How browser sync moves history and saved data between devices

Chrome account storage is broader than history alone

Google says signing in to Chrome can save bookmarks, passwords and other data in the Google Account. History and tab syncing are a separate available choice. Qualifying Chrome history added to Web & App Activity may also personalize other Google services. Signing in, saving a category and enabling a personalization purpose are related but distinct choices. Google: Chrome sign-in and account storage

Encryption options have exceptions and recovery consequences

Google's current Chrome instructions say a custom passphrase can protect specified account-stored Chrome data from Google reading it. Wallet payment methods and addresses are excluded. It describes narrower history syncing and warns that changing the passphrase deletes encrypted account data and signs out devices. This is not a promise that every account record is covered. Google: current saved-data controls and passphrase limits

Edge sync can include sensitive saved categories

Microsoft lists history, open tabs, favorites, extensions, settings, saved passwords, autofill and payment information among Edge sync categories. The signed-in account and selected categories determine the scope. A cloud-backed category can therefore be available on other devices using that account; a particular device's actual selections need checking. Microsoft: Edge sync categories and account scope

Edge personalization is another collection purpose

Microsoft separately describes consented browsing-activity collection for ads and other experiences, including history, usage, viewed content and device details. It says stopping that sharing ends this collection and use going forward. Turning off the account's advertising personalization does not by itself stop every other browsing-based personalized experience. Microsoft: separate browsing-activity personalization

Safari can sync history, tabs and profile information

Apple's iCloud guide lists history, open tabs, bookmarks, Reading List, Tab Groups, profiles and specified settings among Safari information kept in iCloud. It distinguishes extension-state syncing from automatic installation: an extension still needs installation on each device. Camera and location permission settings are excluded from the listed settings syncing. Apple: Safari information stored in iCloud

The iPhone guide describes viewing and closing tabs from another Apple device under the same account and qualifying iCloud setup. A tab left open on one device may therefore be visible elsewhere through this feature. Apple: cross-device Safari tab access

Clearing one storage layer may affect another device

Microsoft says Edge clearing can be limited to the current device with sync off, or propagate selected synced categories while signed in and syncing. It separately says deleting dashboard data does not delete the device copy. These actions have different effects. Microsoft: local, synced and cloud clearing

Apple says clearing Safari history on a Mac removes that history from other devices with iCloud set up for Safari. It does not clear independent histories kept by visited websites. Removing download history also does not delete the downloaded files. Apple: Safari history deletion and independent records