How to Delete Your Browsing History in Google Chrome

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This wikiHow teaches you how to erase the history of websites you've visited that's stored by Google's Chrome browser on desktop and mobile.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Desktop

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    A window will open that offers options for "Basic" browser history clearing.
    • If you want even more options, you can click Advanced at the top right to select from a list of options to delete.
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    It's next to "Time range" at the top of the dialog box.
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    This will ensure all of your browser history is deleted and not just your recent history.
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    A checkmark will appear next to "Browsing history" when it is selected.
    • Uncheck anything else you don't want to delete. If you want to delete your cookies and cache, too, you can select them.
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    The specified browsing history will be deleted.
    EXPERT TIP

    Luigi Oppido

    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist

    Expert Trick: If you're using a public computer, try using an incognito window while you're browsing the internet. That way, your browser history won't be saved in the first place, so you don't have to worry about remembering to delete it.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On Mobile

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    It's either in the top right or lower right corner of the window.
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    It will be at the top or the bottom of the screen, depending on your device and operating system.
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    A checkmark will appear next to "Browsing history" when it is selected.
    • On Android, tap the â–¾ drop-down arrow at the top of the page and select All time . This will ensure all of the recorded browsing history is deleted, not just the recent browsing history.
    • Uncheck anything else you don't want to delete.
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    The specified browsing history will be deleted.
    • On Android, the button is labeled CLEAR DATA .
    • On iPhone you'll need to tap Clear Browsing Data again to confirm deletion.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    If I just deleted all of my cookies, why am I being prompted to delete my cookies again?
    Community Answer
    Cookies are constantly created, even on Google's search page, so it will most likely always prompt you to delete them, or at least give you the option.
    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 3 Helpful 10
  • Question
    What should I do if a history remains above my "Clear Browsing Data" tab after clearing my browser history?
    Community Answer
    I would refresh the page or restart the browser to see if that corrects the problem.
    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 3 Helpful 7
  • Question
    I've deleted my browsing history from the beginning of time on Chrome, but six entries from six days ago that stay there. How can I remove them?
    Community Answer
    Go to the icon next to the star and click on it. Then go down to where it says History -- it's right next to Downloads. Remove from there.
    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 8 Helpful 3
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