If you use Microsoft Edge on multiple devices, keeping your browsing experience consistent can save time and improve productivity. Instead of searching for the same websites again, you can sync your tabs so they’re available on your Windows PC, laptop, Mac, Android phone, or iPhone. Whether you’re working, studying, or browsing for personal use, syncing tabs lets you continue where you left off without manually sharing links.
The Microsoft Edge Sync feature securely stores your browsing data in your Microsoft account and makes it accessible across all devices where you’re signed in. Once enabled, you can open tabs from another device in just a few clicks.
Enable and Sync Microsoft Edge Tabs Across Devices
To enable and sync Microsoft Edge tabs across devices, follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge on your device.
- Sign in using the same Microsoft account on every device.
- Open Settings and select Profiles.
- Click Sync and turn on Open Tabs.
- Repeat the same process on your other devices.
- Wait a few moments for synchronization to complete.
- Access synced tabs from the History menu in Microsoft Edge.
Once sync is enabled, your open tabs become available across all connected devices, allowing you to continue browsing from where you stopped.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge and Sign In to Your Microsoft Account
The first step is making sure you’re signed in with your Microsoft account. Without signing in, Edge cannot synchronize your browsing information between devices.
Open Microsoft Edge. Go to the Profile icon in the upper right corner of the browser window. Then select Sign In if you are not already logged in.
Enter your Microsoft account email address and password. After signing in, Edge may ask whether you want to sync your browsing data. If this prompt appears, choose Yes or Turn On Sync.
If you’re already signed in, verify that the same Microsoft account will be used on every device you plan to sync. Using different accounts prevents tabs from appearing across devices.
Once you successfully sign in, your profile becomes the central location for managing all synchronization settings.
Step 2: Open the Sync Settings
Now that you’re signed in, you need to access the synchronization options.
Go to Settings. Then select Profiles from the left navigation pane. Next, click Sync to open the available synchronization settings.
You’ll see several categories of information that Edge can synchronize, including Favorites, Passwords, History, Extensions, Settings, Collections, and Open Tabs.
If synchronization is currently disabled, click Turn On Sync to activate the feature.
This section allows you to choose exactly which information should be shared between your devices.
Step 3: Enable Open Tabs Sync
The most important setting for this guide is the Open Tabs option.
Go to Settings > Profiles > Sync. Then locate Open Tabs in the list of available sync items. Turn the toggle on.
While you’re here, you may also enable History. Syncing browsing history often improves the overall experience because recently visited websites become available across devices as well.
Once the Open Tabs option is enabled, Edge begins securely uploading your active tabs to your Microsoft account. Depending on your internet connection and the number of open tabs, the process usually finishes within a few minutes.
You do not need to keep the settings page open after enabling synchronization.
Step 4: Repeat the Process on Your Other Devices
Synchronization only works when every device is configured correctly.
Open Microsoft Edge on your second device. Go to Profile > Sign In and use the exact same Microsoft account that you used on your first device.
Then go to Settings > Profiles > Sync. Make sure Sync is turned on and confirm that Open Tabs is also enabled.
Repeat these same steps on every Windows computer, Mac, Android phone, or iPhone where you use Microsoft Edge.
Using one consistent Microsoft account across all devices ensures your browsing information stays connected.
Step 5: Wait for Edge to Complete Synchronization
After enabling synchronization, allow Microsoft Edge a few moments to exchange data with Microsoft’s cloud servers.
Keep both devices connected to the internet. Avoid signing out of Edge or closing the browser immediately after enabling sync.
Most users notice their tabs syncing within a few minutes. However, if you recently opened many tabs, the process may take slightly longer.
If synchronization appears delayed, refresh the browser by closing and reopening Microsoft Edge. You can also verify that sync remains enabled in the Profiles settings.
Step 6: Access Synced Tabs on Another Device
Once synchronization finishes, you can view tabs from your other devices.
Go to History by selecting the History icon or pressing Ctrl + H on Windows. Then look for the section labeled with your other synced devices.
Expand the device name to view all currently open tabs. Simply click any tab you want to open, and Edge immediately loads that webpage.
This feature is especially useful when you begin researching on your desktop and want to continue reading on your laptop or smartphone later.
Because synchronization happens automatically, newly opened tabs continue appearing across your connected devices without requiring additional setup.
Fix Microsoft Edge Tab Sync Issues
If your tabs are not syncing properly, there are several simple checks you can perform.
First, verify that every device is connected to the internet.
Second, make sure you’re signed into the same Microsoft account everywhere. Even one different account prevents synchronization.
Third, go to Settings > Profiles > Sync and confirm that both Sync and Open Tabs remain enabled.
Next, update Microsoft Edge to the latest version. Older versions occasionally experience compatibility issues with newer sync features.
Finally, restart the browser or restart your device if synchronization appears stuck. This often refreshes the connection to Microsoft’s synchronization service.
Most synchronization issues are resolved by checking these basic settings.
FAQs
How long does Microsoft Edge take to sync tabs?
In most cases, tabs sync within a few minutes. A slower internet connection or a large number of open tabs may increase synchronization time.
Can I sync Edge tabs between Windows and Android?
Yes. Microsoft Edge supports tab synchronization across Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, provided you use the same Microsoft account.
Why are my tabs not appearing on another device?
The most common reasons include using different Microsoft accounts, having Open Tabs sync disabled, an unstable internet connection, or running an outdated version of Microsoft Edge.
Is Microsoft Edge tab sync secure?
Yes. Microsoft Edge encrypts synchronized data and stores it securely through your Microsoft account. Keeping your account protected with a strong password and two-step verification further improves security.
Do I need to keep Microsoft Edge open for syncing?
No. After synchronization is enabled, Edge automatically updates your browsing information whenever the browser connects to the internet.