2 Simple Ways to Clear Safari Search History

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Easily delete your browser history from any Apple devices
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Do you need to delete searches that pop up when you click Safari's URL bar? Whether you want to delete Safari history on your Mac computer or iPhone, you can do this in a few simple steps.

How to Delete Search History on Safari

  • On iOS (mobile): Go to your settings. Scroll down and select “Safari.” Click “Clear History and Website Data.” Click “Clear History and Data” to confirm your choice.
  • On Mac (computer): Open Safari. Click “History” in the top toolbar. Click “Clear History” and choose a timeframe. Click “Clear History.”
  • You can also disable search engine suggestions to prevent autofills based on your search history.
Section 1 of 3:

Using iOS

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  1. [1]
  2. This looks like a compass with a blue and white background. [2]
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  3. This will be labeled in blue text. You can find this underneath Privacy & Security . [3]
  4. The text will be in red. [4]
    • This will remove all history, cookies, and other browsing data from Safari.
  5. This will disable the feature that automatically inputs search suggestions.
    • If you choose to leave this on, Safari will suggest searches more often as your browser history builds.
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Section 2 of 3:

Using Mac

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  1. You'll be able to delete your recent searches from within the Safari browser. [5]
  2. You can find this on the toolbar on top of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. [6]
  3. [7]
  4. [8]
    • You can choose: the last hour , today , today and yesterday , or all history .
  5. This will remove all history, cookies, and other browsing data from Safari. [9]
  6. [10]
  8. This will stop Safari from sending you search suggestions as you type.
    • If you choose to leave this on, Safari will suggest searches more often as your browser history builds.
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Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting Safari History Data

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  1. If you have iOS 12 or later, Screen Time may put restrictions on Safari, which can cause issues when clearing browsing data. [11]
    • Go to Settings → Screen Time → Turn Off Screen Time .
    • You can turn Screen Time back on after you have successfully cleared your history.
  2. iCloud may store your browsing history, bookmarks, and reading lists. This could cause some browser history to reappear after clearing it.
    • For iOS, go to Settings , then click your Apple ID . Click iCloud and toggle Safari off.
    • For Mac, go to System Preferences → iCloud . Uncheck the box for Safari .
    • Clear your Safari history following the steps above.
  3. You may need to restart your device to clear your history properly.
    • To restart an iPhone without a home button, press and hold the lock button and top volume button for at least five seconds. Slide to power off. After a few minutes, hold the power button to turn it on. [12]
    • To restart an iPhone with a home button, press and hold the lock button and home button for at least five seconds. Slide to power off. After a few minutes, hold the power button to turn it on. [13]
    • To restart a Mac , click the Apple icon in the top left. In the drop-down menu, click Restart… . It will power on again automatically. [14]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I cannot delete my browsing history. I have restrictions. Is that why?
    Community Answer
    Yes, go into settings and turn off all restrictions. Then you can clear history and reset the restrictions.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 59 Helpful 24
  • Question
    How do I clear only select history items?
    Community Answer
    Choose "History," then "Show History." Select history entries and daily sets of entries, and then press Delete.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 22 Helpful 14
  • Question
    How do I clear my history on Safari on an iPod?
    LeoFoxArtemis
    Community Answer
    If it's on iPod touch then you have to go into bookmarks where you'll find history, then when you go in there you will see a button that says clear at the bottom.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 7
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105082
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105082
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105082
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105082
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/clear-your-browsing-history-sfri47acf5d6/mac
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/clear-your-browsing-history-sfri47acf5d6/mac
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/clear-your-browsing-history-sfri47acf5d6/mac
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/clear-your-browsing-history-sfri47acf5d6/mac
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/clear-your-browsing-history-sfri47acf5d6/mac
      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/lv-lv/guide/safari/ibrwe75c2a3c/mac
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/108806
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118259
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118259
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/shut-down-or-restart-your-mac-mchlp2522/mac

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Safari.
      2. Click the URL bar.
      3. Delete anything in the bar.
      4. Click Clear Recent Searches .

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Sep 30, 2016

        "The iOS tips really helped to clear my Safari history! I'm so glad it worked! "
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