Did you think browsing the Internet was completely harmless? It is, until it isn’t. If the browsing history reveals your private information to strangers or snoopers, it can create chaos in your life.
Since data breaches are increasing exponentially, it is important to maintain safe browsing practices. Also, you might not know that your search history can reveal a lot of information about you. There are also some search engines that are reported to sell user data to the highest bidder. This gives advertisers and companies the power to target Internet users according to users’ perceived interests and preferences.
Regularly deleting search history is among the many online safety practices you must consider adopting.
How to Delete Search History?
The steps to remove search history will differ depending on your device and web browser. Some of the most common ways are discussed below.
- On Mac
Since Mac users prefer using Safari, you can manually clear search history by launching Safari. The steps about how to delete search history on Mac are straightforward. After launching Safari, click on the browser’s menu > select Clear History > click Clear History.
Alternatively, you can use a cleaning application like CleanMyMac X to automatically delete the search history of all web browsers used on your Mac computer.
- On Windows
Since Windows users prefer using Google Chrome, you can clear your search history by launching Chrome. Then, go to the Search History in My Activity > select the search history you want to remove and click Delete.
Similar steps can be followed for deleting search history on Bing, Firefox, and other popular web browsers.
What are the Reasons to Regularly Delete Search History?
Many regular Internet users never consider removing or deleting their search history. It is often overlooked and not considered a part of safe browsing practices. But there are so many advantages and reasons for removing your search history. Some of them are mentioned below.
- A right step toward privacy protection
If you regularly delete your search and browsing history, you will make it challenging for websites to monitor your online activities. Also, whatever you search is private. Why would you want someone else to know?
Therefore, make it a habit to remove your search history if you are concerned about your online safety and privacy.
- Helps in enhancing browser performance
Browsing performance can be improved if you regularly delete browsing history. When you delete your browsing history, you free up space and get rid of unnecessary cached data and cookies. With time, cookies and cached data take up a significant amount of space, affecting the browser’s performance.
- Prevents targeted advertisements from targeting you
Many people complain that they have searched for something online, and then Google suddenly starts showing ads for the same thing. And not only in Google, but everywhere!
These advertisements can be unnerving and annoying. It is best to clear your browser data so it cannot collect and use your personal information. If there is no browser history to track, advertisers won’t be able to target you with their annoying ads.
As you can see, removing search history regularly means improving your browsing experience and maintaining your online privacy and security. While it may take a few seconds to remove search history, it is worth it.
Are there Alternatives to Removing Search History?
Yes, there are some alternatives to removing search history. If it is too much for you to remember to delete your browsing history, you can use the following methods to stay safe online.
- Browse in private mode
No matter what web browser you are using, opt to browse in private mode. This is known as Private Browsing in Safari and Incognito Mode in Chrome. Kindly check what it’s called in the web browser you are using.
When you are browsing privately, the browser will not save your online activities. But please note that private browsing does not protect you from all tracking methods, such as device fingerprinting or IP address tracking.
- Browse in privacy-focused browsers
If you want more security than what private browsing modes offer, you can opt to browse the web using privacy-focused browsers. The popular browsers in this category are Brave and Tor. These browsers are designed to safeguard the privacy of the users while they browse. The browsers prevent third-party cookies and block trackers.
- Use VPN
Using VPN is another excellent method to protect your privacy and security online. VPNs are designed to change your IP address and encrypt your Internet traffic. Hence, snoopers will have a hard time trying to track you.
The Bottom Line
If you want to protect your privacy online and keep your data safe, regularly delete your search history. But if this is too much work, you can adopt any of the alternative methods mentioned above.
