Clearing your browsing history in Google Chrome is something most of us need to do at some point—whether it’s to protect privacy, fix browser issues, or simply clean up clutter. If you’ve been searching for a simple, step-by-step guide, this post will walk you through everything in a clear and beginner-friendly way.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to clear browsing history in Google Chrome on desktop and mobile devices, what happens when you delete history, how to delete specific items instead of everything, and how to automatically clear data.
Let’s get started.
Introduction: Why Clear Browsing History?
Every time you visit a website, Chrome saves information about it. This includes:
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Websites you visited
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Cached images and files
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Cookies
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Saved passwords (if enabled)
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Form data
Over time, this data can build up. While it helps Chrome load pages faster, it can also:
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Slow down your browser
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Take up storage space
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Affect privacy
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Cause website loading issues
Whether you’re using a shared computer or just want a fresh start, clearing browsing history is a simple but powerful step.
How to Clear Browsing History in Google Chrome (Desktop)
If you’re using Chrome on Windows, macOS, or Linux, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Google Chrome
Launch Chrome from your desktop or taskbar.
Step 2: Open the Menu
Step 3: Go to History
Hover over History, then click History again from the side menu.
Or use the shortcut:
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Windows:
Ctrl + H -
Mac:
Command + Y
Step 4: Click “Clear browsing data”
A new window will pop up.
Step 5: Choose Time Range
At the top, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled Time range. You can choose:
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Last hour
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Last 24 hours
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Last 7 days
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Last 4 weeks
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All time
Select the time period you want to clear.
Step 6: Select What to Delete
You’ll see two tabs:
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Basic
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Advanced
Under the Basic tab, you can delete:
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Browsing history
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Cookies and other site data
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Cached images and files
Under the Advanced tab, you can also delete:
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Download history
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Passwords
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Autofill form data
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Site settings
Select the items you want to remove.
Step 7: Click “Clear data”
Click the Clear data button.
That’s it! Your selected browsing history is now deleted.
How to Clear Browsing History in Chrome on Android
If you’re using Chrome on an Android phone:
Step 1: Open Chrome App
Launch the Chrome app on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap the Three Dots
Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Tap History
Select History from the menu.
Step 4: Tap “Clear browsing data”
You’ll see this option at the top.
Step 5: Select Time Range
Choose the time range (Last hour, 24 hours, All time, etc.).
Step 6: Select Data to Delete
Check the boxes for:
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Browsing history
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Cookies
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Cached files
Step 7: Tap “Clear data”
Confirm your selection.
Your history is now cleared.
How to Clear Browsing History in Chrome on iPhone (iOS)
Step 1: Open Chrome
Launch the app.
Step 2: Tap the Three Dots
Located at the bottom-right corner.
Step 3: Tap History
Select History from the menu.
Step 4: Tap “Clear Browsing Data”
Choose what you want to delete.
Step 5: Confirm
Tap Clear Browsing Data again to confirm.
Done!
How to Delete Specific Websites from History
Sometimes you don’t want to delete everything—just one or two websites.
Here’s how:
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Open Chrome.
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Press Ctrl + H (or go to History).
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Find the website you want to remove.
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Click the three dots next to it.
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Click Remove from history.
This is useful if you’re cleaning up specific searches without wiping your entire browsing data.
What Happens After You Clear Browsing History?
It’s important to understand what changes:
✅ Websites Won’t Appear in History
Previously visited sites will no longer show up.
✅ You May Be Logged Out
If you delete cookies, you’ll be signed out of websites.
✅ Some Sites May Load Slower First Time
Since the cache is deleted, Chrome will reload images and data from scratch.
❌ Saved Bookmarks Are NOT Deleted
Your bookmarks remain safe.
❌ Google Account Activity Is NOT Fully Deleted
If you’re signed into Chrome, some browsing activity may still be saved in your Google account.
How to Automatically Clear Browsing Data
If you want Chrome to delete cookies automatically when you close the browser:
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Click the three dots.
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Go to Settings.
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Click Privacy and security.
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Click Cookies and other site data.
- This helps improve privacy.
How to Clear Google Account Browsing Activity
If you are signed into Chrome with your Google account, some browsing activity might be saved in your Google account as well.
To delete it:
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Go to your Google account.
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Open Data & Privacy.
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Find Web & App Activity.
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Click Manage Activity.
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Delete specific activities or choose Delete activity by.
This removes activity linked to your Google account.
When Should You Clear Browsing History?
Here are common situations:
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Using a public or shared computer
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Chrome running slow
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Website loading errors
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Privacy concerns
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Selling or giving away your device
Clearing browsing data once in a while helps maintain performance and privacy.
Tips to Protect Privacy Without Constantly Clearing History
If you don’t want to keep clearing history manually, consider:
1. Use Incognito Mode
In Chrome, press:
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Ctrl + Shift + N
Incognito mode does not save browsing history.
2. Use Guest Mode
Perfect for temporary users.
3. Turn Off Activity Tracking
Manage settings in your Google account.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Chrome Still Shows Old Websites
Solution: Make sure you’re signed out of other synced devices and clear history on all devices.
Problem: Website Not Working After Clearing Data
Solution: Log back in and refresh the page.
Problem: Passwords Are Gone
Solution: Make sure you didn’t check “Passwords” in the Advanced tab.
Conclusion
Clearing browsing history in Google Chrome is quick, easy, and incredibly useful. Whether you want to protect your privacy, fix browser issues, or simply keep things organized, knowing how to manage your browsing data gives you better control over your digital life.
You can clear everything in seconds, remove specific websites, or even automate the process. And if privacy is your main concern, tools like Incognito mode and Google account activity management give you even more control.
Make it a habit to review your browsing data regularly—it keeps your browser running smoothly and your information secure.
If you found this guide helpful, you can also explore more Chrome tips and productivity tricks to make your browsing experience even better.