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Google is one of the widely used search engines that store the history of all your searches. You may want to get rid of this stored data to maintain the privacy of your searches. Although Google has recently updated its privacy policies, you can still delete your search history manually. In this blog, we will guide you on how to permanently delete Google history on Android to prevent it from being traced.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Permanently Delete Google History on Android
Deleting Google history on Android is not rocket science, but a lot of people struggle with it. They either do not know how to do it or end up deleting their search history temporarily, which gets restored automatically. Therefore, it is vital to know the right method to delete the history permanently and prevent unwanted access to your private searches.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before deleting your history permanently, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Also, open the Google app to avoid confusion while deleting the history. You should keep in mind that once you delete the history, it cannot be retrieved. Therefore, make sure you truly want to delete it before proceeding with the steps.
Method 1: Via Google Chrome
Before starting with the steps, we would like to inform you that this method will delete all Google searches from the Google Chrome browser on your Android device.
Step 1: Open the Google Chrome browser on your Android device.
Step 2: Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser.
Step3: Tap on the History option.
Step 4: Click on the Clear Browsing Data option.
Step 5: Select the time range that you want to delete. If you want to delete all of your Google search history on Android, then choose the All Time option.
Step 6: Check the box next to Browsing History.
Step 7: Finally, click on the Clear Data option and confirm the action to delete Google history permanently.
Pros:
– Easy and quick
– Deletes history from Google Chrome in one go
Cons:
– Does not delete all Google Searches
– Any searches performed outside of Google Chrome will still be stored
Method 2: Via Google Account Settings
This method will work to delete all Google searches made from your Android device using any browser or app.
Step 1: Open the Google app on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap on the three lines in the upper-left corner of the screen to access the menu.
Step 3: Click on the Settings option.
Step 4: Scroll down and click on the Accounts & Privacy option.
Step 5: Tap on the Google Account option.
Step 6: Click on the Data & Personalization option.
Step 7: Scroll down and click on the Web & App Activity option.
Step 8: Tap on the Manage Activity option.
Step 9: Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Step 10: Tap on the Delete Options option.
Step 11: Click on the Advanced option.
Step 12: From the drop-down menu, choose All Time.
Step 13: Check the box next to Web and App Activity.
Step 14: Finally, click on the DELETE option to delete all Google searches permanently.
Pros:
– Delete all Google searches made from an Android device, regardless of the browser or app used
– More options to manage activity within Google Account settings.
Cons:
– Deleting all Google activity may affect personalized settings in apps and browsers.
Method 3: Via My Activity
This method will allow you to delete all Google searches made on your account from any device.
Step 1: Visit the My Activity page on the Google website.
Step 2: Sign in to your Google account if you haven’t already.
Step 3: Click on the three lines in the upper-left corner of the screen to access the menu.
Step 4: Click on the Delete activity by option.
Step 5: From the drop-down menu, choose All Time.
Step 6: Check the box next to Search.
Step 7: Click on the Delete option to delete all Google searches for permanently.
Pros:
– Ability to delete Google searches made from any device associated with your account.
– More options to manage activity within Google Account settings.
Cons:
– May take a longer time for all deleted searches to reflect on all registered devices.
Why Can’t I Delete Google History on Android?
Some reasons why you may not be able to delete Google history on Android include:
1. Your phone manufacturer may have disabled the option:
Some Android devices have custom versions of the Google app that do not allow users to delete Google history.
Fix: Use a browser or go to the My Activity page on the Google website to delete your search history.
2. Syncing Issues:
If you have sync enabled on multiple devices, deleting history from one device may not delete it from other devices.
Fix: Ensure sync is turned off on all devices before deleting search history.
3. Google Account Settings:
Changes made in your Google Account settings may also affect whether or not you can delete Google search history.
Fix: Check your Google Account settings and preferences to make sure nothing is preventing you from deleting your search history.
Additional Tips
– To prevent Google from storing your search history in the future, visit the My Activity page and click on the Activity Controls option. Then, toggle the switch next to Web & App Activity to turn it off.
– Always delete Google history permanently from all known devices before selling or giving away old devices.
– Use a robust password for your Google Account to prevent unauthorized access.
5 FAQs about Permanently Deleting Google History on Android
Q1: Can I recover my deleted Google search history?
A: No. Once you delete your Google search history, it cannot be recovered.
Q2: How often should I delete my Google search history?
A: There is no fixed frequency. However, deleting your Google search history every few months is a good practice.
Q3: Does deleting my Google search history affect my device’s performance?
A: No. Deleting your Google search history on Android does not affect your device’s performance.
Q4: Can I delete only specific searches?
A: Yes, you can. In the My Activity page, choose the Date range and Category to narrow down the search history before deleting them.
Q5: Will deleting my Google search history affect my Google Assistant settings?
A: No. Deleting Google search history does not affect your Google Assistant settings.
In Conclusion
Deleting Google search history permanently from your Android device is vital to maintaining your privacy. You can use the methods given above to get rid of all the data for good. Be mindful of the additional tips and FAQs when you execute the process, and make sure to practice this habit of deleting your Google search history regularly.