How Do You Manually Clear Recent Searches?

Most Web browsers store data that is inputted by the user into forms and other text fields so that the user doesn't have to enter information over and over again. This includes the text fields used by major search engines. Unfortunately, this presents a security risk when you share a computer with other users, as it allows them to view your past searches. The methods used to remove this saved search data varies between Web browsers, but only takes a few moments to clear.

Instructions

Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Launch the "Microsoft Internet Explorer" browser.

2. Click "Tools," then click "Internet Options."

3. Click the "General" tab. Click the "Delete..." button in under "Browsing History."

4. Click the "Delete Forms..." button to clear the saved data from any forms, including the text fields for search engines.

Google Chrome

1. Launch the "Google Chrome" browser.

2. Click the wrench icon, select "Tools," then "Clear Browsing Data" to open the Clear Browsing Data window.

3. Click to place a check mark in the "Clear data from this period" box. Click to select "Everything" to clear the entire history.

4. Click the "Clear Browsing Data" button.

Safari

1. Launch the "Safari" browser.

2. Click the magnifying glass icon next to the search field at the top of the program window to trigger a drop-down menu.

3. Click to select "Clear Recent Searches" from the menu.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch the "Mozilla Firefox" browser.

2. Click the "Tools" menu at the top of the program window.

3. Click to select "Clear Recent History" to delete the saved form data.

References

• OnlineTechTips: How to Clear Your Google Search History
• Google: Privacy and Security Settings: Delete Your Browsing History
• Tech-Recipes: Safari: How to Clear the Google Search Box History
• Mozilla: Clear Recent History