How to Import Chrome and Firefox Data into Safari

Switching your primary web browser does not mean you have to leave your saved data behind. This article provides a straightforward guide on how to seamlessly transfer your bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords from Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox directly into the Safari web browser. Below, you will find instructions for the automatic direct import method as well as how to manually transfer your data using exported files.

Method 1: Direct Import (Fastest)

If you have Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox installed on the same Mac as Safari, you can transfer your data directly in just a few clicks.

  1. Close Your Old Browser: Quit Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox completely to ensure no files are locked during the transfer.
  2. Open Safari: Launch the Safari browser on your Mac.
  3. Access the Import Menu: In the top menu bar, click on File, then hover over Import From.
  4. Select Your Browser: Click on either Google Chrome or Firefox from the dropdown menu.
  5. Choose Your Data: A pop-up window will appear. Check the boxes next to Bookmarks, History, and Passwords depending on what you want to transfer.
  6. Confirm the Import: Click the Import button.
  7. Authenticate: If you are importing passwords, your Mac will prompt you to enter your administrator password or use Touch ID to authorize the transfer.
  8. Review the Summary: Once finished, Safari will display a confirmation message showing what was successfully imported. Click OK.

Method 2: Manual Import Using Files

If you are moving data from a different computer where Safari is not installed, you will need to export your bookmarks and passwords as files first, move them to your Mac, and then import them into Safari. Note that browsing history cannot be transferred manually using this method.

Exporting and Importing Bookmarks (HTML)

From Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Bookmarks and lists > Bookmark Manager.
  3. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the manager page and select Export bookmarks. Save the HTML file.

From Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Bookmarks > Manage bookmarks (at the bottom).
  3. At the top of the Library window, click Import and Backup and select Export Bookmarks to HTML. Save the file.

Into Safari:

  1. Move the saved HTML file to your Mac and open Safari.
  2. In the top menu bar, click File > Import From > Bookmarks HTML File...
  3. Select your saved HTML file and click Import. Your bookmarks will appear in a new folder at the bottom of your Safari sidebar.

Exporting and Importing Passwords (CSV)

From Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome, click the three dots in the top-right corner, and go to Passwords and autofill > Google Password Manager.
  2. Click Settings on the left menu.
  3. Next to "Export passwords," click Download file and enter your computer's password to save the CSV file.

From Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox, click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, and select Passwords.
  2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the password list and select Export Logins...
  3. Confirm the warning prompt and enter your computer's password to save the CSV file.

Into Safari:

  1. Move the saved CSV file to your Mac and open Safari.
  2. In the top menu bar, click File > Import From > Passwords CSV File...
  3. Click Choose File, select your CSV file, and click Import.
  4. Enter your Mac's administrator password to authorize the import.
  5. Important: Once the import is complete, immediately delete the unencrypted CSV file from your computer and empty the Trash to keep your passwords secure.