If someone else can access your device, your browser history may show which websites you’ve visited. Clearing your history can help reduce what others see.
Note: Clearing history removes records from this device only. It does not hide activity from internet providers, shared accounts, or monitoring software.
Before you clear your history
- You may be logged out of websites.
- Saved preferences or form entries may be removed.
- If someone checks your device often, clearing history may be noticeable.
How to clear your history
Chrome
- Open Chrome
- Click the three dots (top right)
- Select History → Clear browsing data
- Choose a time range
- Click Clear data
Safari (Mac or iPhone)
- Open Safari
- On Mac: Safari menu → Clear History
- On iPhone: Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data
Firefox
- Open Firefox
- Click the menu (three lines)
- Select History → Clear recent history
- Choose a time range and confirm
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge
- Click the three dots
- Select History → Clear browsing data
- Choose a time range and clear
Other things that may help
- Use private or incognito browsing for sensitive searches
- Sign out of shared browser profiles or accounts
- Use a different device if one is available and safer