Where Does Safari Store History and Bookmarks?
Safari History.db and Bookmarks.plist paths on macOS, plus how iCloud sync changes what you can recover locally on disk.
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Safari keeps history in a SQLite database called History.db and bookmarks in Bookmarks.plist, both inside ~/Library/Safari. Tabs, reading list and per site settings sit nearby in the same folder. The Library itself stays hidden in Finder.
On iOS there is no file to open. Backups and iCloud sync own that data. On Mac, quit Safari before copying the folder, since the database stays locked while the browser runs. Copy both files together so history and bookmarks stay in sync.
Where Safari stores this, by platform
~/Library/Safari/History.db
Bookmarks are at ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist in the same folder. Use Go > Go to Folder in Finder. Copy both files together for a full restore.
Frequently asked questions
Can I read Safari history without opening Safari?
Yes, with Safari closed. Copy History.db elsewhere first, then open the copy with a SQLite browser and check the history_visits table. Never edit the live file in place.
Why is my Safari folder missing bookmarks after iCloud sync?
iCloud can replace the local plist with the synced copy. Check other Apple devices and iCloud.com first, then restore Bookmarks.plist from a Time Machine backup with Safari closed.
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