Migrate Safari Data to Chrome on iOS Effortlessly
▼ Summary
– Google is developing an on-device tool to let iOS users import Safari browsing data directly into Chrome.
– The feature will guide users through a step-by-step import process using a ZIP file exported from Safari’s settings.
– Users can select specific data types to migrate, including passwords, credit cards, history, and bookmarks.
– The tool includes a security measure that warns users and offers to delete the sensitive export file after import.
– The feature is currently in testing for Chrome 145 and is expected to reach the public version soon.
Google is developing a new feature for its Chrome browser on iOS devices, designed to simplify the process of moving your personal browsing information from Safari. This on-device migration tool aims to provide a straightforward, guided experience for users who wish to switch their default browser, directly addressing a functionality gap that has primarily existed on desktop platforms until now.
Reports indicate this “Safari import” tool could become available to users within the next few weeks. The process is expected to utilize a ZIP archive file that iPhone users can generate within their device settings. You would navigate to Settings, then select Apps, followed by Safari, and find the ‘Export Browsing Data’ option to create this file. The Chrome tool would then guide you through a step-by-step import flow, presenting choices for the specific types of data you want to transfer.
During the migration, you will be able to select which categories of information to bring over into Chrome. The available options are reported to include saved passwords, autofill data for credit cards, your complete browsing history, and all bookmarks. A notable part of this process is a clear disclaimer informing users that “Your data will be saved to your Google Account,” which is an important point for those considering their data privacy and cloud storage preferences.
As detailed, once the import process finishes, Chrome will display a warning. This alert will state that the file you used contains private information and will provide a quick option to delete that file immediately from your device. This step is a helpful security measure, encouraging users to remove the local data package to help keep sensitive personal information safer after the transfer is complete.
This new import functionality is currently undergoing testing in a pre-release version of the browser, specifically Chrome 145, which is available to TestFlight users. While the beta program for this version is currently at full capacity, the public rollout may not be far off. The current stable version of Chrome for iOS is version 144, suggesting this convenient migration feature could be released to all users in a near-future update.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
