If your Chrome bookmarks bar disappeared, press Ctrl + Shift + B to bring it back. On a Mac, press Cmd + Shift + B. That shortcut turns the bar on and off, and it’s easy to hit by accident. If the bar still won’t show up, Chrome is probably in full-screen mode, or you’re signed in to a different profile.
Before you start
- Applies to: Google Chrome on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks. Not version-specific.
- Not on phones: Chrome for Android and iPhone don’t have a bookmarks bar. Your bookmarks are in the three-dot menu instead.
- Good to know: Hiding the bar never deletes your bookmarks.
Why has my bookmarks bar disappeared?
Usually, it was switched off by accident. Ctrl + Shift + B sits right next to shortcuts people use every day, so one stray press hides it. The other common causes are full-screen mode, a different Chrome profile, and a setting that shows the bar only on the New Tab page.
How do I get the bookmarks bar back?
Try these in order. Most people are done after the first one. Google’s Chrome bookmarks help page lists the same shortcut.
- Press the shortcut. Press Ctrl + Shift + B on Windows, Linux, or a Chromebook. On a Mac, press Cmd + Shift + B.
- Use the menu. Click the three-dot menu, point to Bookmarks and lists, and click Show bookmarks bar so it has a check mark.
- Check Settings. Go to chrome://settings/appearance and turn on Show bookmarks bar.
Why does the bar only show on a new tab?
That’s what Chrome does when you turn the bookmarks bar off. As a shortcut, it still shows the bar on the New Tab page, so you can reach your bookmarks there. Turn the bar on with the steps above, and it will stay on every page. Our guide to the bookmarks bar on the New Tab page covers that case in more detail.
Is full-screen mode hiding the bookmarks bar?
Full-screen mode hides the bookmarks bar along with the tabs and address bar. If your whole Chrome toolbar is gone, press F11 on Windows to leave full screen. On some laptops, you need Fn + F11. On a Mac, press Cmd + Ctrl + F. On a Chromebook, press the full-screen key in the top row.
What if the bar is back but my bookmarks are gone?
Then you’re likely looking at the wrong profile, or sync hasn’t caught up yet.
- Click your profile picture at the top right. Check that you’re in the profile you normally use, and switch if you’re not.
- Type chrome://bookmarks in the address bar. If you see your bookmarks there, they’re safe. They may just sit in a folder other than Bookmarks bar.
- If you use sync, check that it’s on. Click your profile picture and look for a Sync is paused or Sign in again message.
Still missing? Chrome keeps a backup of your bookmarks, and our Chrome bookmarks guide explains how to recover them.
Why can’t I turn the bookmarks bar on at all?
A school or work admin may control it. Type chrome://management in the address bar. If it says your organization manages your browser, they may have locked the bookmarks bar setting. Only your IT team can change it.
Frequently asked questions
Does hiding the bookmarks bar delete my bookmarks?
No. It only hides the bar. Your bookmarks stay in chrome://bookmarks, and they come back as soon as you show the bar again.
Why does my bookmarks bar keep disappearing?
Most often, the shortcut is being pressed by accident. It can also happen if Chrome opens in full screen, or if more than one profile opens when Chrome starts.
Can I show the bookmarks bar on my phone?
No. Chrome on Android and iPhone has no bookmarks bar. Tap the three-dot menu, then Bookmarks, to see them.
The short version
Press Ctrl + Shift + B (Cmd + Shift + B on a Mac). If that doesn’t work, leave full screen, check you’re in the right profile, and open chrome://bookmarks to make sure your bookmarks are still there.
Related guides
- Bookmarks Bar Missing on the New Tab Page
- Bookmarks Bar Stuck on the New Tab Page
- The Ultimate Guide to Using Google Chrome Bookmarks
Last verified: November 9, 2026
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