How to erase browsing history on android phone

Even if you don’t own an Android phone, you probably use three or four of Google’s services each day, so the company knows a lot about you. Your harvested information can include your work commute and shopping habits, even if you used the service offline.

This privacy database doesn’t mean Google is trying to stalk you personally, as the information is stored anonymously, but it is attached to you. The process allows advertisers to understand demographics better and determine your interests to target ads.

If you’ve been looking at something you shouldn’t, doing things for work, or don’t want sites to extract your private information, there are ways to delete the Google history stored on your devices.

Use a Web Browser to Delete Google Search History in MyActivity

How to erase browsing history on android phone

Note that deleting search history removes it from your Google account and not just for specific devices. Therefore, deleting any history deletes it from all devices.

Follow the steps below to delete Google history using your iPhone, Android phone, tablet, MacBook, Chromebook, desktop PC, or laptop.

  1. Go to your My Activity page using a browser.
  2. DO NOT CLICK THE DELETE DROPDOWN at this point. This action has time filters (only before adding other filters like time or product), but it deletes all Google History (not just Google Search) immediately. If you previously added filters, you’ll receive a prompt first.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  3. Click on the vertical ellipsis (three vertical dots) to the right of Search Your Activity.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  4. Choose the history timeframe you’d like to delete. For this article, we’re selecting All Time.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  5. Check the box next to Google Search and uncheck the other boxes listed on this next screen. Then, click Next. Note: If you want to delete everything, leave the other boxes checked.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  6. Finally, review the web pages and click Delete.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone

Using the above steps allows you to quickly delete your Google search history using specific dates and keywords if desired. Upon completing the above-listed steps, all Google search history gets deleted from the devices associated with that account.

Clear ALL Google Search History Entirely using Google Chrome

If you want a quick and easy way to bulk-delete all Google search history, plus optionally remove all browsing history, saved passwords, cache, and cookies on Chrome, the steps below cover it all.

  1. Launch Chrome and log in to the correct account if not already done.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  2. Click the vertical ellipsis (three vertical dots) in the top right-hand corner of your browser to open the Chrome menu.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  3. Now, select Settings from the options.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  4. Next, click on Clear browsing data, located in the Privacy and security section.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  5. A new tab will open from which you can choose from Basic or Advanced tools. Basic is a way to quickly clear Google history, while Advanced gives you more control over the individual elements, such as passwords.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  6. Click on Clear data to remove the selected items.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone

The above steps delete all Google history (including search history) you selected during the removal process.

Clear Google History on an Android

On your Android device, open Google Chrome and follow these steps:

  1. Tap on the vertical ellipsis (three vertical dots) in the upper right-hand corner.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  2. Now, tap History.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  3. Next, select Clear browsing data… in the new window.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  4. Confirm when finished.

Note: You can also tap the X next to each web page to delete your searches individually.

All of your Google history, including search history, disappears after performing the above steps. Therefore, ensure you have saved any sites, data, and other personal information elsewhere.

Clear Google History on an iPhone

For iPhone users, open Google history and follow these steps to clear your history:

  1. Tap the horizontal ellipsis (three horizontal dots) menu icon in the lower right-hand corner.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  2. Next, tap on History.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  3. Then, tap Clear Browsing Data… on Cookies and iMessage Search History.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone

All of your Chrome browsing history on your iPhone is now deleted, including Google search history.

Set Up Auto-Delete for Google History Data

Google does offer an option to dump your data automatically. If you prefer to keep some data, it’s best to avoid this function. However, if you feel like automatically deleting your Google search data, follow these steps to set up the auto-delete feature:

  1. Visit your Google My Activity page, but ensure you log into the correct account.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  2. In the left navigational menu, click on Activity controls.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  3. Scroll down and click on Auto-delete (Off).
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  4. Choose to auto-delete activity older than 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months, then click Next.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone
  5. Confirm your auto-delete activity option by clicking on Confirm. Remember that the preview is just that.
    How to erase browsing history on android phone

Now, Google will routinely autodelete your search history based on your set duration.

Google History Deletion FAQs

I want to save my passwords but delete everything else. How can I do this?

If you’re deleting all of your Google data, it is possible to de-select the option under “Clear Browsing Data” for clearing passwords. But, if you want more security, you can use a browser extension such as Last Pass to store all of your passwords in a secure location.

Like Google or Chrome, Last Pass can auto-fill your passwords by storing these passwords for you.

Can I permanently close my Google account?

Yes. If you’re no longer interested in using your current Google account, you can permanently delete it. We do have an article here that explains the entire process.

If you visit the Google Account webpage, you can click on the option to download all of your data and delete your entire Google account and everything that goes with it.

Remember that performing this action will completely wipe out all your Google-related information. This process includes losing all Google Docs, emails, contacts, etc. If you’re using an Android device, you’ll need to create or use another Google account to access many features and backup your device.

How do I permanently delete my browsing history?

Delete your search history in Chrome and Chromium:.
In a Chrome browser, click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right of the screen..
In the drop-down menu, click Settings..
Scroll down to Privacy and security, click Clear browsing history..
From the time range drop-down menu, select All time. ... .
Click Clear data..

How do I clear my Android browsing history?

Copy link..
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app ..
At the top right, tap More. History. ... .
Tap Clear browsing data..
Next to "Time range:" To clear a portion of your history, select the dates. ... .
Check the box next to "Browsing history.".
Uncheck any other data you don't want to delete..
Tap Clear data..

Is it a good idea to clear browsing history?

It is a good idea to clear your browser cache because it: prevents you from using old forms. protects your personal information. helps our applications run better on your computer.