Clear Google search history

Google is the search engine most used by Internet users. When you type a search phrase in the Google search box, you may have noticed that a drop-down list appears showing all previously searched terms. It is a wrong notion to think that Google has saved these previous searches. Actually, your web browser has a feature known as “AutoComplete” that saves these search terms.

Most web browsers including Firefox and Internet Explorer use AutoComplete to help users perform web searches and complete various forms online. When AutoComplete is enabled, the browser crawls various pieces of information that you have recently entered, such as website URLs, search queries, and form data. With that data being saved, the browser tries to predict what you are typing and makes your job easier by offering probable matches. So when you start typing a search phrase in the Google search box, a drop-down list of previously searched terms appears. However, the storage of such information by your browser could be a potential threat to your privacy, as your spouse, boss, children, or even a hacker may misuse or embarrass you in public. To protect your privacy online, you must clear your Google search history so that your browsing habits are not compromised.

If you want to clear your Google search history (often called AutoComplete history) manually, you need to perform the following steps:

For Internet Explorer 7:

After opening Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and choose Internet Options from there. Then select the tab marked General. Select the “Delete” option in the browser history. For the form data, select “Delete forms” and click the button marked “Yes”.

For Internet Explorer 6:

After opening Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options from there. After that, choose the tab marked “Content”. Under Personal Information, you will find AutoComplete that you need to select. Finally, choose “Delete forms” and press the “Yes” button.

For Firefox:

After opening the Firefox browser, go to the Tools menu and select Options from there. Then select the tab marked Privacy and click “Clean Now”. Check the box labeled “Saved Form and Search History.” Finally, click on “Clear Private Data Now” to clear your Google search history.

Remember that not clearing your Google search history every time you have surfed the Internet can jeopardize your reputation, family ties, work, or even identity. Your privacy could be at risk if such confidential information and data is stored on your PC. This is an especially dangerous situation when the computer you use is also used by your spouse, children, boss, friends, or colleagues. Since these people can find sensitive data related to your browsing habits, you may find yourself in awkward situations. So why risk it? Clear Google search history every time you browse the Internet to safeguard your privacy and ensure that no one has access to your browsing habits.