You can save and sync things like your history, bookmarks, and passwords to your Google Account. That way you'll always have them on any Chrome OS device and in Google Chrome on other devices where you're signed in. Learn how to sign in to Chrome.
Syncing works with Chrome OS version 18 and later, and is on by default when you sign in to your device.
- Your settings and data are synced to your Google Account. This way, your saved settings will be ready when you sign in to the same account on a different Chrome OS device.
- If your device is stolen or broken, you can get back your history, settings, data, bookmarks, apps, extensions, and themes just by signing in again. (Note: Downloads are not synced.)
- Changes to Chrome will sync right away. If you've signed in to the same Google Account on a different Chrome OS device and have sync turned on, any changes you make on your device will show on Google Chrome on other devices where you're signed in. Learn how to sign in to Chrome.
To keep your information secure, synced data is encrypted when it travels between your computer and Google's servers. As an added layer of protection, your saved passwords are encrypted on Google's servers using a cryptographic key.
You can choose to encrypt all your synced data. Learn how to encrypt your data.
You can remove your synced data from your account at any time.
Choose what information to sync
- In the bottom right, select the time to open the status area.
- Select Settings
- In the "People" section, select Sync and Google Services.
- Select Manage sync.
- Choose what you'd like to sync. To use all the same settings on every Chrome OS device you sign in to, turn on Sync everything.
- Optional: Under "Encryption options," you can encrypt all your synced data with a passphrase. Learn how to add a sync passphrase.
Note: If you're using your device at work or at school, your administrator might choose to turn off sync. If so, you won't be able to sync your information.
What account info is shared with Android apps, Chrome extensions, and websites
If you're using Android apps, Chrome extensions, or websites, they may have access to your Google Account.
When you add a Google Account to your device:
- Android apps: Your email and contacts are shared with Android apps that have the "contacts" permission.
- Chrome extensions: Your info is not shared unless you grant permission when the extension is asking to access a specific account.
- Websites: Your info is not shared unless you use a website with a "Sign in with Google" box. You'll get to choose which Google Account to use and then a list of permissions requested by the website. You can opt out of any of these steps.
Check which Android apps have access to your contacts
Apps, extensions, and websites in Chrome and Google Play may use your Google Accounts to personalize your experience, depending on permissions.
Important: If you have given an app access to your contacts, that app is able to see contacts from all your signed in Google Accounts.
To check which Android apps have access to your contacts:
- At the bottom right, select the time.
- Select Settings
.
- In the "Google Play Store" section, select Google Play Store.
- Select Manage Android preferences
Apps & notifications.
- Open App permissions
Apps & notifications. Delete synced information from your account
You can delete your synced information from your Google Account at any time:
- In the bottom right, select the time to open the status area.
- Select Settings
- In the "People" section, select Sync and Google Services.
- Select Data from Chrome sync.
- At the bottom, select Reset sync.
All the information that has been synced will be deleted from your Google Account. All of your bookmarks, apps, and extensions will stay on your device, but won't show up on other Chrome OS devices you use.