If you use your phone every day, chances are Google remembers a lot about you, your searches, your websites, even the videos you watch. Sometimes you just want a clean slate. Maybe you’re protecting your privacy, freeing up space, or just don’t like the idea of old searches popping up. Good news: you can clear your Google history on your phone in just a few steps.
This guide, last updated in September 2025, walks you through removing Google history on both Android and iPhone, step by step.
What is Google History on Your Phone?
Google history is the record of things you search for, watch, or browse while signed into your Google account. It covers:
Search history (what you type into Google Search)
Browsing history (sites you visit in Chrome)
YouTube history (videos you search for and watch)
Location history (places you go with Google Maps turned on)
Think of it like a digital diary of your online moves. The good part? You can delete it anytime.
How Do I Delete Google Search History on My Phone?
The fastest way is through the Google app or Chrome browser. Here’s how:
Using the Google App (Android or iPhone)
Open the Google app on your phone.
Tap your profile picture in the top right.
Select Search history.
Choose Delete and pick a time range:
Last hour
Last day
All time
Custom range
Confirm, and your searches are gone.
Using Chrome Browser
Open Chrome on your phone.
Tap the three dots menu.
Go to History > Clear browsing data.
Select the items you want to delete (browsing history, cookies, cached files).
Choose a time range and confirm.
That’s it, you just cleared your tracks.
How Do I Delete My Full Phone History?
If you want to go all-in and erase everything Google knows about your activity, you can clear your entire account history.
Open your browser and go to myactivity.google.com.
Sign in with your Google account.
Tap Delete activity by.
Select All time.
Confirm deletion.
This wipes out search, YouTube, Maps, and browsing history linked to your account.
Can Anyone See Your Search History After You Delete It?
Here’s the honest answer: once you delete your Google history, it disappears from your account. People who borrow your phone or check your Google profile won’t see it.
But, a few things to remember:
Your internet provider or employer (if you use work Wi-Fi) may still log activity.
Websites may still track you with cookies.
Google servers might keep anonymized data for technical reasons.
So yes, deleting history helps protect privacy, but it doesn’t erase you from the internet completely.
How Do I Clear and Delete Search History on My iPhone?
On an iPhone, you can manage Google history either through Safari or Google’s apps.
In Safari
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Select Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm, and Safari wipes your browsing traces.
In Google App (iOS)
Open the Google app.
Tap your profile photo > Search history.
Hit Delete and choose your range.
Now your iPhone is just as clean as your Android would be.
Why Should You Remove Google History on Phone?
People clear their Google history for different reasons. Some examples:
Privacy: You don’t want others seeing what you search.
Speed: Deleting cached files can make your phone run smoother.
Security: If you lose your phone, old searches won’t reveal personal info.
Peace of mind: Sometimes you just want a fresh start.
Think of it like cleaning your room, you don’t throw out everything, but clearing the mess makes life easier.
Pro Tips to Manage Your Google History
Use Auto-Delete: Google lets you set up auto-deletion every 3, 18, or 36 months. You can turn it on in your account settings.
Browse in Incognito Mode: Chrome’s incognito doesn’t save history (but your ISP may still see activity).
Turn Off Web & App Activity: In Google settings, you can pause history tracking entirely.
Check YouTube History: Delete video searches and watched videos separately from Google search.
Quick Comparison: Android vs iPhone
| Task | Android Steps | iPhone Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Delete Google search history | Google app > Profile > Search history > Delete | Google app > Profile > Search history > Delete |
| Clear browser history | Chrome app > History > Clear browsing data | Safari > Settings > Clear History and Data |
| Full account history | myactivity.google.com > Delete All | Same as Android (works on iPhone browser) |
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to remove Google history on your phone gives you control over your digital footprint. Whether you’re using Android or iPhone, the process is simple and only takes a minute. Deleting search history won’t make you invisible online, but it does keep your personal data private from people who share or borrow your device.
So, if privacy matters to you, or you just like the feeling of a clean start, make it a habit to clear your Google history once in a while.
FAQ Section
Q: Will clearing Google history delete saved passwords?
A: Only if you select “Passwords” while clearing Chrome data. If you leave it unchecked, your passwords stay safe.
Q: Can I delete history without deleting cookies?
A: Yes, in Chrome’s clear data settings you can uncheck cookies and just clear browsing history.
Q: Is it possible to recover deleted Google history?
A: No, once it’s deleted from your account, you can’t bring it back.
Alexandra Smith: All things tech, News, Social Media Guide, and gaming expert. Bringing you the latest insights and updates on Mobiledady.com