose Apple ID.
• How to recover missing bookmarks in Safari on iPhone and iPad

iOS users often notice that their iPhone or iPad bookmarks are suddenly gone, especially after an update to a newer operating system version. Luckily, there are a few simple processes you can try.

Note: Some of our instructions vary depending on the version of iOS you’re using, so before you follow our instructions, check which version you have. Go to Settings > General > About .

1. Restart the Safari App

If your bookmarks disappear in Safari, it’s always a good idea to restart the app before doing anything else.

If you use iOS 8 or older, restart Safari by following these instructions:

• Double-press the home button at the bottom of the screen to open your recently used applications.
• Swipe through the icons until you see Safari.
• Hold the Safari icon until it starts moving. Press on the red minus sign.
• Quit the recently viewed apps by pressing the home button.
• Restart your device.
• Relaunch Safari.

If you use a newer version of iOS, follow these instructions to restart Safari:

• Swipe up/double-press the home button to open your recently used applications.
• Swipe until you see Safari. Close the app by swiping it upwards.

2. Restart your device

Restart your iPhone or iPad by holding the power button on the right side of the device. A menu will appear—choose Restart .

3. Manage iCloud settings

Something in your iCloud settings might have made your bookmarks disappear in Safari. For example, if you expect your favorites to be synced from your laptop or desktop computer, you need to be logged in to the same Apple ID.

To check your iCloud settings on an iPhone or iPad, do the following:

• Go to Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud .

4. Turn on bookmarks and update your device

Make sure that synchronization is turned on on your iOS device:

• Go to Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud . If the slider next to Safari is gray, swipe it right to switch it on.
• Install the latest version of iOS. If an update is available, you should see a notification in Settings. To check, go to Settings > General > Software Update .

5. Check your date and time

An incorrect date and time can cause problems with syncing—and may make it look like your Safari bookmarks are gone.

Set date and time automatically based on your time zone:

• Go to Settings > General > Date and Time .
• Swipe the slider next to Set Automatically .

6. Perform a forced restart

If simply restarting your device doesn’t recover Safari bookmarks for you, try force restarting it.

How to force restart:

• On iPhone 8 and newer: press the volume up button, press the volume down button, then hold the power button until you see the Apple logo
• On iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: hold the power button and the volume down button until you see the Apple logo;
• On iPhone 6s and earlier, and iPad: hold the home button and the power button until you see the Apple logo.

7. Check the Internet connection on your iPhone or iPad

Poor internet connection may affect your iCloud syncing and make your bookmarks disappear in Safari.

• To check the quality of your signal, open the browser, and load a website.
• If it doesn’t work, turn your data or Wi-Fi connection off and on again.
• Restart your phone if that doesn’t work.

8. View your account details on your iPhone or iPad

If your iPhone or iPad is signed in to a different Apple ID, the Bookmarks won’t be synchronized.

To check if you’re using the same Apple ID on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Apple ID .

What to do if your iCloud or Safari bookmarks aren't syncing?

If your iCloud or Safari bookmarks aren’t syncing, there are a few things you can try.

• Check the System Status Page to ensure Apple services aren’t down.
• Make sure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID.
• Check whether your Mac displays the correct date and time and adjust it in System Preferences , if necessary.
• Install the latest version of macOS, iOS, or iPadOS.

To sync Safari bookmarks on your Mac, restart your browser. If that doesn’t help, follow these steps on your Mac:

• Quit Safari.
• In the Apple menu, select System Preferences .
• Click iCloud and uncheck the Safari box.
• Close System Preferences and wait for one minute.
• Go back to System Preferences and check the Safari box.

How do you get your Safari bookmarks on your iPhone?

Safari bookmarks can disappear if your iPhone is no longer synced with your Mac. To check if you’ve accidentally turned off iCloud synchronization, go to Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud . Swipe the Safari slider to the right to turn on the synchronization.

Restart Safari, restart your iPhone, and relaunch the browser.

Where are Safari bookmarks stored?

Safari bookmarks are stored in a hidden folder called ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist on your Mac’s hard disk.

How to export bookmarks for safekeeping?

Open Safari and click on File in the top menu. Select Export Bookmarks and choose a location.

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Safari Bookmarks Disappeared on Mac: 10 Best Ways to Restore Them

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Last updated: September 14, 2023

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Lost your Safari bookmarks on Mac and feel like you’re sailing through the internet without a compass? Bookmarks might disappear for various reasons—system updates, glitches, or a click gone wrong—but they’re not always lost for good.

This guide is your lifeboat, offering you the best ways to restore those missing landmarks and get you back on course. From quick fixes to advanced recovery techniques, I’ve got you covered and by the end of this guide you’ll know how to restore Safari bookmarks disappeared on Mac.

Why Safari Bookmarks Disappeared on Mac?

If your Safari bookmarks have disappeared on your Mac, it can be disconcerting, but there are several reasons why this could happen. Here are some common culprits:

• 🆙 Software Update : Sometimes, after a macOS or Safari update, bookmarks may go missing temporarily or be moved to a different location.
• ☁️ iCloud Sync Issues : If iCloud is not syncing properly between your devices, bookmarks could disappear or not show up where you expect them.
• ❌ Accidental Deletion : You may have accidentally deleted bookmarks or folders containing bookmarks.
• 💾 Corrupt Profile : If your Safari profile is corrupt, bookmarks and other settings might not load correctly.
• 💥 System Crash : A sudden shutdown or system failure could result in lost data, including bookmarks.
• 🛡️ Third-party Software : Security software or system cleanup utilities could mistakenly remove bookmarks.
• 🤔 User Error : Sometimes the bookmarks might be moved to a different folder within Safari and are not actually deleted.
• 👥 Multiple Accounts : If you have multiple user accounts on your Mac, make sure you are logged into the correct one where your bookmarks were saved.
• 🔄 Browser Reset : Resetting Safari to its default settings will erase all your bookmarks.

How to Restore Safari Bookmarks Disappeared on Mac

In the digital realm, data rarely disappears without a trace. More often than not, there’s an underlying cause, and with the right strategies, you can retrieve what’s been lost.

I composed this section to provide you with clear and effective methods to restore Safari bookmarks disappeared on Mac, moving from simpler solutions to more advanced measures.

1. Quit Safari and Restart

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. Restarting Safari can resolve minor glitches that might be preventing your bookmarks from displaying properly. Quitting and restarting Safari could be all it takes to refresh the browser and bring your missing bookmarks back to life.

Here’s how to quit Safari and restart it:

• Go to Safari in the menu bar and choose Quit Safari , or simply press Command ⌘ + Q .

• Wait for a few seconds and relaunch the Safari app from your Dock.

• Once Safari opens, check to see if your bookmarks have reappeared.

2. Show Safari Bookmarks

Believe it or not, sometimes your bookmarks aren’t actually missing; they’re just hidden from view. Checking the visibility settings of your bookmarks in Safari can often reveal them once again.

Here’s how to show Safari bookmarks on your Mac:

• If it’s not already open, launch Safari by clicking its icon in the Dock or using Spotlight ( Command ⌘ + Space and type Safari ).
• In Safari, go to the menu bar at the top of the screen, click Bookmarks , and then select Show Bookmarks .

• This will open your Bookmarks list in the left sidebar.

If your bookmarks magically reappear, you’re all set! If not, it’s time to dig deeper with additional troubleshooting steps.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

If your bookmarks are synced via iCloud, an unstable, disconnected, or slow internet connection on Mac can prevent them from appearing. Ensuring you have a solid connection can sometimes resolve the issue instantly.

Here’s how to check your internet connection on Mac:

• Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or plugged into an Ethernet cable. Look for the Wi-Fi symbol at the top-right corner of your screen.

• Alternatively, go to System Settings > Network to confirm.

• Open a new Safari window and try navigating to a website. If you can’t access the internet, your connection might be the issue.
• If you’re experiencing connection problems, try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
• Once your router restarts, reconnect your Mac to the network and try opening Safari again to see if your bookmarks are back.

4. Restart Your Mac

Sometimes the best way to resolve minor software glitches or system hiccups is a good old-fashioned restart. This can often refresh the system files and services that Safari relies on for displaying your bookmarks.

Here’s how to restart your Mac:

• Before restarting, make sure to save any open documents or projects to prevent data loss.
• Click the Apple logo located in the top-left corner of your screen.
• From the dropdown menu, choose Restart .

• Allow your Mac to fully shut down and restart.
• Once your Mac has rebooted, launch Safari to check if your bookmarks have reappeared.

5. Turn Off iCloud Bookmarks and Turn It Back On

If your bookmarks are synced via iCloud, toggling the iCloud bookmarks option can refresh the sync and possibly bring back your missing bookmarks. Here’s how to turn off iCloud bookmarks and turn it back on:

• Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings .

• Click the Apple ID at the top-right corner and select iCloud from the sidebar.

• In the Apps Using iCloud section, scroll down to find Safari and toggle it off. Confirm any prompts to turn off Safari bookmark syncing.

• Give it a few seconds to process. This will remove the bookmarks from your Mac but keep them in iCloud.
• Then, toggle on the Safari switch in the iCloud settings to turn bookmark syncing back on.

• Open Safari and wait a few minutes for iCloud to sync your bookmarks back into the browser.

6. Check Your Account Details

Sometimes the issue of missing bookmarks can be tied to the Apple ID you’re using. If you have multiple Apple IDs or recently changed your account details, your bookmarks may not sync correctly.

Here’s how to check your Apple ID details on Mac:

• Click the Apple menu and select System Settings .
• Click Apple ID at the top-right corner to view your account details.

• Make sure the Apple ID displayed is the one you usually use for iCloud and syncing bookmarks.
• If there’s a discrepancy, consider signing out and signing back in with the correct Apple ID.

Make sure to backup your data on Mac before signing out.

• Launch Safari and wait for a few minutes to see if your bookmarks sync back into your browser.

7. Restore From Bookmarks Library in Finder

If you’ve tried the easier methods with no success, you can look for backup files directly in your Mac’s Finder. Safari stores bookmark backups you can manually restore.

Follow these steps to restore your Safari bookmarks from the bookmarks library in Finder:

• Make sure Safari is closed before you proceed. You can quit Safari by going to Safari in the menu bar and choosing Quit Safari , or simply press Command ⌘ + Q .
• Click the Finder icon in your Dock.

• With the Finder window open, click Go in the menu bar and hold down the Option ⌥ key. This will reveal the Library option; click on it.

• Within the Library folder, find and open the Safari folder.

• Search for files named Bookmarks.plist or any backups like Bookmarks-1.plist , Bookmarks-2.plist , etc.

• Copy the most recent backup file and paste it into the same folder, renaming it to Bookmarks.plist if necessary.
• Open Safari to see if your bookmarks have been restored.

8. Restore Safari Bookmarks From Back Up

Another definitive way to turn back the clock and restore Safari bookmarks disappeared on Mac is backups. Whether it’s a Time Machine backup or another form of saved state, restoring your Mac to a point where your bookmarks are intact is like hitting a digital “undo” button

Below, I’ll guide you through the steps to restore your Safari bookmarks from different types of backups.

a. Via Time Machine Back Up

Time Machine is a built-in backup feature of your Mac that can be a lifesaver when things go awry. If you have been regularly backing up your Mac with Time Machine, you can restore your Safari bookmarks to a point in time when they were still available.

Here’s how to restore deleted files on Mac using Time Machine , including Safari bookmarks:

• If your Time Machine backups are stored on an external drive, make sure it’s connected to your Mac.
• Quit Safari by pressing Command ⌘ + Q or selecting Quit Safari from the Safari menu to ensure the app is fully closed.

• Click General and select Time Machine .

• In the Time Machine window, use the timeline or arrows to go back to a date when your bookmarks were still present.
• Navigate to your user Library folder by following this path:
• Look for the Bookmarks.plist file and click the Restore button.
• Time Machine will overwrite the current version with the selected backup.
• Open Safari to see if your bookmarks have been successfully restored.

b. Via Automatic Back Up

Another approach to recover missing Safari bookmarks is to utilize the automatic backup feature if it is available. Here’s how to restore lost Safari bookmarks via automatic backup:

• Click Go in the menu bar and hold down the Option ⌥ key. This will reveal the Library option; click on it.
• Identify the file named AutomaticBookmarksBackup.html .
• To simplify the restoration process, copy this HTML file and place it on your Desktop for easier access.
• Launch the Safari browser and import the HTML backup file from the original Safari folder or your Desktop.

Be aware that this automatic backup might not include your most recently added bookmarks.

c. Via Manual Backup

If you’re among those who prefer the good old-fashioned way of manually backing up important files, this could be your ticket to restoring your missing Safari bookmarks. If you routinely save your Safari bookmarks as HTML files, restoring them will be a straightforward process. 

Follow these steps to restore Safari bookmarks from manual backup:

• Launch Safari and click File in the menu bar.

• Hover your mouse over Import from and select Bookmarks HTML File from the submenu.

• Locate the HTML backup you’ve previously created and select it. Then click Import .

Note that the Bookmarks HTML File import option actually accommodates both HTML and PLIST bookmark files.

9. Restore Safari Bookmarks From iCloud

iCloud provides a useful feature for restoring files, data, and settings, including Safari bookmarks. If you’ve been using iCloud to sync your bookmarks, you can try restoring them directly from iCloud’s website.

Here’s how to restore Safari bookmarks via iCloud:

• Make sure Safari is closed to prevent any syncing conflicts. Quit the application by pressing Command ⌘ + Q or choosing Quit Safari from the Safari menu.
• Open a different browser and navigate to www.icloud.com and click the Sign In button.

• Sign in using your Apple ID credentials or Touch ID.

• Once logged in, click the grid-like icon in the top-right corner next to your account picture.

• Select Data Recovery from the context menu.

• Click Restore Bookmarks in the new Data Recovery.

• If you have bookmarks backed up on your iCloud, a window will pop up displaying a list of bookmarks backup points.
• Choose the most recent backup where you know your bookmarks were still intact.
• Click Restore next to the chosen backup point. Confirm any prompts that appear.
• After the restoration process is complete, open Safari to check if your bookmarks have been successfully restored.

10. By Using Third-Party Recovery Software

When traditional methods don’t yield the desired results, reputable third-party recovery software can serve as your safety net for restoring lost Safari bookmarks. These specialized programs are engineered to recover a variety of lost or deleted files, including browser bookmarks.

Third-party recovery software can be a powerful tool in your data recovery arsenal, but use it as a last resort and always from reputable sources.

Here are a few reputable third-party options for restoring Safari bookmarks:

• Disk Drill : Known for its user-friendly interface and robust recovery features, Disk Drill is a popular choice for macOS users.
• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard : This software offers both quick and deep scans, allowing you to tailor the recovery process to your needs.
• Stellar Data Recovery : Trusted by many, Stellar offers advanced features like disk imaging for severe data loss situations.
• Wondershare Recoverit : With a high recovery rate, this software is another reliable option for Mac users.
• iBoysoft Data Recovery : This is a simpler tool that offers a straightforward recovery process, ideal for users who may not be as tech-savvy.

Where Are Safari Bookmarks Stored on Mac?

Safari bookmarks are stored in a file called Bookmarks.plist within the Safari folder inside your user Library folder. To navigate to this folder manually, you can follow these steps:

• In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click Go .
• Holding down the Option ⌥ key will make the Library folder appear in the drop-down list.

• Once you see Library , click on it to navigate to the Library folder.
• Inside the Library folder, scroll down to find the Safari folder and open it.
• In the Safari folder, you’ll find a file named Bookmarks.plist . This file contains all your Safari bookmarks.

Remember, editing or deleting this file will directly affect your Safari bookmarks, so proceed with caution. Always make sure to backup important data before making changes to system files.

Restore Safari Bookmarks on Mac

Losing your Safari bookmarks can be a frustrating experience, but as I’ve demonstrated, you have a variety of methods at your disposal to restore them. From the basic steps of restarting Safari and checking your internet connection to more advanced strategies like utilizing iCloud or third-party software, there’s likely a solution that suits your situation.

Here are a few more tips to enhance your Safari experience on Mac:

• You should regularly delete Safari history on your Mac to prevent the browser from cluttering and slowing down.
• If you don’t want Safari to keep track of your browser habits, go incognito on a Mac in Safari browser .
• Some websites track your online activities, posing a risk to your personal information. Learn how to block websites on Safari on Mac to prevent shady websites from tracking you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if my icloud or safari bookmarks aren’t syncing.

If your iCloud or Safari bookmarks aren’t syncing, start by checking your internet connection to ensure it’s stable. Then, verify that you’re signed into the correct iCloud account on all devices. If issues persist, try disabling and re-enabling iCloud sync for Safari in your device settings. Finally, consider restarting your devices.

How do I export Safari bookmarks for safekeeping?

To export Safari bookmarks for safekeeping, open Safari and go to the menu bar at the top. Click File , then choose Export > Bookmarks . A dialog box will appear; select your desired location and file name. Click Save to complete the export. This will create an HTML file containing your bookmarks.

How can I recover deleted bookmarks if I don’t have a backup?

If you’ve deleted bookmarks and don’t have a backup, you can recover them by checking the Recently Closed option under the History menu in Safari. If that doesn’t work, consider using reputable third-party recovery software as a last resort.

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

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What to Do When Bookmarks on iPhone/iPad Disappeared? Here Are the Full Fixes

"I tried bookmarking a webpage into one of my folders and realized that all the bookmarks are gone from my iPhone! I've tried all to get them back but failed. Please help!" -- from Apple Support Communities

Do you have a similar problem as above and feel overwhelmed? Let's first get to know the general reasons for iPhone/iPad Safari favorites missing.

Why Have Safari Bookmarks Disappeared on iPhone/iPad?

• iOS Update: It is reported that Safari bookmarks are often gone after the update. (What to do when iPhone/iPad stuck on preparing update to iOS 15? )
• Accidental Deletion: You or your family deleted the bookmark on your iPhone/iPad by accident.
• iPhone Jailbroken: Jailbreaking your iOS device can lead to data loss if you choose an inappropriate way.
• Malfunctioning iPhone/iPad: A minor glitch on your device may result in the bookmark missing.
• iCloud backup failed : There is a problem with the syncing between your iOS device and iCloud.

Next, we will be directed at how to fix the "bookmarks disappeared on iPhone/iPad" issue in a dozen methods.

Part 1: Quick Solutions to Fix "iPhone/iPad Bookmarks Disappeared" Issues

Part 2: an ideal solution for the issue of "bookmarks on iphone disappeared", fix 1: check icloud settings.

Firstly, check if you have turned on Safari in iCloud by heading to iCloud Settings. Solving iPhone bookmarks gone, if there's one, can help get back iPhone bookmarks. This is the manual:

• Go to iPhone/iPad Settings > [your name] > iCloud, check whether Safari is turned on.
• If it is, try turning it off, wait a few minutes, and turn it back on.
• Choose "Delete from My iPhone" if your data exists on your computer. Otherwise, select "Keep on My iPhone".

You May Be Interested in:

• 2 Efficient Methods to Backup and Restore iPhone without iTunes
• Top 4 Methods to Transfer ePub Files to iPhone/iPad in 2023

Fix 2: Check Your Internet Connection on Mac

If iPhone/iPad bookmarks were gone when you sync them to iCloud on your Mac computer, you could check the Internet connection on Mac as follows:

• Quit and reopen the browser.
• Go to a website or search for something.
• Check your WiFi connection by going to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network > look for the confirmation status of WiFi. ( iPhone/iPad won't connect to WiFi? )
• If you're using a hotspot, ensure the password is correct, and the device has a good signal itself.

Fix 3: Update Your iPhone/iPad

Installing the latest version of the OS supported by your iPhone/iPad may avoid the Safari bookmarks disappeared issues. If an update is available, you can see a notification marked by a red circle in Settings. To check it, go to iPhone/iPad Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. Then make sure your device is at over 50% charged to meet iOS updates.

Fix 4: Check Your Date and Time

When bookmarks disappeared on iPhone/iPad, sometimes, the incorrect date and time are to blame. By making sure the data and time are set correctly, you might get this problem resolved. Now, check the steps below:

• Go to iPhone/iPad Settings > General > Date & Time.

• Turn on "Set Automatically". If it's already enabled, toggle it off, wait a while, and toggle it back on.

Learn More:

• 3 Quick & Safe Ways to Transfer and Read iBooks on PC
• Safari Running Slow or Freezing on iPhone/iPad? Here're Solutions to Speed It Up!

Fix 5: Perform a Full Restart of Safari

Lost bookmarks on iPhone/iPad after the iOS updates but don't know how to reboot Safari to fix it? Please check the following, according to your iOS.

To restart Safari in a new iOS, you can:

• Swipe up/double-press the home key to open your recently used apps.
• Swipe until you see Safari.
• Close this app.
• Restart your iPhone/iPad.
• Relaunch Safari.

To restart Safari in an old iOS, you can:

• Double-press the home key to open your recently used apps at the bottom of the screen.
• Swipe right till you see Safari.
• Hold the Safari until it starts moving.
• Press on the red minus icon.
• Quit the recently viewed apps by pressing the home button. (Learn how to block apps on iPhone/iPad? )
• Restart your device.

Fix 6: Force Restart iPhone/iPad

This approach apply to some iOS issues caused by unknown reasons, including iPhone Safari favorites missing. The steps vary slightly, depending on your phone model:

• For iPhone 8 or later , press the volume up and down. Next, keep holding the power key till the Apple logo turns up on your screen.
• For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus , hold down the volume down along with the power button until the Apple logo flashes on your screen.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier , keep holding the power and the home button until the Apple logo appears.

Fix 7: Restart Your Computer

All my bookmarks are gone from iPhone? Just consider restarting your computer if you synced your iOS device to it before. It's quite easy to do it on a Windows computer. And for a Mac, please hold down the power button to see a pop-up screen with the option to reboot it.

Fix 8: Restore iPhone/iPad Bookmarks from Finder

Generally, the .plist files that save your iPhone bookmarks can get corrupted when you force quit the Mail app. This will cause your Mac/iPhone/iPad bookmarks to disappear. Note that the Top Sites are not affected by the event as the files are kept in a different folder.

Have synced your iPhone/iPad to iCloud on a Mac? Try to restore it using Finder now:

• Open Finder and head over to the MacBook folder > Macintosh HD.
• Press Command + Shift + . to reveal hidden folders and files. The shortcut was made available by Apple on macOS Sierra. And if you haven't had time to upgrade macOS , go to Terminal and paste: chflags nohidden ~/Library to get the files.
• From the menu on top of the screen, click Go and select Go to Folder.
• Paste ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist and tap Enter to open the hidden Bookmarks.

• Press and hold the Option button and drag the Bookmarks.plist file to another location on the Mac. This will create a copy of the data while keeping the original in its initial location.
• Check if the bookmarks are back now.

Fix 9: Recover Bookmarks on iPhone from Time Machine

Also, if you have a Mac and synce with the same Apple ID and iCloud, the Safari bookmarks might be recoverable from a Time Machine backup after the bookmarks on iPhone disappeared. Please first quit Safari and open Time Machine, assuming you use Time Machine as your backup method. Then check the steps below:

• Click on Go in the menu on the top of the screen and choose Go to Folder.
• Paste ~/Library/Safari and press enter to open the hidden Safari folder.
• Next open Time Machine.
• Launch Spotlight (Control + Space) and input Time Machine to find the app.
• Once it is opened, you'll need to browse the hidden Safari folder over time.
• Find the time around which you recall your bookmarks were deleted.
• Right-click the Bookmarks file and tap "Restore" from the drop-down menu.
• Enable iCloud bookmarks.

Fix 10: Retrieve Lost Bookmarks from iCloud on PC/Mac

My bookmarks disappeared on my iPhone, and I have synced it to iCloud. If that's the case, try to get it from your PC/Mac:

- Restore lost bookmarks from iCloud on PC:

• Once on icloud.com , log in to your Apple ID and password. ( Apple ID is disabled? )
• Tap on Settings.
• Scroll down the page and go for Advanced > Restore Bookmarks.
• Select the archive you wish to restore and click on Restore.

• If there're more versions than can fit on a page, scroll down to see all your options; your current bookmarks are stored as a new archive file.
• The bookmarks update on all your iOS devices that you logged in with the same Apple ID and that you enabled the iCloud's Safari option.
• Wait until iCloud finishes the restore.
• Once down, any changes you make won't be saved.

- Recover bookmarks from iCloud on Mac:

• Go to Apple menu > System Preferences in the menu on the top of the screen.
• On macOS Mojave or earlier, click the iCloud heading in the third pane. If you find that you're not signed in, be sure to do that.
• For macOS Catalina, choose Apple ID and go to iCloud.
• In the panel on the right, place a checkmark on the box next to Safari.

• You can use iCloud to restore deleted Bookmarks by visiting the iCloud website now.
• Upon getting into the page, simply sign in to your account and go to Account Settings.
• Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and look for the Advanced heading.
• Click on Restore Bookmarks to check all the recently deleted links.

If your bookmarks disappeared on your iPhone, and you made a backup of the device on iTunes other than iCloud, you can bring them back with MobiKin Doctor for iOS . You don't have to worry that this will overwrite your phone's existing content, as this smart program can restore your desired data to your computer. Further, you can decide what to select and what not to before the recovery.

Why choose MobiKin Doctor for iOS?

• Restore lost bookmarks on iPhone/iPad from iTunes backup file, without covering the current data on the device.
• Retrieve deleted iPhone contacts , messages, etc., without backup.
• The supported data types: Safari history, contacts, call logs, text messages, SMS attachments, photos, calendar, notes, voice memos, etc.
• Run smoothly on various iOS devices, including iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max/14 Plus, iPhone 13/13 Pro (Max)/13 mini/12/12 Pro (Max)/12 mini, iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max, iPhone X/XR/Xs/Xs Max, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6/6S/6 Plus, iPod touch, iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad 4, the new iPad, iPad mini, etc.
• It won't uncover your privacy.

How do I get my favorites back on Safari with Doctor for iOS?

Step 1. Select "Recover from iTunes Backup File"

Free download and install the program on your computer. Run it and click "Recover from iTunes Backup File" from the left. Then, the utility will detect all the iTunes backup files on this computer.

Step 2. Select the Safari bookmarks you want to recover

Select the iTunes backup file that includes your lost bookmarks. Afterward, click "Start Scan" to get all recoverable file types. Next, choose "Safari History" and hit "Start Scan" to scan the disappeared bookmarks.

Step 3. Start to restore the lost bookmarks on iPhone/iPad

Preview and tick the Safari bookmarks you wish to recover and then click "Recover to Computer" to save them onto your computer.

Upon going over this page, we believe that you can get the hang of the common causes for iPhone/iPad Safari bookmarks missing and know how to restore the items properly. Now, if there's a backup of your iOS device on iTunes, MobiKin Doctor for iOS is your first choice for retrieving your lost bookmarks. This is not just because it is a flexible iOS data recovery tool.

Related Articles:

How to Fix iPhone Notes Disappeared or Missing in 2023?

How to Import & Export Bookmarks from iPhone to Computer?

[Easy Guide] How to Transfer Data from iPhone to iPhone without iCloud?

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Fixing Safari Bookmarks Disappeared to Avoid Future Loss

Written By Jordan Baldo

Last updated: March 19, 2024

Almighty writing expert who is proficient in analyzing Mac issues and providing efficient solutions.

You can recover Safari bookmarks that exist as a retrievable file format if it peters out of your browser. Many people ask: Why have my bookmarks disappeared?

Well, if your Mac app crashes or freezes, your Safari bookmarks may disappear . Similarly, resorting to the Force Quit to close the Mail app will freeze the application. Your bookmarks also vanish when you manually shut down the Safari, restart the Mac, and re-launch it.

Force Quit also interferes with the bookmark.plist file forcing Safari to ignore a simply locked file. Without a Time Machine backup, you will need third-party recovery software.

This article will walk you through the easiest ways to recover Safari bookmarks and how to steer clear of future loss.

Contents: Part 1. How to Find Hidden Bookmarks Library on Mac Part 2. Restore Lost Safari Bookmarks from Time Machine Part 3. Other Options to Fix Safari Bookmarks Disappeared

People Also Read: Free File Or Data Recovery Software For Mac Computers How to Reset Mac Password?

Part 1. How to Find Hidden Bookmarks Library on Mac

In addition to the corruptible bookmark.plist file , the property list may be interfered with as you try to re-launch the Mail app. It’s not your fault as Apple developed one system repository for Safari and Mail apps that worsens the lockup issues.

So where are Safari bookmarks stored? The .plist file is retrievable without affecting Top Sites because Safari stores the Top Sites bookmarks elsewhere. It’s kept as a list of banned sites ~/Library/Safari/TopSites.plist and the remainder ends up in ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist .

Interestingly, Mac hides these libraries by default. To spot them, use the Terminal and type the following command “ chflags nohidden ~/Library ". It makes the library visible in the long-term. Once you hit the Enter button, the file pops up in the Finder.

Bookmark Organizer and Cleaner

iMyMac PowerMyMac eliminates duplicate bookmarks, sifts through, cleans up, and organizes your Safari browser. It’s a potent multi-use tool to optimize and clean up your Mac to free up space or rev up performance.

If you use Safari as your default browser, your computer falls prey to duplicate files. And it is also important to clear cookies on your Mac computer regularly. This Mac cleaner declutters and organizes your Safari saving chunks of time.

Best of all, PowerMyMac integrates a smart feature that automatically detects duplicates and erases them in one click. It deletes redundant empty folders, erases dead links, and sorts useful bookmarks. It does not interfere with bookmarks located in a specific folder.

It’s a must-have for Safari users with massive bookmark folders for intuitive accessibility, retrieval and broadens the utility repertoire. For Mac users struggling with frequent crashes, bookmark errors like Safari bookmarks disappear, and file corruption, this software works like charm.

Part 2. Restore Lost Safari Bookmarks from Time Machine

You can recover deleted bookmarks from the recent backup with Time Machine. The easiest way to back up your browser bookmark is by installing an iCloud , which supports troves of data including bookmarks. Having a backup of your Chrome or Safari and any other browsers means you will steer clear of bookmarks loss down the road.

Copying Bookmarks.plist File

Step 1: Go to Finder window and scroll through to Home Directory > Library > Safari . Press the Option button and move the Bookmarks.plist file to your desired destination.

Step 2: Next, latch on the Option button to verify the cloned copy and the original in the default location.

Step 1: Right-click the bookmark and select “ Bookmarks.plist ”. This creates a fresh file dubbed Bookmarks.plist.zip .

Step 2: Drag the new file to a new location on your computer, the original remains intact.

Step 1 : Hold down Command-N to launch a new Finder window.

Step 2 : Once you’re in the Finder, latch on the Option button and click on Go>Library .

Step 3 : Look for the Safari folder in the Library and then open. Inside a Bookmarks.plist file with all Safari collections pops up.

Step 4 : Go to your Time Machine, open and click on “ Enter Time Machine ”.

Step 5 : Time Machine starts processing in Safari window. Browse through to the time when your Safari bookmarks were deleted.

Step 6: Click on Restore if you home in the exact day or time.

You can either keep the original or retain both by hitting on your desired option. You may want to retain deleted bookmarks and the new ones.

Tip: What to do when your Chrome bookmarks suddenly disappear .

Part 3. Other Options to Fix Safari Bookmarks Disappeared

1. data recovery software.

With a designated recovery tool, you can restore Safari bookmarks or other data. They offer a safe pair of hands to restore lost files securely and easily. Most recovery tools support file retrieval in different formats and locations. Download and launch a free trial package to recover deleted bookmarks immediately. Here recommend you iOS Data Recovery from Fonedog.

Top-of-the-line versions allow you to recover files in various modes, including deleted files retrieval, emptied trash, formatted disk, lost partition, external device, all-round and more. Choose the recovery mode in line with the circumstances of your lost bookmarks. Launch a recovery scan and select selected files to restore or any appropriate action.

2. Safari Bookmarks Retrieval on iPhone or iPad

iPhones or iPads also erase or fail to synch bookmarks but recovery is possible with a simple shut down and re-launch of the Safari app. Another option involves recovery using iCloud. Follow the steps below to retrieve the bookmarks on both devices.

Step 1: Tap Settings> iCloud to toggle off the Safari setting on iPad or iPhone. This will crack the code for those who have the same Apple ID for the two devices.

Step 2: Next, reactivate the setting first on the iPhone before the iPad. iCloud automatically syncs all Safari bookmarks.

Recovery takes time based on how many Safari bookmarks you have and Wi-Fi connectivity. Give it up to 30 minutes to see all files streaming into your device.

3. How to Avoid Bookmarks Hemorrhage

For Safari enthusiasts, bookmarks play a pivotal role in data retrieval quickly. It’s prudent to implement measures that prevent bookmarks loss over the long haul.

• Before approving changes to your OS, pore over the directions to ensure third-party software does not corrupt your system
• Keep a weather eye on your Mac so that it does not fall into the wrong hands
• Keep iCloud activated
• Always back up your Browser bookmarks with Time Machine or activate auto backup once in a blue moon

Conclusion In all, Safari bookmarks loss should not unfold a nightmare scenario because you can retrieve them in most cases. Time Machine falls prey to corruption, errors or virus attacks making iCloud or data recovery software indispensable. Analyze your bookmarks to select the most ideal way to restore bookmarks into your system and Safari browser.

Nippy Mac cleanup software "PowerMyMac" runs a check on your bookmark collections to wipe out duplicates , dead links and organize. Lastly, we invite you to broaden your Apple knowledge horizons by reading other informative posts here.

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (based on 99 ratings)

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Safari Bookmarks Disappear on iPad/iPhone [2023 Complete Guide]

Discover the reasons behind the disappearance of your Safari bookmarks  and learn how to recover them easily. Whether it’s due to a Mac app crash or freezing, manual shutdown, or Force Quit, your bookmarks may disappear. However, with the help of third-party recovery software or a Time Machine backup, you can retrieve your lost bookmarks. Follow this guide to avoid future loss and restore your Safari bookmarks now.

Quick Navigation:

Part 1: Why did your Safari bookmarks disappear

Part 2: where are safari bookmarks stored on mac, part 3: restore lost safari bookmarks from time machine.

• Part 4: How to Recover Deleted Safari Bookmarks using iCloud

Part 5: Other Options to Fix Safari Bookmarks Disappeared

• Bookmark Organizer and Cleaner: Mac Cleaner

There are several reasons why your Safari bookmarks disappeared :

• Accidental deletion : You might have accidentally deleted your Safari bookmarks while browsing.
• Sync issues: If you have multiple devices synced through iCloud, an issue with your iCloud account can cause your bookmarks to disappear.
• Software updates : Updating your Mac to a new version of the operating system can sometimes cause your bookmarks to disappear.
• Corrupted   database : The Safari bookmarks database can get corrupted, leading to the disappearance of your bookmarks.
• Virus or malware : A virus or malware infection can also cause your Safari bookmarks to disappear .
• Hard drive failure : If your hard drive has failed, your Safari bookmarks may also be lost.

In order to determine the exact reason why your Safari bookmarks disappeared , it’s important to diagnose the issue and take the necessary steps to recover them.

Don’t panic when your Safari bookmarks suddenly disappear ! They are stored in a .plist file in the Home Directory/Library/Safari folder  on your Mac. Follow these steps to locate the missing Safari bookmarks:

Open the Apple Menu and select Go>Go to Folder .

Type “ ~Library/Safari ” and click Go to access the Safari bookmark folder.

Look for the bookmark files in .plist format to find your disappeared Safari bookmarks.

Time Machine can be a lifesaver when it comes to restoring lost Safari bookmarks. To avoid future loss of bookmarks, consider backing up your browser data, including Safari bookmarks, by using iCloud or other backup solutions.

Navigate to the Home Directory> Library>Safari folder in Finder.

Hold the Options button and move the Bookmarks file to a different location on your Mac.

Verify the cloned copy and original in their respective locations by holding the Option button.

Right-click on the bookmark and select “Bookmarks”  to create a new file.

Drag the new file to a different location on your Mac, leaving the original in its place.

Launch a new Finder window by holding down Command-N . With the Options button held down, go to Go>Library . Find the Safari folder in the Library, open it, and locate the Bookmarks. list file. Enter Time Machine and select “Enter Time Machine” . Time Machine will start processing the Safari window. Browse to the time when your Safari bookmarks were deleted. Restore the bookmarks by clicking on the restore option for the desired day or time.

You now have the option to keep the original or retain both deleted bookmarks and the new ones, depending on your preference.

Part 4: How  t o Recover Deleted Safari Bookmarks  using iCloud

Accidents happen and it’s not uncommon for Safari bookmarks to disappear on your iDevices, whether it’s due to a curious child playing with your iPad or a mistake you made on your iPhone. However, if both your iPhone and iPad are connected to your iCloud account, you can easily recover your lost bookmarks.

To do so, go to Settings > Apple ID Profile > iCloud  and turn off the Safari setting on both your iPad and iPhone. Make sure that both devices are using the same Apple ID. Then, turn Safari back on for your iPhone first, followed by your iPad. This will trigger iCloud to sync your bookmarks back onto your iPad, which may take some time depending on the number of bookmarks and the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. Give it about 30 minutes and your bookmarks should reappear.

Close & Restart Safari for a Fresh Start

Easily access your recently used apps by double-pressing the Home button or swiping up the Home Gesture Bar.

• Swipe left or right to locate the preview of your Safari app.
• Swipe upwards on the preview of Safari to close it.
• Press the Home button again to proceed.
• Optionally, restart your device.
• Finally, tap on the Safari icon to relaunch it and enjoy a fresh start.

Verify Your iCloud Configuration for Safari

Head to Settings  > Apple ID Profile  > iCloud  to confirm that Safari is enabled. If it is already enabled, try disabling it and then re-enabling it. A prompt may appear asking what to do with your synced Safari data, select “Delete from My iPhone.”  After waiting for 20-30 seconds, turn Safari back on and tap “Merge”  when the message “your Safari data merges with iCloud”  appears.

Restore Missing Safari Bookmarks by Restarting Your Device

If you have recently encountered the problem of your Safari bookmarks disappearing, one simple solution is to restart your device. Start by powering it off and waiting 10-20 seconds before turning it back on. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, try a forced restart.

Data Recovery Software

If you’ve accidentally deleted your Safari bookmarks or experienced data loss, don’t worry. With the help of a reliable data recovery tool, you can easily restore your bookmarks and other lost data. Fone solo  is one such tool that provides a secure and easy solution for file recovery.

Most data recovery software supports the recovery of different file formats and locations. The top-notch versions of these tools offer various recovery modes to choose from, including recovery of deleted files, emptied trash, lost partition , external device, and more. Simply select the recovery mode that fits your specific situation, initiate a recovery scan, and restore your lost bookmarks with a few clicks.

Bookmark Organizer and Cleaner : Mac Cleaner

The Mac Cleaner  is a powerful tool for optimizing and cleaning up your Mac, freeing up space and boosting performance. If you use Safari as your default browser, it can help eliminate duplicate bookmarks and clear cookies, saving you time and decluttering your browser.

With its smart feature, Mac Cleaner automatically detects and removes duplicates, empty folders, and dead links, while preserving important bookmarks in specific folders. This makes it a must-have for Safari users with large bookmark collections, providing easy accessibility and retrieval.

If you’re struggling with frequent crashes, errors like disappearing Safari bookmarks , or file corruption, Mac cleaner is the solution. It works like magic, offering a comprehensive and convenient solution to keep your Mac and Safari browsers organized and functioning smoothly.

Try it Free

Step 1: Install Mac Cleaner

Download and install the Mac Cleaner software on your computer. Once installed, launch the program.

Step 2: Choose Your Option

The program will present you with several options on the left sidebar. Choose the type of files you want to delete or clear, such as Clean Up Junk, Delete Large Files, Delete Duplicate Files, or Erase Private Data. It’s recommended to stick to the first four options as they offer more cleaning options than simply clearing the cache.

Step 3: Scan for Files

The next screen will display the types of files included in your selected option, such as System Junk, App Junk, Trash Bin, iTunes Junk, Downloads, etc. Read through all the information, and then click the Scan button to start the scan. This process may take a few minutes, depending on your Mac’s storage capacity. Wait for it to finish.

Step 4: Choose Files for Removal

Upon completion of the scan, the subsequent screen will present all the files that the Mac Cleaner software has identified. To remove the cache, simply locate it and select it. You also have the option to select any other files you want to delete by ticking their respective boxes. To include all items in the deletion process, you can choose the “ Select All ” box.

Step 5: Remove Selected Files

After you’ve made your selections, click the “ Delete ” button to initiate the removal process. It may take several minutes for the software to fully delete all the chosen files.

Conclusion:

Say goodbye to the frustration of lost Safari bookmarks! Most of the time, they can be recovered with ease. Protect yourself from corruption, bugs, and viruses by using iCloud or data recovery software. Keep your bookmark collection in check with the powerful Mac cleaning software, Mac Cleaner. It eliminates duplicates, and dead links, and keeps your bookmarks organized for your convenience.

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• Data Recovery

How to Recover Deleted Safari Bookmarks on an iPhone

At Macgasm, we’re dedicated to bringing you insightful Apple-centric content that adheres to our comprehensive editorial guidelines whose purpose is to maintain the utmost accuracy, relevance, and impartiality in everything we publish. This commitment to preserving the integrity of our content is shared across our team, from expert writers to seasoned editors.

Once you delete them, your bookmarks are totally gone. And unless you managed to save a backup beforehand, it’ll require some extra work to restore bookmarks on an iPhone. This article breaks down everything you need to know about Safari bookmarks and why they disappear.

We provide step-by-step instructions of 3 different methods to recover them. And if you don’t have a backup, we demonstrate our favorite data recovery software and how exactly to use it to restore your Safari bookmarks… Even if you’ve never done it before. Read on.

Table of Contents

Where Do My Bookmarks Go on an iPhone After Deletion?

Unlike photos and videos, Safari bookmarks on an iPhone do not have a recently deleted folder (unless you enabled iCloud for Safari – more info below). But the data of your bookmarks is still saved in your iPhone’s file system. You just can’t access them – at least not in the usual way.

The most recent iPhone update deleted all my Safari favorites and bookmarks… — ✨Shana✨ (@shana_vee) June 20, 2020

You either have to restore them from a backup or use special tools that are designed to extract and rebuild data from a device’s file system (in case it gets fragmented). And the more new data you save to your iPhone’s storage, the more likely you’ll overwrite your bookmarks. So put it down until you finish reading this article.

How to Find Safari Bookmarks on iPhone

You can find Safari bookmarks on an iPhone within the app itself. Launch the Safari app, then tap the book icon on the lower-right corner of the screen.

There are 2 folders that already exist by default: the general “Bookmarks” folder and “Favorites” – a special sub-folder inside “Bookmarks.” Any URL saved in your Favorites folder will appear whenever you open a new Safari tab. You can add a URL directly to the Favorites folder the same way you add a bookmark. Tap the share button (the icon to the left of the book icon) and tap “Add to favorites.”

How to Restore Deleted Bookmarks on iPhone

As I briefly mentioned in the beginning of the article, there are only 2 ways to restore lost bookmarks on iPhone: (1) restore bookmark data from an existing backup or (2) extract and rebuild data using special software.

However, restoring data from a backup requires that you backed up your data in the first place – either through iCloud, iTunes, or Finder. Below are step-by-step guides (along with screenshots) for all of these methods. Read on.

Method 1: Restore Deleted Bookmarks on iPhone Using Data Recovery Software

Without iTunes and iCloud, the only way to restore deleted bookmarks on your iPhone is by using data recovery software. These tools are capable of not only recovering data, but also “rebuilding” it – deleted files sometimes get fragmented and won’t work properly as is.

For this article, we’ll be using a tool called Disk Drill to restore Safari bookmarks (you can also use it to recover Safari history ). It’s a local favorite here at Macgasm as we’ve had great success restoring different devices. We also appreciate how Disk Drill’s interface is simple enough for even beginners to easily use it.

Step 1. Make sure your iPhone is securely connected to your Mac.

Step 2. Download and install Disk Drill.

Method 2: iCloud Backup

If you have iCloud enabled for Safari, you’re in luck. This is the only scenario where deleted Safari bookmarks actually go into its own “Recently Deleted” folder, and they’ll stay there for 30 days by default. You can also restore Safari bookmarks from iCloud without connecting your iPhone to your Mac. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Log into iCloud.com .

Step 4.  A dialogue box will pop up displaying favorites disappeared from Safari on your iPhone. You’ll notice that there’s a 30-day countdown until they automatically get deleted.

Method 3: iTunes Backup (or Finder)

If you created a backup of your iPhone, you can restore favorites in Safari using iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina and above). Restoring an iTunes backup will replace the data on your iPhone with backup data. Back up your important files before proceeding.

Step 2. Open Finder > Applications, then double-click the iTunes icon.

Step 3. Under the “Backups” section, click “Restore Backup.”

Step 4. Use the dropdown menu to select a backup file, then click “Restore.”

For users without iTunes: iTunes is no longer available on iTunes macOS Catalina and above. Instead, connect your iPhone to your Mac and open it in Finder. Under the “Backups” section, click “Restore Backup” then select the backup files that contain your Safari bookmarks. This process will also wipe your data.

Why May Favorites Disappear on an iPhone?

Depending on how your iPhone is set up, there are different reasons why all bookmarks are gone from Safari. Here are the most common causes:

• Accidental deletion Safari bookmarks don’t have a recently deleted folder. Once you delete them, they’re gone.
• iCloud sync issues If you enabled iCloud for Safari, changes are reflected on every device signed into that iCloud. If you deleted your bookmarks on any of these devices, it will also be deleted on your iPhone. Interruption during the sync process may also cause your bookmarks to disappear.
• Buggy update iOS updates often make your iPhone perform way better, but bugs often get rolled out too. These may affect your iPhone in unpredictable ways. It’s generally best practice to wait for technology blogs (like Macgasm) to post an article about the newest updates.
• Physical damage Physical damage to the iPhone might affect its storage disk. You can’t really predict what data will get lost in this case, and bookmarks may be one of the casualties.

How to find old Safari bookmarks?

To find old Safari bookmarks (and avoid getting finger cramps from scrolling), use the search bar in the bookmark menu. On your iPhone, launch Safari and click the book icon. Then, swipe up to expand the list of bookmarks – you should find a search bar at the top. As long as you limit your bookmarks to 450 per folder, they won’t get deleted.

If you want to find deleted Safari bookmarks, you can use the “Restore Bookmarks” function in your Account Settings page on iCloud.com. Alternatively, use a data recovery software like Disk Drill.

How to redownload Safari on iPhone?

How to erase bookmarks on an iphone.

To erase bookmarks on an iPhone, do the following:

• Open the Safari app.
• Click on the book icon at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap and hold the bookmark you want to erase, then tap “Delete.”

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Safari bookmarks disappeared on mac restore them in seconds.

Safari bookmarks disappeared or gone on Mac? It won’t be a hard task if you have backed them up. What if there is no backup? Don’t panic. In this article, you will find a few ways to restore Safari bookmarks on Mac , even on your iPhone or iPad. 

Why Safari Bookmarks Disappeared on Mac?

Where are safari bookmarks stored on mac, how to restore disappeared/gone safari bookmarks on mac, extended: recover disappeared safari bookmarks on iphone/ipad,   cisdem data recovery for mac, recover safari bookmarks and other data on mac.

• Recover deleted or disappeared Safari bookmarks
• Recover photos , documents, videos, audios, archives, emails and more
• Repair damaged videos
• Support Mac's internal drive, external HD, USB flash drive, SD card, etc.
• Use both quick and deep scan modes
• Preview recoverable files
• Quickly filter files with keyword, file size, date created, date modified
• Recover files to local drive or cloud platforms
• Fast and safe recovery

Safari bookmarks get disappeared on Mac is not an uncommon problem. This often happens when you update to a new version of Safari or accidentally delete it without knowing it. Here we list all possible reasons may cause disappeared or gone Safari bookmarks, so you can find an appropriate method to get it solved from the solutions we give in the following parts.

• Setting glitches when upgrading to latest macOS
• Setting glitches when updating Safari 
• Accidental deletion
• Corrupted preference file due to force quit, crash, sudden power off, hard drive bad sectors, etc.

Safari uses property list to store bookmarks, it is a file coming with file extension .plist. Safari lists are all saved in Home Directory/Library/Safari folder, here we will show you how to find the Safari bookmarks stored on your Mac:

Fix 1. Quit Safari and Restart

Sometimes, by quitting and restarting Safari app can magically bring things back to be normal. If your Safari bookmarks disappeared or missing for unknown reason, close the Safari app first, then restart to check if the bookmarks appear again.

Fix 2. Show Bookmarks

Safari bookmarks may be gone for the reason that you or someone else used your mac hide it, check and show the bookmarks.

• Open Safari browser app on your Mac.

Fix 3. Restore Disappeared Safari Bookmarks with Backup.

If after trying above 2 methods, the Safari bookmarks are still not back, you can now try to restore with a backup. In general, there are three types of Safari bookmarks backup:

• Time Machine backup
• Automatic bookmarks backup by Safari
• HTML backup made manually

If you have a backup of Safari disappeared bookmarks, try following 3 methods to get them back.

#1 Restore from Time Machine Backup

Safari bookmarks gone? If you regularly back up with Time Machine, you can effortlessly get them back.

• Step 1. In Finder, open the above-mentioned Safari folder which stores your Safari bookmarks.

• Step 4. Now you can import the PLIST file in Safari.

#2 Restore from The Automatic Backup

Another method is to restore disappeared Safari bookmarks from the automatic backup if it’s available.

• Step 1. On your Mac, find the Safari folder in Finder. I’ve already mentioned how to find the folder.

• Step 3. Open Safari web browser. Import the HTML backup from the Safari folder (or desktop) to restore your Safari bookmarks.

Note that the automatic backup may not contain your recent bookmarks.

#3 Restore from Manual Backup

If you have the habit of regularly backing up your Safari bookmarks to HTML, then it will be super easy to have them back.

• Step 1. Open Safari. Click File in the menu bar. Select Import from > Bookmarks HTML File .
• Step 2. Select the HTML backup you have made. Click Import .

The Bookmarks HTML File option actually supports importing of both bookmark HTML files and bookmark PLIST files.

Fix 4. Restore Disappeared Safari Bookmarks without Backup

To recover Safari bookmarks without backup, you can use professional data recovery software to retrieve the PLIST file. Cisdem Data Recovery for Mac can recover various types of files such as PLIST files, images, audios, videos, documents and archives. It can be used to recover data lost by deleting, formatting or other reasons.

Cisdem Data Recovery for Mac

• Support internal & external storage devices
• Recover almost all common file types and formats
• Repair videos that are corrupted or damaged for different reasons
• Work with a wide variety of data loss scenarios: format, delete, lost, etc.
• Allow you to easily scan, preview, filter and recover files
• 2 options to recover files: to local drive or cloud platform
• High recovery rate
• Download and install Cisdem Data Recovery for Mac. Launch it.

• Find and open the restored Safari bookmarks. In the box that pops up, select a location to store the recovered Safari bookmarks and click Open . The location should not be on the same drive where the lost data was located. The software will automatically identify your selection and prompt a warning message if you have selected the unpermitted location. Once the recovery is finished, click Show in Finder to access the recovered Safari bookmarks.

Safari is also the built-in browser for iOS. If your Safari bookmarks are gone on iPhone or iPad, it’s also possible to get them back.

Fix 1. Restore safari bookmarks from iCloud

This method doesn’t work for everyone. To be able to restore Safari bookmarks gone, you need to have any backup. Thanks to iCloud, it's easy to sync and back up Safari data. If you have enabled iCloud, it will automatically do backups by default. However, if you have disabled backup manually, then it's impossible to use this method to restore disappeared bookmarks.

• Step 1. In your web browser, go to https://www.icloud.com/ . Sign in to it with your Apple ID.

• Step 4. Click Restore in the bottom right corner.
• Step 5. Once the process is done, it will display the number of the Safari bookmarks that have been restored. Click Done .

Fix 2. Use Data Recovery Software

My Safari bookmarks are gone, and there is no backup. What should I do? In such as case, you can retrieve them using ios data recovery software .

• Step 3. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with cable. Click Start Scan .

This method is pretty easy and straightforward. In addition to Safari bookmarks that are gone, you can also use the software to recover photos, videos, messages, contacts, memos, notes, etc.

Above are the common ways to fix the Safari bookmarks gone issue. You can choose the one that suits your situation best. No matter you are using Safari on Mac or iPhone or both, it’s highly recommended to back up bookmarks regularly. A missing or corrupt Bookmarks.plist will result in the disappearance of bookmarks. A backup can effectively minimize data loss. If, unfortunately, there is no backup, you can use professional data recovery software to retrieve the PLIST file that holds your precious Safari bookmarks.

Rosa has worked in Mac software industry for more than eight years. She believes that the purpose of software is to make life better and work more productively. In addition to writing, Rosa is also an avid runner.

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9 Ways to Fix the Bookmarks on iPhone Disappeared Issue (iOS 16 Supported)

"I have lost all of my favorites/bookmarks which I have saved on my iPhone. Why would these disappear? Since my storage has gotten low, I don't have them linked to iCloud. Any help on how I can get these back or why this has happened would be much appreciated."

- MacRumors Forums

Safari is the default browser on your iPhone or iPad, and you may have added some impressive pages or videos as bookmarks. Recently, many Apple users reported that the bookmarks on their iPhones disappeared after updating to iOS 15. Why are the iPhone Safari favorites missing? And how do I get my bookmarks back on my iPhone?

No worries! You will figure everything out in this guide.

Part 1. Why Did All My Bookmarks Disappear? Part 2. How Do I Get My Bookmarks Back on My iPhone/iPad? Bonus: How to Back Up Bookmarks on an iPhone/iPad to Avoid Data Loss?

Part 1. Why Did All My Bookmarks Disappear?

Before we go straight to the troubleshooting methods, you may want to know why "all my bookmarks are gone from my iPhone". In fact, it is not an uncommon issue that Safari bookmarks are gone from an iPhone or iPad. Here is a list of possible reasons that may be responsible for the "iPad bookmarks disappeared" problem.

• iOS update.
• iCloud sync failure.
• Factory reset.
• Accidental deletion.
• Jailbreak failure.
• The Plist files are corrupted or broken due to app crashes, hard drive damage, or sudden power off.
• System glitches.
• Restore iPhone from an iTunes or iCloud backup.
• Hardware damage.

Whatever the reason is, it is imperative to restore the bookmarks that disappeared on iPhone/iPad. Continue reading and follow us to the step-by-step solutions below.

Read more: This guide will tell you how to unfreeze an iPhone when its screen is frozen . Let's check it out.

Part 2. How Do I Get My Bookmarks Back on My iPhone/iPad?

Below are the nine effective tricks to get back the disappeared Safari bookmarks.

Solution 1. Restart Your iPhone/iPad

Restarting your device can resolve many system bugs, including the Safari bookmarks disappeared issue. Here's what you can do.

For iPhone 8 or newer models:

• Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.
• Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

• Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons together until the Apple logo shows up on the screen.

For iPhone 6s and older models:

• Press and hold the Power + Home buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo turns up on the screen.

For iPad models with Face ID or Touch ID:

• Quickly press and release the Volume button closest to the Top button.
• Quickly press and release the Volume button farthest from the Top button.
• Press and hold the Top button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPad models with a Home button:

• Press and hold the Top + Home buttons together until the Apple logo emerges on the screen.

Want to recover notes from iCloud from your iOS device ? Here is the guide that can help you.

Wonder how to use AppValley ? Read this article, and then you will know all the info on this app.

Solution 2. Restart the Safari App

You can also exit and enter the Safari app again to see if all the disappeared bookmarks come back.

• Click the Home button on iPhone 8 or earlier models or swipe up from the bottom to up on iPhone X and newer to open the multitasking window.
• Click the Safari app and slide it up to close the app.
• Tap the Safari app to restart it.

Solution 3. Sign Out and In iCloud

Another way to try when the iPhone bookmarks are gone is to re-sign in to your iCloud account.

First, open Settings > tap your name > click Sign Out to completely log out of your Apple ID. Later, open Settings > tap your name > Sign In and enter the Apple ID password. After that, open the Safari app to see whether the lost bookmarks appear.

Learn more: Looking for a way to recover your photos from recently deleted ablum on your iPhone ? You will get 5 ways from this article.

Solution 4. Ensure the Date & Time Is Correct

In some cases, the incorrect date and time can lead to unexpected system errors like iPad bookmarks gone. At this moment, you need to check whether the date and time show correctly on your device.

• Go to the device's Settings > General > Date & Time .
• Switch on the Set Automatically option.

If the option is already on, turn it off. A few seconds later, please turn it on again.

Solution 5. Check iCloud Settings

Assume you have turned on Safari in iCloud. You can check the iCloud settings to see if it is set correctly.

• Navigate to Settings > tap your name > choose iCloud .
• If Safari is on, toggle it off and then on in a few minutes.

Afterward, tap the Delete from My iPhone option if your data has synced to one or more computers. Or, select the Keep on My iPhone option.

Solution 6. Check the Internet Connection

A strong internet connection makes iCloud syncing more smoothly. Otherwise, the Safari bookmarks may disappear. Thus, you can open a browser on your iPhone and visit a reliable website to see if the network speed is stable. If not, it's necessary to reload the Safari data or restart your iPhone.

Solution 7. Ensure the Same Apple ID

You should also ensure that the Apple ID you are using on your iPhone is the same one you back up your Safari data. Head over to Settings > tap your name > check if the Apple ID is the same.

Maybe you like: What if your videos disappear from your iPhone ? Don't panic. You can fix this issue with these tips.

Solution 8. Restore Bookmarks from iTunes/iCloud Backup

If the above tricks cannot make the disappeared bookmarks emerge, try to restore bookmarks from your iTunes or iCloud backup if there's one already.

To restore bookmarks on iPhone from iTunes backup:

• Connect your iPhone to the computer and open the latest version of iTunes.
• When a window pops up on your iPhone, tap the Trust option to trust the computer.
• Click the iPhone icon when it appears in the iTunes window.
• Tap Restore Backup under Summary and pick the most relevant backup file containing your bookmarks.
• Hit Restore .

To retrieve bookmarks on iPhone from iCloud backup:

• Open Settings > General > Reset > click Erase All Content and Settings .
• After confirming the operation, the erasing process will start. Once finished, it will automatically restart.
• Set up your iPhone with the on-screen instructions.
• When you reach the Apps & Data screen, tap the Restore from the iCloud Backup option and log in with the same Apple ID and password.
• Select a backup file from the list and tap Restore .

Note: Both ways will cause data loss on your iPhone.

Solution 9. Ultimate Way to Restore Lost Bookmarks on iPad/iPhone

Apart from the above common methods, you can also use professional software to extract the disappeared bookmarks from iTunes backup. Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery is one of the best data recovery apps to get precious bookmarks back. With the app, you can preview all the Safari content and restore the desired bookmarks to the computer in HTML or XML format without connecting your iPhone.

Key features of Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery:

* Restore Safari, Safari history, calendars, and other data from the iTunes backup file to a computer. ( Note: Safari history is not supported in iOS 10 and later)

* Preview all the iTunes data and choose the desired bookmarks to restore.

* No need to connect your iPhone.

* Cause no data loss on your iPhone or iPad.

* Support iTunes backups from all iPhone/iPad models.

How to restore bookmarks on iPhone safely?

1. Install and run the app on your computer. Then, click the iOS Recovery module > Recover from iTunes Backup File mode on the left side.

2. Choose a backup file from the list and tap Start Scan . If you cannot find the wanted iTunes backup file, click the Select button to choose it from other customized folders.

3. Tick off Safari and Safari History on the data selection page and hit the Start Scan button again.

4. After scanning, choose Safari or Safari History on the left panel and preview all the Safari data. Later, tick off the bookmarks you want to restore and touch the Recover to Computer icon to export them to your PC.

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Bonus: How to Back Up Bookmarks on an iPhone/iPad to Avoid Data Loss?

As you can see, it isn't very pleasant to lose bookmarks on iPhone/iPad. Therefore, taking a regular backup of bookmarks is of great importance.

Coolmuster iOS Assistant makes it easy to back up bookmarks, contacts, notes, iBooks, and other important data on your iOS device. It also allows you to manage your iPhone data and restore the backups within clicks.

The highlights of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

* Selectively export bookmarks from your iPhone/iPad to a computer in HTML or XML format for easy reading.

* Back up and restore all iPhone data.

* Preview all the bookmarks before backup.

* Edit, delete, add, & import bookmarks to your iPhone.

* Support all iPhone/iPad models with iOS 5 to iOS 16, including the latest iPhone 14/SE (3rd generation)/13 Pro Max/13 Pro/13/13 mini, the new iPad mini 2022, etc.

How to back up bookmarks from iPhone to the computer?

Note: Your iPhone/iPad should be detectable by iTunes or Music. Or the program may fail to recognize it.

1. Install and launch Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your computer.

2. Connect your iDevice to the computer via a USB cable and trust the computer as prompted. Later, follow the on-screen directory to continue until you see the following interface, which means your iPhone is successfully connected.

3. Click Bookmarks on the left sidebar, preview all the items, and check the desired bookmarks to back up. After that, click the Export button on the top to save them to your computer.

Final Verdict

Don't worry if bookmarks on iPhone disappeared. You can try any way above to get them back. If you have synced your iPhone with iTunes before, using Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery will quickly restore the lost bookmarks from the previous iTunes backup file to your computer.

Also, we strongly recommend you back up your iPhone bookmarks periodically to avoid troublesome moments in the future. And you can do it with Coolmuster iOS Assistant , which is easy, fast, and user-friendly.

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iPhone/iPad Safari Bookmarks Gone After iOS Update? How to Get Back

If you are in trouble with iPhone/iPad safari bookmarks gone after iOS 15/14/13/12 update and looking for ways to find them back, here we will provide you with 5 methods to recover the disappeared safari bookmarks on iPhone/iPad.

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• iPhone/iPad Safari Bookmarks Lost
• Notes Disappeared from iPhone
• Photos Disappeared from iPhone
• Text Messages Disappeared
• Calendars Disappeared on iPhone
• Recover Deleted iPod Messages
• Recover Deleted Apps on iPad
• Restore iPad without Data Loss

PhoneRescue –  Safari Bookmarks Recovery

Safari Bookmarks and history lost after iOS update? Get PhoneRescue for iOS to recover them, no matter whether you have a backup or not. Supports all iOS systems.

After the latest version of iOS is released, some Apple users reported that their iPhone Safari bookmarks disappeared after updating to the new iOS version. The disappearing Safari bookmarks may collect your favorite pages or some awesome videos that you’ve been saving for a long time. You must be pretty upset to lose all of these Safari favorites.

But don’t fret, you still have the chance to get them back. Then you may ask: how do I get my favorites back on Safari? Here we outline 4 methods on how to fix Safari bookmarks gone problem. And iPhone, iPad, and all iOS systems are supported.

Why Did All of My Bookmarks Disappear? Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via Restarting Device Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via Recovery Tool Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via iCloud Backup

Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via iTunes Backup Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via Restarting iCloud

Why Did All of My Bookmarks Disappear?

When favorites disappeared from iPhone, the first reaction of many people may be: why did my favorites disappear on iPhone? There are many reasons for the iPhone Safari favorites disappeared problem, the most common of which is the iOS system issue . In addition, improper settings and operations may also cause iPhone bookmarks disappeared.

So, how do I get my Safari bookmarks back? You can restore Safari bookmarks from your device or backups. Below we present 4 proven methods with detailed steps. Read on, please.

Also Read:  How to Backup Safari Bookmarks on iPhone iPad >

Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via Restarting Device

Sometimes, software errors on your iPhone can also make your bookmarks disappeared. So if you are facing the safari bookmarks gone problem, you can try restarting your iPhone /iPad to fix this problem easily.

For iPhone X and later users: Quickly press Volume Up and then Volume Down. Long-press the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus users: Press and hold the Side and Volume Down buttons at the same time, until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 6s and earlier users: Press and hold both the Home and the Side buttons until the Apple logo appears.

Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via Recovery Tool

In fact, although the safari favorites disappeared iPhone, they are still stored on your devicec until some newly-added files overwrite it. You have no access to find and recover them unless using some professional iPhone data recovery tools, such as PhoneRescue – iPhone Data Recovery . It can read and get access to your disappearing safari bookmarks from iOS devices or from backup and bring those missing safari bookmarks back in minutes, whether you have made a backup or not. The following is its main features.

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

• Free preview and selection – Compared with traditional recovery methods, it supports to preview and select the lost data before recovery. Never restore the whole backup blindly.
• Recover data even without backup – Have not backed up your iPhone/iPad data? Don’t worry! PhoneRescue allows you to directly recover Safari bookmarks from your device.
• No data loss – Different from iTunes/iCloud recovery, data recovered via PhoneRescue will not overwrite your new data on the device.
• All iOS systems are supported – Even though you have updated your device to iOS 15, youcan still use PhoneRescue to complete Safari restore.

To fix the Safari bookmarks gone problem, just download PhoneRescue and follow the steps below.

Step 1. Open PhoneRescue for iOS on your computer, then plug in your iPhone or iPad. Choose and enter the “Recover from iOS Device” mode. Then click the right arrow to continue. (Here we take Recover from iOS Device for example).

Choose Recover from iOS Device under Data Recovery

Step 2. All data will be displayed, remember only to choose Safari History & Safari Bookmarks. Hit “OK” button to start scanning.

Choose Safari Data to Restore

Step 3. Preview and select the safari history and bookmarks you’d like to bring back. Then click Recover button at the bottom right corner of the screen.

Restore Missing Safari Bookmarks to your Device or Computer

Before asking for the help of recovery tools, you’d better stop using your iPhone to download or save new files on your iPhone/iPad in case that your safari bookmarks are overwritten by the newly stored data.

Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via iCloud Backup

How do I restore Safari bookmarks on iPhone? If you have backed up your Safari data including your bookmarks before updating to the latest iOS, once iPhone bookmarks gone, you can find your safari bookmarks back by restoring your iPhone from your backup. And one of the most commonly used backups is iCloud backup. Therefore, to restore Safari bookmarks from iCloud, just read below.

Choose Restore from iCloud Backup

Step 1. On your iPhone/iPad, click Settings > Choose General > Select Reset > Tap on Erase All Content and Settings button > Enter your password. Then you will factory reset your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Then follow the guide on your screen to set your device. When you see Apps & Data interface, click on Restore from iCloud Backup.

Step 3. Log into your iCloud account and click on Choose backup. Select the backup which includes your Safari data and choose Restore.

Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via iTunes Backup

In addition to iCloud, iTunes is also always used to back up people’s iPhone data. So when your favorites disappeared from Safari iPhone or iPad, iTunes backup can be a good choice for you to get back Safari favorites as well. But remember that to solve iPhone Safari bookmarks gone problem with iTunes, you need to have back them up with iTunes before. Now let’s see how to fix safari bookmarks gone with iTunes step by step.

Restore iPhone iPad in Recovery Mode

Step 1. Launch iTunes on the computer and connect your device with your computer.

Step 2. Click the iPhone or iPad icon on the left. Then select Summary and tap on the Restore Backup button.

Step 4. Choose the backup you need and at last click on the Restore button.

Fix Safari Bookmarks Gone via Restarting iCloud

Restarting Apps is a simple way for you to fix iPhone/iPad Safari bookmarks gone after update. You can try to remove your iCloud data and then restore it to get back your Safari favorites. In case of losing data, you need to back up your iPhone /iPad before signing out your iCloud.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, it’s really troublesome to fix Safari bookmarks gone problem. But with PhoneRescue for iOS, no matter whether you have backed up your iDevice or not, it will help you recover lost safari bookmarks. But for your own good, you’d better back up your iDevices before iOS update. Now just download PhoneRescue for iOS to get your lost safari bookmarks back.

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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• iOS File Recovery

3 Effective Solutions to Restore Safari Bookmarks on iPad

Do you need to restore Safari bookmarks on iPad? In fact, there is more than one way to do this job. To obtain these solutions, you can read this  MiniTool post to learn how to use MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS to get your lost data back.

Safari Bookmarks on iPad Disappeared!

Today, let’s start from the following issue:

Help please, how can I restore my Wife’s iPad, particularly the Bookmarks, I have somehow deleted her bookmarks, while I was using it because my MacBook Pro had gone wrong, I am in real deep Doo Doo !Hoping someone can help, else I’m DEAD! discussions.apple.com

If you like surfing the Internet, the upper issue is very easy to be understood. iPad is an iOS-based line of tablet computers designed and marketed by Apple Inc. and Safari is the default browser on it. Like other ordinary web browsers, Safari also has a bookmarking feature which allows you to tag of certain sites for reading later.

In general, these websites in bookmarks are important to you. But accidents happen every day. The Safari bookmarks may just disappear suddenly; or you delete them by accident; or after restoring iPad to factory settings, you discover that all Safari bookmarks are thrown away.

At that moment, you are certain eager to find a way to restore Safari bookmarks on iPad . So, next I will introduce three solutions to solve this issue accordingly.

Do you know how to recover deleted history on Android easily and effectively? Now, you can read this post and choose a proper method to do this job.

Solutions to Restore Safari Bookmarks on iPad

Solution 1: reboot your ipad.

This is a very simple solution, and please just follow these steps:

Step 1: Just press and hold the Top (or Side ) button until the slider appears.

Step 2: Drag the slider to turn your device completely off.

Step 3: After the iPad turns off, press and hold the Top (or Side ) button again until you see the Apple logo.

If you still can’t find Safari bookmarks after rebooting iPad, you can try to reset all settings on iPad. Go to Settings > General > Reset , then choose Reset All Settings . Don’t worry, all your preferences and settings are reset, while all media and data are kept well.

This solution can solve the sudden disappearance or unrecognized fault of Safari bookmarks on condition that you didn’t delete them really.

But, in most situations, the issue is not so simple. As long as you are sure that Safari Bookmarks are deleted from your iPad, you are unable to recover them by this way.

Solution 2: Restore Safari Bookmarks on iPad from iCloud.com

You are allowed to restore the Safari bookmarks from an earlier version that was automatically archived in iCloud. Just do as the following:

Step 1. Sign in iCloud.com, and click Setting from the home interface.

Step 2. Click Restore Bookmarks in the left-lower side Advanced section.

Step 3. All available versions are listed by the date and time they were archived. Select the version you want to restore, and click Restore to start restoring process.

At last, the restored bookmarks will appear on your iPad (In fact, they will appear on all your devices set up for iCloud Safari).

This solution is based on the premise that you have set iCloud to archive your Safari bookmarks automatically.

Is it the best recovery solution for you?

Not really.

Recovering Safari bookmarks from iCloud.com doesn’t allow you to select the ones you want to restore. Besides, there may be another bad situation: you haven’t set iCloud automatic archiving for Safari bookmarks.

Then, you may be searching for another ideal solution to solve this problem. So, it’s necessary for you to learn the next solution.

An Ideal Solution to Recover Safari Bookmarks on iPad – MiniTool

Solution 3: Restore Safari Bookmarks on iPad by MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS

When both solution 1 and solution 2 can’t solve the problem for you, it’s time to pick up a piece of third-party iOS data recovery software to assist you. Among good and bad software of this kind, the professional MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS is a good choice.

Developed by MiniTool Software Ltd., MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS is specially designed to recover data on iOS devices including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, which offers three recovery modules accordingly: Recover from iOS Device , Recover from iTunes Backup File , and Recover from iCloud Backup File .

And the supported recoverable data types include Safari bookmarks, photos, videos, messages, contacts, call history, calendar, and more.

In addition, there are two different versions for your individual use: Windows version for Windows operating system and Mac version for Mac operating system. Please download the correct version when you plan to use this software.

The following operations are based on Windows operating system, while the recovery process on Mac operating system is the same.

Now, you can just click the following button to get the latest software version.

MiniTool iOS Recovery on Windows Click to Download 100% Clean & Safe

Way 1: Recover Safari Bookmarks from iPad Directly

Provided that you delete Safari bookmarks by accident, but you haven’t made an iCloud and iTunes backup in advance, or set iCloud to archive Safari bookmarks automatically, then you are allowed to apply Recover from iOS Device module of this software to recover deleted Safari bookmarks on iPad.

To make this recovery module work normally, please install the latest iTunes on your computer.

Then, just follow the next steps:

Step 1. Connect your iPad with your computer, and open MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS Free Edition. The software will detect the device automatically. When your iPad is displayed on the interface, click Scan to let the software scan it.

Step 2. Analyzing iOS data will take some time, which depends on the size of data on your iPad. When the scanning process is finished, all the scanned data will be shown in the interface.

Select Bookmarks from the left data list, and all scanned Safari bookmarks including existing and deleted are shown in front of you. Choose the ones you want to recover and click the right-lower side button Recover to continue.

Step 3. You will get the first pop-out window. If you don’t want to save the selected Safari bookmarks to the default path, just click Browse to continue.

Step 4. There is another pop-out window after clicking Browse. When the storing path is chosen, just click Recovery on this pop-out window and all selected bookmarks are restored to the specified path.

Step 5. After step 4, there will be a third pop-out window. In this widow, you can click View Result to check the recovery result.

To view the Safari bookmarks, you can find and open the file named as bookmark.html in the specified stored path and you are able to view every website by clicking each link directly.

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Way 2: Restore Safari Bookmarks from iTunes Backup

Perhaps, you happened to make an iTunes backup before deleting Safari bookmarks. Then this way is available for you.

It’s worth mentioning that if you delete some Safari bookmarks before making an iTunes backup, you are still able to recover them as long as they are not overwritten by new data.

Before using this recovery module, you need to make sure that the iTunes backup file you are going to use is stored on the computer you are going to use.

Step 1. Open the software to enter its main interface. Then choose the recovery module Recover from iTunes Backup File on the top side of the interface. The software will automatically detect and list all iTunes backup files on this computer.

Here, you can identify the relevant backup file by judging from the Name , Latest Backup Date and Serial Number listed on the interface.

If the iTunes backup file you want to scan is saved into another path but not the iTunes backup specified path, and it is not listed on this interface, you have to click the blue button Select to search them out, and then click Add to make it displayed on this interface manually.

Then, select the iTunes backup file you want to recover and click Scan to start the scanning process.

Step 2. All your iPad iTunes backup data, including deleted and existing, will be listed on this interface when the scanning process is completed.

Select Bookmarks from the left side list of this interface, and the scanned Safari bookmarks will be displayed singly. Choose the needed Safari bookmarks to be recovered, and click the left-lower corner button Recover to enter the next step.

Please notice that the red-marked websites are the deleted ones which are not overwritten by new data before you making an iTunes backup.

Step 3. On the first pop-out window, click Browse and choose a proper path on the second pop-out window to store the selected Safari bookmarks.

Step 4. As step 5 of way 1, you are still able to view the results by clicking View Result on the third pop-out window.

Do you want to extract photos from iPhone backup in a fast and effective way? In this post, we will show you how to do this job with different ways.

Way 3: Retrieve Safari Bookmarks from iCloud Backup

The third recovery module Recover from iCloud Backup File is usable if you have made an iCloud backup.

Unlike recovering Safari bookmarks from iCloud.com which restores all archived bookmarks to your iPad, you can choose the ones you want to retrieve with this professional software.

Besides, just like way 2, as long as the deleted Safari bookmarks has not been overwritten, you can recover them with this software.

Notice! Due to the limitation of iCloud backup, MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS is not allowed to get iCloud backup files of iOS 9 or latter version.

See the detailed steps as below:

Step 1. Open the software to enter its main interface, and choose Recover from iCloud Backup File from the three recovery modules. Then enter your iPad Apple ID and password to sign in.

Step 2. This software will list the iCloud backup files on the interface. Just choose the relevant iCloud backup file and click DownLoad .

If there are more than one iCloud backup files listed here, choose the relevant backup file by judging from their Name , Latest Backup Date , File Size , iOS Version and iCloud Account .

Then, click Bookmarks and Confirm successively on the pop-out window to download Safari bookmarks only.

Step 3. When the download process is finished, you will get the interface like below which only shows you the scanned Safari bookmarks. Select the ones you want to recover and do the next steps according to the wizard. (The rest steps are same with step 3 and 4 of way 2)

Compared with way 1 and way 2, way 3 allows you to download the Safari bookmarks singly which can save a lot of time for you.

As it is mentioned above, MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free Edition allows you to recover all Safari bookmarks to your computer without paying any cent. However, if you want to use this free edition to recover other kinds of data without limitations , you need to update it to a full edition.

Important Suggestion about Safari Bookmarks

Form a good habit to make and upgrade your iPad backups regularly. This is the last resort once you wipe the important data from your iPad, iPhone or iPod.

For instance, MiniTool Power Data Recovery introduces 3 Ways to Recover Data after Your iPad, iPhone or iPod is Restored to Factory Settings even the data on iOS devices are wiped forever. After reading it, you will discover that these solutions are mainly based on the premise that there is an iTunes or iCloud backup in advance.

Bottom Line

In this post, we introduce 3 solutions to recover Safari bookmarks on iPad in this article, and restoring Safari bookmarks on iPad by MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS has obvious advantages: it is easier and flexible.

If you encounter some issues when you use this MiniTool software to restore Safari bookmarks on iPad, you can leave a message on the following comment area. Besides, you can send an email to [email protected] . Your ideas and solutions are also appreciated here!

Restore Safari Bookmarks on iPad FAQ

• Download and install MiniTool Mobile Recovery for iOS on your computer.
• Connect your iPad to your computer and open the software.
• Make the software scan your device.
• Select your needed Safari bookmarks and restore them.
• On your iPad: go to Settings > your Apple ID > iCloud and make sure that Safari is turned on.
• On your Mac: go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud and select Safari .

Then, you should make sure both the Wi-Fi connect on your iPad and internet connect on your Mac is enabled and work well.

• Sign in iCloud.com.
• Click Settings .
• Click Restore Bookmarks .
• Select the target version to restore.

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If your iCloud or Safari bookmarks aren’t syncing

Learn what to do if you have issues using iCloud Bookmarks or Reading List. For example, if you need to access a bookmark that you accidentally deleted or make changes in your web browser that don’t update on your other devices, we can help.

Before you get started

Check the System Status page to see if there are known issues affecting iCloud Bookmarks, since your device might not be the cause of your issue.

Make sure your date and time settings on your iOS device or Mac are correct. You can easily fix issues caused by incorrect date and time settings by entering the right information.

To help make sure that you don't lose important information, make copies of your Bookmarks .

If your bookmarks don't display in the same order across all of your devices, check how many bookmarks are in the folder. If the folder contains more than 500 bookmarks, the order of bookmarks might not be the same on all devices.

If you need to access a bookmark that you deleted within the last 30 days, you can recover it from iCloud.com . Click Settings, and under Advanced, click Restore Bookmarks.

Learn more if you need help using iCloud Tabs .

Follow the steps for your device:

Iphone, ipad, ipod touch, microsoft windows.

After each step, check to see if the issue still exists.

Turn on Bookmarks and update your device

Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud and make sure that Safari is turned on.

Install the latest software updates for your device, then make sure that it meets the iCloud system requirements .

Check your Internet connection

Open Safari and go to www.apple.com . If you can't connect to the Internet, your iCloud Bookmarks and Reading List* won't update in the Safari app. Get help with your Internet connection .

Open a secure website from your iOS device to see if you can access ports 80 and 443. Safari requires access to port 443 to push updates between iCloud and your devices.

* Reading List is only supported on iOS and macOS devices.

Check your account details

Make sure you're signed in with the same Apple ID that you're using on your other supported devices. Tap Settings > [your name].

Restart Safari

Close and restart the Safari app on your iOS device. If you're not sure know how to close Safari, follow these steps .

Turn off iCloud Bookmarks and turn it back on

Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud.

Turn off Safari.

You can choose Delete from My [device] if your data exists on one or more of your computers. Otherwise, choose Keep on My [device].

Wait a few minutes, then turn on Safari again.

Restart your device

Restart your device. If you're not sure how to do this, follow these steps.

Turn on iCloud Bookmarks and upgrade your software

Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences. If you're using macOS Catalina, click Apple ID. Click iCloud, then select Safari.

Quit Safari, then re-open Safari.

Try to go to www.apple.com in Safari. If you can't connect to the Internet, your iCloud Bookmarks and Reading List won't update in the Safari app. Get help with your Internet connection .

Open a secure website from your Mac to see if you can access ports 80 and 443. Safari requires access to port 443 to push updates between iCloud and your devices.

Choose Apple menu , and click iCloud. Make sure that you're signed in with the same Apple ID that you're using on your other supported devices.

Quit Safari.

Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences. If you're using macOS Catalina, click Apple ID. Click iCloud.

Deselect Safari.

Close System Preferences and wait about a minute.

Open System Preferences and click iCloud.

Select Safari.

Open Safari.

Restart your computer

Restart your computer and see if the issue still exists.

Check the system requirements

Make sure that your PC and your browser meet the iCloud system requirements .

Try to go to www.apple.com . If you can't connect to the Internet, your iCloud Bookmarks won't update. Get help with your Internet connection .

Open a secure website to see if you can access ports 80 and 443. Safari and Internet Explorer require access to port 443 to push updates between iCloud and your devices.

Close and reopen iCloud for Windows

If you install a browser when iCloud for Windows is open, you need to quit and reopen iCloud for Windows. Then the new browser appears in the Bookmarks Options list in iCloud for Windows preferences.

Check your settings

Open iCloud for Windows and make sure that you're signed in with the same Apple ID that you're using on your other supported devices.

Refresh your browser

Sometimes recent changes you make in your web browser might not update on your other devices (or the reverse might happen). Quit and reopen your web browser to refresh your changes.

Bookmarks in Google Chrome might not update as quickly as in Internet Explorer* or Firefox.

*If you use iCloud for Windows 10 or later in Internet Explorer, your bookmarks might appear out of order.

Check your bookmarks in another browser

If you can't use iCloud Bookmarks with one browser, try using them with a different browser.

Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10 doesn’t support iCloud Bookmarks. If you want to use iCloud Bookmarks in Windows 10, use a supported browser, like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Internet Explorer. Learn more about the system requirements for iCloud .

For example, if you typically use Internet Explorer, try using Firefox. If you only experience the issue in a particular browser, follow the browser-specific steps in this section. If the issue affects more than one browser, check for issues with your computer and network settings and connections.

Check the location of your Internet Explorer Favorites folder

If you changed the location where you save your Internet Explorer Favorites (bookmarks), your Favorites won't automatically update on your other devices. To fix this issue:

Open iCloud for Windows .

Deselect Bookmarks and click Apply.

Change the location of your favorites folder back to the default location (usually C:\Users\username\Favorites).

Return to iCloud for Windows, select Bookmarks and click Apply.

Put Internet Explorer 10 or Google Chrome in Desktop mode

To make Desktop mode the default in Internet Explorer 10:

Open Internet Explorer.

Click Tools > Internet Options, then click the Programs tab.

Select Always in Internet Explorer on the Desktop. Click OK.

Check the Open Internet Explorer tiles on the desktop checkbox. Click OK.

To make Desktop mode the default in Google Chrome:

Open Chrome.

Click Chrome, then select Relaunch Chrome on the desktop.

If you see an option called Relaunch Chrome in Windows 8 mode, you're already running in desktop mode by default.

Activate the iCloud Bookmark extension or add-on in Google Chrome or Firefox

Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu in the upper-right corner, then choose More tools > Extensions.

Select the Enable checkbox next to iCloud Bookmarks.

Open Firefox

Click the Firefox menu in the upper-right corner, then choose Add-ons.

Click Extensions.

Click Enable next to iCloud Bookmarks.

Close your browser.

Deselect the Bookmarks checkbox and click Apply.

Wait a few seconds, select Bookmarks and click Apply.

Open your browser.

After you restart your computer, see if the issue still exists.

Stop automatic bookmark updates in Google Chrome or Firefox

To stop automatically updating bookmarks in Google Chrome or Firefox, disable the iCloud extension or browser add-on:

Click Options next to Bookmarks.

Deselect the Chrome or Firefox checkbox. Click OK.

Click Apply, then click Remove.

If you turned off Chrome in iCloud for Windows, the Extensions tab will open in Chrome. To disable the extension, deselect the Enable checkbox next to the iCloud Bookmarks extension, or click the trash icon to remove the extension.

If you turned off Firefox in iCloud for Windows, the Firefox Add-ons Manager will open. Click Disable next to the iCloud Bookmarks add-on to disable the add-on, or click Remove to remove the add-on.

See how to use iCloud Bookmarks with Firefox or Google Chrome for Windows.

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my icons have disappeared in safari

my icons have disappeared in safari on my iphone 8 plus

Posted on Apr 7, 2021 12:26 PM

Posted on Apr 8, 2021 11:16 AM

Hi basilbrush12,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities! It looks like you have a question about some icons in Safari, and we'd like to get an understanding of the issue to see how we can help out.

For clarification, which icons are you referring to? Are you missing your bookmarks, favorites, or something else?

If you Restart your iPhone and check again, does this help? Also, which iOS version are you using under Settings > General > About?

If restarting doesn't clear up the issue, let us know the details and your current iOS version. Kind regards.

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Apr 8, 2021 11:16 AM in response to basilbrush12

Apr 12, 2021 5:02 AM in response to basilbrush12

Thanks for replying. Are the bookmarks missing, or just the icons? Do you see your list of bookmarks but they appear with a generic letter icon?

Did you try restarting your iPhone to see if that helps?

If you've been using iCloud with Safari, you might also want to tap Settings > [name] > iCloud and make sure that feature is turned on.

Apr 12, 2021 12:09 PM in response to basilbrush12

Hello basilbrush12,

Were you able to restart your iPhone yet? If not, give that a try and let us know the results. We also recommend checking Settings > [name] > iCloud; if you've used Safari before to sync content like bookmarks and history, you might be able to resolve this by turning that setting back on.

Have a good one.

Apr 8, 2021 7:03 PM in response to ryane77

My bookmark icons have disappeared and I am running on iOS 14.02

Apr 12, 2021 9:59 AM in response to ryane77

My bookmarks have disappeared