How to Delete Browsing History on Chrome

Chrome desktop instructions

Chrome may also show an Advanced tab with saved passwords, autofill data, site settings, and hosted app data. Do not select those unless you understand the impact.

1. Open Chrome on your computer.
2. Select the three-dot menu in the top right.
3. Choose Delete browsing data.
4. Choose a time range. Use All time only if you want a full local cleanup.
5. Select Browsing history. Add Cookies and other site data or Cached images and files only if needed.
6. Select Delete data.

Chrome mobile instructions

On iPhone, clearing Safari history does not clear Chrome history. If you use both browsers, clean both.

1. Open Chrome on iPhone or Android.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Tap Delete browsing data or History, then Delete browsing data.
4. Choose the time range.
5. Select Browsing history and any extra data types you want to remove.
6. Tap Delete data.

Check Google account activity

Chrome history and Google Search history are not always the same thing. If you are signed into Google, search and web activity may be saved in your Google account. Clearing Chrome history removes local browser records, but you may need to manage Google account activity separately.

This matters if you use Chrome sync across several devices. You may see history or suggestions reappear because another device or account setting still has activity.

Chrome cookies and cache

Cookies keep you signed in and store site preferences. Cache stores temporary files that help pages load faster. Clearing both gives a deeper cleanup, but it can sign you out and make sites load a little slower the next time.

If your main goal is privacy on a shared computer, clearing cookies is usually worth the inconvenience. If your main goal is fixing a broken website, clearing cache may be enough.

Next step

After clearing Chrome history, review cookies and cache if you want a deeper cleanup. Then check whether Google activity, ad personalization, or browser sync settings need attention.