How to set up sync in Google Chrome

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Editors’ note, October 30, 2014: This post was originally published on March 26, 2011, and has been updated to include new information.

Having multiple computers can be great when one of them is a laptop for mobile computing and another stays at home for the family. Fortunately, Google Chrome lets you sync your bookmarks and extensions so you don’t have to add or transfer them to your other computers. So how can you turn on this feature? Follow these three quick steps for enabling sync on Google Chrome.

Chrome menu.
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Step 1: Open the hamburger menu in your Chrome browser (the three lines in the upper right-hand corner) and choose Settings.

Start sync setup.
Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: In the new tab that opens, click the Sign in to Chrome button near the top and sign-in to your account.

Choose the features you want to sync.
Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 3: You can choose which settings you want to sync or “Sync everything.” Additionally, you will need to add a passphrase for encryption.

(Optional) Step 4: Enable syncing in Google Chrome on your other devices, such as computers, phones, or tablets. The features you chose to sync should appear shortly.

Now you don’t need to transfer your bookmarks, re-download your extensions, or struggle to remember your passwords — Chrome brings them along for you.