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To back up Firefox bookmarks, open Bookmarks > Manage bookmarks > Import and Backup > Backup… and save the dated file somewhere safe. To restore, choose Import and Backup > Restore and select a backup. Be careful: restoring replaces your current Firefox bookmarks. To add bookmarks from a file without replacing what you have, import an HTML file instead.
Choose the right way to back up or move bookmarks
Firefox offers different options for different jobs. The Library’s Backup… command creates a dated JSON bookmark backup for restoring in Firefox. Export Bookmarks to HTML… creates a portable file that can be imported into another browser. Firefox Sync keeps bookmarks updated across devices, but Mozilla says Sync is not a true backup service. Mozilla’s bookmark backup and transfer guidance explains these distinctions.
| Your goal | Use this | Important tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Recover Firefox bookmarks from a saved point | Backup…, then Restore | Restore replaces the current set. |
| Add bookmarks from a file to existing bookmarks | Import Bookmarks from HTML | This is the option for combining bookmark sets. |
| Move bookmarks to another browser | Export Bookmarks to HTML… | Export creates a portable HTML file rather than the default dated JSON backup. See Mozilla’s HTML export instructions. |
| Keep Firefox bookmarks aligned across devices | Firefox Sync | It continuously updates devices, so it is not an independent recovery copy. |
| Move a saved backup without Sync | Copy the backup file to transfer media, then use Choose File… on the destination computer | A flash drive is one optional example, not a requirement. |
How to make a manual Firefox bookmark backup
- Open Firefox’s menu, choose Bookmarks, then Manage bookmarks to open the Library.
- Select All Bookmarks in the Library sidebar if it is not already selected.
- Choose Import and Backup > Backup….
- Pick a memorable location and save the dated JSON file. Keep its file extension intact. If you want the copy to survive loss of the computer, keep another copy somewhere independent of that device.
For a file intended to be used in another browser, choose Import and Backup > Export Bookmarks to HTML… instead. Mozilla describes the HTML export as the portable option for backing up or transferring bookmarks to other browsers. See the export steps from Mozilla Support.
How to restore bookmarks from a backup
- Open Bookmarks > Manage bookmarks.
- In the Library, choose Import and Backup > Restore.
- Select a dated automatic backup, or choose Choose File… to locate a manual backup you saved.
- Confirm only if you intend to replace the bookmarks currently in Firefox with the ones in the selected backup.
Mozilla’s current support article says Firefox retains the last 15 automatic bookmark backups. If a restore file does not work, Mozilla recommends trying another supported file type, HTML or JSON. Check Mozilla’s restore guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Restore a lost set or combine two sets?
Recover an earlier Firefox bookmark state
Use Restore with the dated automatic backup or a manual backup that contains the version you want. Remember that this replaces the current bookmark set, so make a separate copy of any current bookmarks you still need before restoring.
Combine bookmarks with what is already in Firefox
Use Import Bookmarks from HTML, not Restore. Mozilla identifies HTML import as the route for adding bookmarks from a file to the existing set.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Move bookmarks to another computer or browser
Move a Firefox backup to another computer
Copy the saved backup file to the destination computer, using transfer media such as an optional flash drive if convenient. On the destination, open Bookmarks > Manage bookmarks > Import and Backup > Restore > Choose File… and select the copied file. Because Restore replaces the destination’s current bookmarks, use HTML import instead if your goal is to combine sets.
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Move bookmarks to a different browser
On the source computer, use Export Bookmarks to HTML… in the Library. Then use the destination browser’s bookmark-import feature to select that HTML file. The exact import menu depends on the destination browser. Mozilla documents the Firefox export workflow.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Use Firefox Sync or move bookmarks from Firefox mobile
Sync can keep Firefox bookmarks aligned across devices. Mozilla cautions that it is not a true backup, so save an independent file if you need a recovery point. Mozilla also says exporting bookmarks on Firefox mobile requires Firefox Sync.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bookmark backups and Firefox’s broader profile backup
The Library steps in this guide back up bookmarks. Mozilla also documents a newer Firefox Backup feature for broader profile data, including settings, history, passwords, payment methods and extensions. Its availability varies by platform and release: Mozilla’s current help page describes creation on Windows 10 and restore on Windows 10/11, with broader rollout noted for Linux from Firefox 151 and macOS from Firefox 154. Check Mozilla’s Firefox Backup availability and restore guidance for current platform details. This broader feature is separate from the Library’s bookmark backup command.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Plug-and-play expandability
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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