Despite the convenience offered by saving your browsing history, it also poses a threat to your online privacy. Hackers can gain access to your computer and steal your browsing history as part of their attempts to run a phishing scam or otherwise steal your personal information.
We advise you to regularly clear your browsing history. Here’s how to clear your browsing history on Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the menu (the three dots in the top right corner).
- Hover over “More Tools.”
- Click on “Clear browsing data.”
- Select the time period for the history data you’d like to clear from the drop-down menu. To clear everything, select “All time.”
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. You can also check the boxes for any other data you would like to clear.
- Click “Clear data.”
To prevent hackers and other third parties from identifying you online, we recommend that you regularly clear your browsing history and mask your IP address using a trusted VPN. NordVPN consistently ranks highest in our speed, privacy, and security testing.
To learn how to delete your browsing history from other popular desktop browsers or on other devices such as iPhone, Android, or Mac, read our full article below.
Browsers keep track of and store the websites you visit, which has its advantages, such as being able to load previously visited websites faster. However, there are disadvantages, too. Your browser history can expose your online activities to a hacker or third party with physical access to your device. To keep your online activities private, you need to regularly delete your browser history.
In this article, we go through how to clear browser history from any browser on any device. Keep reading below.
How to Delete Your Browsing History from Any Browser on PC
To protect your browsing privacy from cybercriminals, you need to clear your browsing history often.
Below, we’ve listed down easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on how to delete your browser history when on a Windows or macOS device. Scroll down to find your browser or click on the shortcut links below:
How to delete browsing history in Google Chrome (PC)
Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world. A major appeal of using Chrome is its native integration with Google’s products, such as Google Translate. However, software vulnerabilities and privacy concerns about Chrome have been raised in the past, which makes it all the more important that you practice good cyber hygiene when using this browser.
Below, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to delete all the browsing history on Google Chrome.
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the menu (the three dots in the top right corner).
- Hover over “More Tools.”
- Click on “Clear browsing data.”
- Select the time period for the history data you’d like to clear from the drop-down menu. To clear everything, select “All time.”
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. You can also check the boxes for any other data you would like to clear.
- Click “Clear data.”
How to delete browsing history in Microsoft Edge browser (PC)
Microsoft Edge replaced Internet Explorer as the default browser for Windows. It’s based on Chromium, the same open-source software Chrome and Opera use. Switching to Chromium gave Edge a competitive stance against the popular Google Chrome.
Below, you can find easy instructions on how to clear your history on Microsoft Edge.
- Open Edge browser on your computer.
- Click on the menu (the three dots on the top right corner).
- Choose “Settings.”
- Click on “Privacy, search, and services” on the left panel of the settings page.
- Scroll down to the “Clear browsing data” section.
- Click “Choose what to clear.”
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. Here, you can uncheck the boxes for data you would not like to clear.
- Click “Clear now.”
How to clear internet history on Mozilla Firefox (PC)
Through Firefox customizations, one can harden Firefox to increase its privacy and security. However, no amount of hardening can protect your browsing history from a third party with access to your devices such as a spouse or colleague.
Here’s how to clear your browsing history on Firefox to keep your browsing activities private.
- Open Firefox browser on your computer.
- Click the Firefox Menu (three horizontal lines at the top right corner), then click “History.”
- Click “Clear recent history.”
- Choose the time period to clear from the drop-down list.
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. You can also check the boxes of any other data you would like to clear.
- Click “OK.”
How to delete browsing history on Safari (Mac)
Safari is blazing fast, does not eat up a lot of your device’s resources, and boasts a clean interface. It’s no wonder why it’s the browser of choice for the majority of Apple users.
Find step-by-step instructions on how to clear your browser history on Safari below.
- Open Safari browser on your Mac computer.
- Click the “History” menu.
- Select “Clear History” at the bottom of the menu.
- In the dialog box that appears, choose from clearing the last hour, today, today, and yesterday, or all history. Select “All history,” to clear all your browsing history.
- Click “Clear History.”
To clear browsing history alone without clearing cookies and any other data, hold down Shift before clicking on “Clear history” on the history menu.
How to delete search history on Opera (PC)
Opera has grown in popularity over the years due to its speed, privacy, and stunning interface. The browser is also loaded with features that enhance your browsing experience and protect your data while online, such as its built-in proxy service (confusingly named “Opera VPN“).
Here’s how to clear your browsing history on Opera.
- Open Opera browser on your computer.
- Click on the “Menu” button at the top right corner.
- Click “Clear“, located beside “Browsing data” at the bottom of the menu.
- Scroll down to the “Privacy and Security” section of the Settings page.
- Click on “Clear browsing data.”
- Select the time range of the data you would like to clear from the drop-down menu.
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. You can also check the boxes of any other data you would like to clear.
- Click “Clear data.”
How to Clear Browser History on Popular Android Browsers
Android is the most popular mobile operating system. Below, find step-by-step instructions on how to delete your web history on popular browsers on the platform.
Scroll down to find your browser of choice, or click on these shortcut links:
How to clear browser history on Google Chrome (Android)
Google Chrome for Android is as popular as the desktop version. It has ultra-high speeds thanks to the cutting-edge Blink rendering engine and V8, a faster and more powerful javascript engine.
You can delete all or partial browsing history on Google Chrome for Android in the following easy steps.
- Open the Google Chrome app on Android.
- Click on the menu (the three dots in the top right corner).
- Tap “History.”
- Tap “Clear browsing data.”
- Select the time range for the data you would like to clear from the drop-down menu. Select “All time” to wipe all your history.
- Check the “Browsing history” box and that of any other data you would like to clear.
- Tap “Clear data.”
How to clear browser history on Opera (Android)
Opera browser has grown into one of the most popular browsers for Android thanks to its lightning speeds and data conservation. It also has features such as a built-in adblocker, QR and barcode scanner, personalized news feed, and much more.
Deleting your browsing history on Opera browser is straightforward. Here’s how to do it.
- Launch Opera browser on your Android device.
- Click on your avatar on the bottom right of the screen.
- Tap on “History.”
- Tap on the bin icon on the top right.
- Click “OK” to clear all browsing history data.
How to clear browser history on Firefox (Android)
Mozilla Firefox is a privacy-friendly browser for Android, PC, and other devices. Its Android browser is equipped with features that keep your data secure such as HTTPS-Only Mode, Enhanced Tracking Protection, and Turn on/off saved logins, login sync, and login autofill.
Below find step-by-step instructions on how to delete your browsing history on Firefox.
- Launch the Firefox app on your Android phone.
- Tap the three dots on the top right to access the Menu.
- Tap on “Settings.”
- Tap “Delete browsing data.”
- Make sure the “Browsing history and site data” box is checked. You can also leave checked the boxes of any other data you would like to clear.
- Tap “Delete browsing data.”
- Confirm you would like to delete the selected data.
How to clear browser history on Microsoft Edge (Android)
Microsoft Edge is a cross-platform web browser made by Microsoft, initially released for Windows devices and later released to other platforms. Since then, it has grown into a popular browser for Android. However, in 2021, a vulnerability was found that allowed an attacker to trick users into visiting a specially crafted website that allowed the hacker to bypass implemented browser security restrictions.
To stay safe, use a reputable VPN like NordVPN that will keep you anonymous online and away from snoopers.
Here’s how to delete your browsing history on Edge browser:
- Launch the Microsoft Edge browser app on your phone.
- Tap the three dots at the bottom center of your screen.
- Tap “History.”
- Tap the bin icon in the top right corner.
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. You can also check the boxes of any other data you would like to clear.
- Tap “Clear data” at the bottom to clear all selected data.
How to Clear Browser History on iPhone or iPad
Safari is the default browser for iOS and Mac devices, making it one of the most popular browsers for iPhone and iPad users. Its big win is its seamless compatibility with other Apple devices.
To completely clear history on Safari for iPhone or iPad, it’s best to do it in settings instead of through Safari. Through your device settings, you’ll also be able to clear autofill information and cookies.
Below, we take a closer look at how to clear browser history on iPhone or iPad in Settings.
How to clear your Safari browsing history on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app on iPhone.
- Tap on “Safari” at the bottom.
- Tap “Clear History and Website Data.”
- Tap “Clear History and Data.”
NOTE: If this button is grayed out, you’ll need to disable website restrictions. Here’s how:
- Return to the “Settings” menu.
- Select “Restrictions.”
- Enter your restrictions passcode then tap “Websites.”
- Select “All Websites” to allow clearing history.
If you don’t have the restrictions passcode, you won’t be able to clear the history.
What Data Does Your Browser Save
There are different types of website data your browser stores. They include:
- Browser history: Websites visited
- Cached data: Website cookies, saved passwords, auto-fill data, and images
Both these types of website data require different ways of deleting them. The steps highlighted in this article are for deleting browser history.
However, if you’re interested in deleting cached files as well, make sure the box below browser history is checked in the “Clear browsing data” window before tapping on “Clear data.”
It’s also possible to delete only your cached data without touching your browsing history. However, we recommend regularly clearing both, as even your cached data can be stored for purposes other than loading websites.
Why You Should Delete Your Browsing Data
To protect your privacy, it’s important to delete your browsing history often. Here are some of the threats you face when you don’t clear your history.
Getting hacked and your history exposed
Browser hacking tools like RedLine Stealer may be purchased for as little as $150 in underground hacking forums. These malicious programs steal data, including your browser history, and send it to a distant server.
Cybercriminals may use the collected data to blackmail you, steal your identity, stalk you, or extort money from you, depending on the contents of your history and their motivations. They can also try to attempt browser fingerprinting.
Third parties accessing your computer
Third parties such as your spouse, colleague, boss, or even strangers with physical access to your computer can snoop in on, or worse, steal your browsing history. People can view if, for instance, you recently reserved a table at a restaurant, booked a flight or a hotel room, accessed raunchy content, and so on.
All this information will be in the third parties’ hands, and they can use it against you.
Should You Use Incognito Mode?
Incognito mode does not store your browsing history. Using incognito mode adds an extra layer of protection for your browsing, and you won’t have to worry about who can see your browsing history and how to delete your history later.
Here’s how you can access incognito mode on Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner.
- In the main menu, tap on “New Incognito Window.”
Incognito mode is available in the main menu of other browsers, too.
How to Clear Your Browsing History: A Wrap-Up
Your browsing history can expose your online activities to third parties with access to your computer. Moreover, malware such as RedLine is available for sale on underground hacking forums. These pieces of software are notorious for hacking into browsers and sending your information to a remote location.
To avoid this, it’s good practice to regularly clear your browsing history to maintain your privacy. Here’s how to do it on Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome on your computer.
- Click on the menu (the three dots in the top right corner).
- Hover over “More Tools.”
- Click on “Clear browsing data.”
- Select the time period for the history data you’d like to clear from the drop-down menu. To clear everything, select “All time.”
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. You can also check the boxes for any other data you would like to clear.
- Click “Clear data.”
For more information on cyberhygiene and keeping yourself safe online, read our other resources:
- The Best Private Search Engines for Total Anonymity
- How Does Your Browser Know Your Location and How To Hide It
- What is a MAC Address? And Where Do I Find Mine?
Didn’t find what you were looking for in the article? Below find the most frequently asked questions on how to delete your browsing history from any browser.
Here’s are step-by-step instructions on how to clear your browser history on Google Chrome:
- Open the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Click on the three dots at the top right corner to access the menu.
- Hover over “More Tools,” then click on “Clear browsing data.”
- Select the time range for the history data you’d like to clear from the drop-down menu. To clear everything, select “All time.”
- Make sure the “Browsing history” box is checked. Here, you can (un)check the boxes for any other data you would like to clear.
- Click “Clear data.”
Learn how to delete your browser history on other popular browsers.
You can delete your browsing history in 4 easy steps on an iPhone. Here’s how to do it.
- Open the Settings app on iPhone.
- Tap on “Safari” at the bottom.
- Choose a time range from the dialog box. Select “All history” to clear all your browsing history.
- Tap on “Clear History and Website Data.”
Yes. If you would like to protect your activities online and your personal information then it’s a good idea to delete your browsing history regularly. Read our full guide on how to delete browsing history on popular browsers and devices.
