How To Restore Deleted Bookmarks on Google Chrome [2026 Guide]

I’m going to teach you how to restore deleted bookmarks on Google Chrome. We’ll explore a few methods that can help you recover important links you may have accidentally removed. Let’s start with the simplest and quickest solution first.

Imagine this scenario. You have just accidentally deleted a bookmark. It’s a common mishap, but don’t worry.

There’s a fast way to fix this if you act quickly. If you’re still in the same session where you deleted the bookmark, press Ctrl + Z on Windows or Cmd + Z on a Mac right away. This handy shortcut undoes the last action.

It can be used in the Bookmark Manager or directly on the bookmarks bar. This method really shines due to its immediacy and simplicity. Keep it in mind whenever you face this situation.

If you also lost open pages during a reboot, you can restore your Chrome tabs after a restart to get back to where you left off.

Restore Deleted Bookmarks on Google Chrome [2026 Guide]

Quick undo

Press the Undo shortcut as soon as you notice the deletion. Use it on the bookmarks bar or inside the manager to bring the item back. If nothing else changed after the deletion, this is your fastest path.

Code example - Undo shortcuts:

Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Z
macOS: Cmd + Z

Restore from an HTML backup

If you didn’t catch the mistake right away and pressing Ctrl + Z or Cmd + Z isn’t an option anymore, there’s another method you can try, especially if you have been proactive in the past. If you have previously exported your bookmarks to an HTML file, you can use this backup to restore your bookmarks to their former glory. Exporting your bookmarks means you saved them as a separate file that can be easily accessed and imported when needed.

Open Bookmark Manager

Start by opening the Bookmark Manager. On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + O.

On a Mac, press Option + Command + B. You can also open Chrome’s menu, choose Bookmarks, then Bookmark Manager.

Code example - Bookmark Manager shortcuts:

Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + O
macOS: Option + Command + B

Import the HTML file

Inside Bookmark Manager, click the three-dot menu at the top right. Choose Import bookmarks.

Select the HTML file you saved earlier. Chrome will restore those valuable links you thought you’d lost.

It’s always a good idea to periodically export your bookmarks for an extra layer of security. This habit can save you time and stress down the road. If you also need to bring back saved logins, see how to recover deleted passwords in Chrome.

Why these methods work

These methods prove useful because they offer quick and realistic solutions to what might seem like a daunting problem. By undoing immediately with a shortcut or using a backup HTML file, you ensure that your important bookmarks are never truly lost.

Final thoughts

Use Ctrl + Z or Cmd + Z right after a deletion for the fastest recovery. If you’ve kept an export, import the HTML file through the Bookmark Manager to bring everything back.

If you’re rebuilding your new tab setup too, you can also restore Chrome shortcuts in a few quick steps.