How to Clear Web Browser History

Clearing your web browser history is an effective way to keep people from snooping through your recently visited websites.

It doesn't matter which browser you prefer, they all have the ability to keep track of and store the addresses of the web pages you visit as well as your search history. Some people pay no mind to this feature, while others use it to quickly revisit websites they like without having to type in a new search. Those with roommates often choose to clear their web browser history every day in an effort to prevent others from seeing what kinds of websites they're visiting. Each browser has the ability to delete recent history, but the process differs slightly among them.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Open the Internet Explorer browser.

2. Locate and click the "Tools" menu on the browser's main toolbar.

3. Scroll down to the selection titled "Internet Options..." and click on it to open up the task window.

4. Locate the section for "History" under the "General" tab. Click on the button that says "Clear History" and click "Yes" when prompted to confirm your action.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.

2. Click the "Tools" drop-down menu on the browser's main toolbar.

3. Scroll to the bottom selection titled "Clear Recent History" and click. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard command "Ctrl+Shift+Del" to instantly prompt the task window.

4. Select what you want deleted from the checklist. To delete online history, check only the box marked "Browsing & Download History."

5. Click the "Clear Now" button at the bottom of the window to complete your deletion.

Google Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.

2. Locate and click the "Tools" menu on your browser's main toolbar.

3. Click the "Options" selection.

4. Find and click the button that says "Clear Browsing Data" within the tab marked "Under the Hood."

5. Select the check box titled "Clear Browsing History," and proceed to choose a time frame for which you want the history deleted.

6. Click "Clear Browsing Data" to confirm your actions.

Apple Safari Browser

1. Open the Safari browser.

2. Click on the "History" menu located near the top of the browser.

3. Select the "Clear History" option located at the bottom of the drop-down menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Since you already have the appropriate task windows open, it's often a good idea to clear your cache and cookies while you're at it.

• Be sure to save all of your favorites or bookmark them before you clear the web browser history to avoid losing them in the process. In most instances, you will not be able to undo the history-clearing action.

References

• Windows Help & How-to: Clear the History of Websites You've Visited
• Mozilla Firefox Support: Clear Recent History
• Google Chrome Help: Delete Browsing History
• Apple: Safari Features