Q: Bookmarks not syncing in iCloud

I have the same issue.  MacAir, ipad, iMac.  Bookmarks only thing not syncing.  What's the cure here?

I have the same. The workaround until such a time as Apple Releases a fix is to check and then un-check tick box in System Settings > iCloud, then select Merge.

I have the same issue.  One thing I also have going on is that I use Xmarks to sync in addition to icloud.  Anyone else doing this?

I'm pretty dissatisfied with how much they've dumbed down the sync tools.  Why is merge the only option?  Why can't I overwrite local or cloud?  I really miss the advanced tab which allowed you to clean up messes like this in a few clicks.  I'll probably have to just go premium on Xmarks so I can sync to iOS and be done with it.

Hello ... I believe once the problems with sync start the system is in a state of "Lost in the middle", and changes are no longer passed on. This happened to me. You can durably solve this issue by bringing all computers to exactly to the state in which the iCloud copy of your bookmarks is, and syncing starts working again flawlessly: Across my Macs, my iPhones and my iPads - everything worked.

1) Export your bookmarks: In Safari go to File -> Export

2) Switch off iCloud synchronization for Bookmarks in "System Preferences" -> iCloud.

3) Exit Safari.

4) Delete current local copy of Bookmarks: Go to Finder -> Go, press alt-key to show the hidden menu items under "Go", click on Library. In Library find Safari and drag the file "Bookmarks.plist" to a safe location.

5) Switch on iCloud synchronization for Bookmarks.

You will see the system doesn't propose to "merge" anymore (because there are no local bookmarks anymore to merge with). After the initial synchronization your bookmarks are completely in sync and keep in sync for whatever changes you do. You may need to check whether the iCloud copy which was synced to your local user included all Bookmarks and you can add the missing ones by using the file you exported in step 1.

I had to repeat this procedure on every Mac but then I had never again any problems.

On the iPhone, iPad things are much easier. You just switch off sync, choose to "Delete Bookmarks on iPad/iPhone" and switch it on again. Presto.

V.

To Valentin Starke. I just want to make sure I'm doing this right. I went to Safari - File and Export Bookmarks to my Documents. Where would you suggest a safe location for the Bookmarks.plist file?

Thanks so much for this.  It works perfectly.  If anyone is confused about deleting bookmarks file on iPhone and iPad, when you switch off Safari Bookmarks in iCloud settings, it asks if you want to merge.  Say yes, but then trun them right off again and it will prompt you to delete all bookmarks.  Then when you turn it back on, you will get the fresh version from iCloud, and as stated above all should stay syncing with iCloud going forward.  I did a MacPro, MacBook, iPad and iPhone.  Appreciate this!

Thanks, worked perfectly!

Valentin, thank you for this solution.

Valentin, thank you for the clear information.

Just one question. In System Preferences, the iCloud option is simply "Safari". When you say "Switch off iCloud syncronization for Bookmarks", is unchecking/checking the box for Safari the correct action to do this?

That makes sense to me but I just want to make sure :-).

Had the same problem and this Valentin's solution worked for me.

Thanks. This just worked for me.

Can I suggest a rather simple workaround?

New bookmarks that you create on any iOS device will sync with Safari properly and therefore will propagate across any other browser. Job done. Same if you create them in Safari. No problem.

New bookmarks will not propagate properly to iOS if you create on another desktop browser.But, they will make it as far as Safari on your computer.

So, if you create new bookmarks in a desktop browser other than Safari, then just put them in the bookmarks bar, or in the root directory, or someplace else you can easily find them. Then when convenient you can go into Safari and move them to the place you actually want them.

Why? The act of moving the bookmark makes iCloud notice it, and therefore it is then correctly synced with all devices. Not ideal, but quite easy and probably good enough until the Xmarks team can fix it properly.

Sorry, this is in the wrong thread - this makes Xmarks sync work. Apologies.