How to view and clear your web browsing history in Safari on iPhone or iPad

Easily wipe your browsing history in Apple's Safari web browser in seconds.

iPhone 13 mini in hand

How to find your web-browsing history

How to clear your web browsing history.

Clearing your browsing history on iPhone and iPad in Safari has been a straightforward affair for years now.

Sometimes, you may want a fresh start with your web browsing — perhaps to get rid of some history that may bring up a memory you'd rather forget as you type in a website URL in the address bar.

Apple makes this feature very easy to access on both the iPhone and iPad by offering two ways to clear your history. So with this in mind, here's how you can do just that and make a fresh start in Safari .

Viewing your web history in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 is very easy to do — and it's all done from Safari.

  • In Safari, tap the Bookmarks button in the toolbar that's below the address bar.
  • Tap the History icon in the upper right corner. Here, you can view your entire web history.
  • Use the History search bar to find previously viewed pages.

If the time calls to wipe most or all of your web browsing history in Safari, here's how to do it on both iPhone and iPad.

To note, the below steps will be the same if you attempt to wipe your web browsing history on an iPhone 15 Pro Max , and an iPad Mini 6 for example.

  • In Safari, tap the Bookmarks button.
  • Select the History icon in the upper right corner.
  • Tap Clear and select how much history you'd like to clear: the last hour, the last day, 48 hours' worth, or all recorded history.

One more thing… A feature no one talks about

Privacy on the web matters more than ever in these modern times. Websites store the pages you click on, especially when you sign into a page that can contain personal information about you.

It's great to have a feature like this in Safari — but it would be good to have this automated. To tell Apple's web browser to automatically clear history after 24 hours would be very useful, as you wouldn't leave a trail behind.

Regardless, it's still a good feature, and one you should use every week.

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2 Easy Ways to Check Your Safari Search History

Last Updated: January 17, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly . Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 146,174 times. Learn more...

Do you need to check your Safari browser history? In a few simple steps, you can easily view all the websites you accessed in the past. You can also search for specific websites in your history and clear any website data you don't want. This wikiHow will teach you how to view and delete your Safari history on iPhone, iPad, and macOS.

Things You Should Know

  • On iPhone and iPad, you can click the book icon, then the clock icon to find your Safari history.
  • On macOS, you can click the "History" tab, then "Show History".
  • You can search for specific websites and clear your history data.

Using iPhone and iPad

Step 1 Open Safari.

  • If needed, you can change your General Settings .

Step 2 Tap the open book icon.

  • If you're signed in with the same Apple ID to you use to log into your Mac, your Mac's Safari history will appear in this list as well.

Step 4 Use the search bar to find specific websites.

  • You may have to swipe down on the History page to find it.
  • The results will load as you type.

Step 5 To clear your history, tap

  • Tap a time period to delete the history from just that time period. To delete the entire log, select All time .
  • You can also swipe left on individual websites in your history, then click Delete .

Using macOS

Step 1 Open Safari on your Mac.

  • Be sure to update Safari.

Step 2 Click the History menu.

  • If you're logged into the computer with the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone or iPad, you'll also see sites you've visited on those devices.

Step 4 Use the search bar to find specific websites.

  • A list of matching results from your history will appear. Click a site to load it in Safari.

Step 5 To clear your history, click the

  • Select a time frame from the drop-down menu, then click Clear History .
  • You can also delete cookies from Safari .

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

Disable Private Browsing on iPhone

  • ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/search-your-browsing-history-ibrw1114/mac
  • ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201265

About This Article

Rain Kengly

iPhone/iPad: 1. Open Safari . 2. Tap the book icon. 3. Tap the clock button. macOS: 1. Open Safari . 2. Click History . 3. Click Show All History . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Manage Browsing History on Safari for iPad

Protect your privacy on your mobile device

does safari store browsing history

What to Know

  • Open Safari . Select the Bookmarks icon.
  • Choose the Clock icon to open the History pane displaying the list of sites visited during the past month.
  • Select Clear and indicate which entries to delete using one of the four options: The last hour, Today, Today and yesterday, and All Time.

This article explains how to manage browsing history on Safari for iPad, including how to view and delete the iPad Safari history, cookies, and stored website data. This article applies to all iPad devices with iOS 10 or iPadOS 13 or later. The process for managing browser history in Safari on an iPhone is slightly different.

How to View and Delete Your iPad Browser History in Safari

Reviewing your iPad browser history is a straightforward process. Safari stores a log of websites you visit along with other related components, such as the cache and cookies. These elements enhance your browsing experience, but you may want to delete your browsing history for privacy reasons.

You can manage your web browsing history on the iPad in two ways. The easiest option is to do it directly in Safari:

Open the Safari web browser.

Select the Bookmarks icon (it looks like an open book) at the top of the screen. 

Select the clock icon to open the History pane. A list of sites visited over the past month appears.

To delete a single website from the browser history, swipe left on its name.

Select  Clear at the bottom of the panel to reveal four options: The last hour, Today, Today and yesterday, and All time.

Select your preferred option to remove the browsing history from your iPad and all connected iCloud devices.

How to Delete History and Cookies From the iPad Settings App

Deleting the browser history through Safari doesn't remove all the data it stores. For a thorough cleaning, go to the iPad Settings app. You can also delete the browsing history and cookies from the Settings app. Clearing the history this way deletes everything Safari saved.

Select the gear icon on the Home screen to open the iPad Settings .

Scroll down and select Safari .

Scroll through the list of settings and select  Clear History and Website Data to delete the browsing history, cookies, and other cached website data.

Select  Clear to confirm, or select Cancel to return to the Safari settings without removing any data.

How to Delete Stored Website Data on iPad

Safari sometimes stores additional website data on top of a list of web pages you visited. For example, it can save passwords and preferences for frequently visited sites. If you want to delete this data but don't want to clear the browsing history or cookies, selectively delete specific data saved by Safari using the iPad Settings app.

Open the iPad Settings app.

Scroll to the bottom of the Safari settings screen and select Advanced .

Select  Website Data to display a breakdown of the data each website currently stores on the iPad.

Select Show All Sites to display the expanded list if necessary.

Select  Remove All Website Data  at the bottom of the screen to delete the site data at once, or swipe left on individual items to clear items one at a time.

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Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Does iCloud saves safari search history?

If iCloud safari sync is turned on in an a iPhone is the browsing history saved? If yes how do I delete it from iCloud?

I know how to delete it from safari in my phone, I'm asking how to delete it in iCloud, thank you.

iPhone X, iOS 14

Posted on Aug 26, 2021 9:23 PM

tygb

Posted on Aug 26, 2021 11:33 PM

iCloud doesn't save browsing history of your iPhone it saves the data stored in inbuilt applications Like mails , notes , calendars .... synced when application box are turned on .

See the articles What is iCloud? - Apple Support

Turn iCloud features on or off - Apple Support

Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Similar questions

  • How can I delete Safari history in iCloud? Hi I want to delete my history for Safari on icloud but there is no option for it. where can I find it and how do I delete it? Cuz when I'm using safari on ipad, the history of my previous losted iphone is showing on ipad. I tried to delete it on my ipad, but when Safari is refeshing, it's coming out again. And I don't want to disable icloud on my ipad plz help me I want to delete it :/ 2176 1
  • can i get safari history from icloud I have my safari sync on for icloud, is there anyway I can get a file of my search history? I deleted a website from my history that I need to find again. 1087 1
  • How do I un delete safari search history How do I un delete safari search history 593 1

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Aug 26, 2021 11:33 PM in response to Ernesto900

Aug 27, 2021 10:46 PM in response to Ernesto900

Safari box is checked it sync safari as a web browser Browse the web using Safari on iPhone - Apple Support , the browsing history is saved when non private browsing is enabled , in case of private browsing is enabled Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support , the cookies are disabled so it won't show any browsing history whatever you have searched on the websites .

About iCloud back up it also doesn't save browsing history , what iCloud back up is explained in the article What does iCloud back up? - Apple Support

Aug 27, 2021 8:52 PM in response to tygb

So if safari is synced on, won’t save browser history?

what about back up on? Does that saves browser history?

  • PC & Mobile

How To View History in Safari on a PC, Tablet, or Mobile Device

does safari store browsing history

Lee Stanton Lee Stanton is a versatile writer with a concentration on the software landscape, covering both mobile and desktop applications as well as online technologies. Read more July 19, 2022

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Safari for iOS provides a convenient way to keep track of your browsing history. You can use it to call up web pages quickly you’ve visited. You can easily go down the rabbit hole when performing searches online. This makes it difficult to remember exactly where you found a valuable piece of information. Reviewing your browsing history can retrace your steps, saving you the arduous task of finding the data from scratch. This article covers how to see your history in Safari. Check out how to do that below.

How To View History in Safari on a PC, Tablet, or Mobile Device

How to View History in Safari on an iPhone

Safari stores your browser activity, making it possible to revisit sites at a later date. You could either view your most recent history or check out the entire list of previously visited websites. This is how to do that.

does safari store browsing history

You have now accessed your recent history on Safari.

If you would like to view your complete Safari browsing history, here’s how to do that.

does safari store browsing history

You’ve now accessed your Safari browsing history.

How to View History in Safari on an iPad

Safari allows users to keep track of their browsing history. This feature can then be used to revisit sites that might be of interest. You could either view recent history or peruse all your browsing data. The steps listed here detail how to do that.

does safari store browsing history

You have now viewed the recent history on your iPad.

To view your complete browsing data, follow the steps outlined here.

does safari store browsing history

How to View History in Safari on a Mac

Your Safari browsing history allows you to revisit sites you viewed in the past. You can even use the search tool so that you don’t have to scroll through the entire list of results to find what you are looking for. Here’s how to view your browsing history on an iPhone.

does safari store browsing history

  • Click on it to open the page in your browser.

You can now see your history in Safari. If you signed in to your device using the same Apple ID that you use on your other Apple devices, that history would also be displayed on your Mac.

Can You View History From Private Browsing?

Private Browsing is a feature that prevents Safari from storing information on sites you have visited. It ensures there’s no record of your online activity, including passwords or autofill information. It also prevents iCloud from storing data on any tabs that you open. To provide an additional layer of privacy, Safari prevents sites and content providers from tracking you. Any cookies you might have picked up are deleted once you close the tab.

This means that Safari doesn’t store your browsing history when you activate Private Browsing. You will therefore be unable to view it in the future.

How to Clear History in Safari

If your Apple device is lagging or otherwise misbehaving, you might consider clearing your browsing data. This is how to do that.

does safari store browsing history

Your browsing data will now be removed from your device.

Retracing Your Steps

Like many web browsers, Safari stores information on websites you’ve visited. This data can come in handy when you want to go back to a particular site. This guide shows you how to retrieve the browsing history stored on your Apple devices.

Have you viewed your browsing history on Safari? What did you think of the process? Let us know in the comments below.

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How to clear browsing history on Safari on iPhone or Mac

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You can clear your Safari browsing history on both iOS and Mac

does safari store browsing history

As tracking goes, Safari keeping your browsing history is less about privacy-busting security and more about just being useful. It's your history that means Safari remembers where to go to when you choose forward and back within a site, for instance.

It's also how Safari is able to offer you a list of sites that you regularly go to, on account of how handy it is to be able to back to them with a click. History also does keep things you may not expect, though, such as a list of items you've downloaded.

If you don't want that, though, or you're just fed up of Safari going to site addresses you haven't looked at in years, you can wipe the whole browsing history.

On a Mac, you can also wipe, for instance, just the last hour's browsing history. So if you share Safari and it's someone's special birthday coming up, you can avoid them inadvertently finding out you plan to surprise them with dance lessons.

Go to History, Clear History, and then choose how far back you want your browsing cleared

How to clear search history on Safari on Mac

  • In Safari, choose the History menu
  • Select Clear History from the very bottom of the menu
  • In the dialog box that appears, choose from clearing the last hour , today , today and yesterday , or all history
  • Click on Clear History

Alternatively, within Safari you can press Command-Y and the current page will be replaced by a history list. There's a Clear History... button toward the top right.

Clicking on that gives you exactly the same dialog about choosing how far back you want to clear your browsing history. But this page does also give you one extra option — the ability to delete one specific item.

How to clear one item from Safari search history on Mac

  • In Safari, press Command-Y
  • From the long list, click once on a history item to select it
  • Right-click to bring up a menu, then choose Delete

Alternatively, if you select one, two, or more items in the history list, you can then press the Delete key to remove them all.

You can remove your takeaway habits from Safari, we're not judging you.

That kind of precision removal is only possible on your Mac, not on iOS . However, whether it's precision or wholesale clearing of your history, though, there is a way to replicate it on iOS.

If you have set iCloud to share your Safari history, then just doing this on your Mac also removes the history from your iPhone, and iPad.

Otherwise, you're stuck with going to your iOS device. And then with clearing the entire history.

How to clear search history on iPhone

  • Go to Settings on your iOS device
  • Tap on Safari
  • Scroll down to Clear History and Website Data
  • Tap that, then tap Clear History and Data to confirm

One important thing to note is that you can't selectively remove, say, today's browsing history on the iPhone or iPad . It's all or nothing, with iOS.

Clearing your Safari history is all or nothing on iOS

What you leave behind

Clearing your history like this does remove the list of sites and pages you've visited. It does mean you can't go back to that site you read last Tuesday, not without remembering what it was and going there yourself.

What it doesn't remove, though, is the information that gets used by something like AutoFill. If you have your address, for instance, and you're used to online forms being filled out with it, you've still got that feature.

You've also still got anything you downloaded. It's purely that Safari won't keep the list of downloads.

Keep up with AppleInsider by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube , Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.

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How to Check Your Safari History on iPhone 12: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your Safari history on an iPhone 12 is a breeze. In less than a minute, you can find what websites you’ve visited, when you visited them, and how often. All you need to do is open Safari, tap the book icon, and voilà – your browsing history is at your fingertips.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Check Your Safari History on iPhone 12

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that checking your Safari history can help you find that website you forgot to bookmark or even help you keep tabs on your browsing habits. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Open Safari

Open the Safari app on your iPhone 12.

Opening Safari is as simple as tapping on the Safari icon on your home screen. It’s the one that looks like a blue compass. If you can’t find it, swipe down on your home screen and use the search bar to locate it.

Step 2: Tap the Book Icon

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a book icon. Go ahead and tap it.

The book icon is your gateway to your bookmarks, reading list, and, most importantly, your history. It’s typically located on the bottom bar of your Safari screen. If you don’t see it, make sure you’re on the main Safari page and not in a new tab.

Step 3: Select the Clock Icon

Once you’re in the bookmarks menu, you’ll see a clock icon at the top. That’s your history tab.

The clock icon represents your browsing history. It’s where Safari keeps a record of every website you’ve visited, organized by date. Tapping on this icon will show you a list of all the sites you’ve been to on your iPhone 12.

Step 4: Browse Your History

Now, you can scroll through your history to find the websites you’ve visited.

Your browsing history will be displayed in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent sites you’ve visited will be at the top. You can scroll down to see older entries. Tapping on any entry will take you directly to that webpage.

After completing the steps, you’ll have successfully accessed your Safari browsing history on your iPhone 12. From here, you can revisit old sites, clear your history, or keep it as a record of your browsing habits.

Tips for Checking Your Safari History on iPhone 12

  • If you want to clear your history, there’s an option at the bottom of the history page. Remember, once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
  • You can also search your history if you’re looking for something specific. Just pull down on the history list to reveal the search bar.
  • If you’re concerned about privacy, consider using Private Browsing mode in the future, which doesn’t save your history.
  • Keep in mind that if you’re signed into iCloud, your history may be synced across your devices.
  • If you can’t find your history, it’s possible that the settings have been changed to clear history automatically, or someone else with access to your iPhone may have cleared it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i recover deleted safari history on iphone 12.

Once you’ve cleared your Safari history, it’s permanently deleted from your iPhone and cannot be recovered.

Can I check my Safari history from another device?

Yes, if you’re signed into the same iCloud account, your Safari history is synced across all your Apple devices.

How far back does Safari history go?

Safari keeps a record of your browsing history for at least one month. However, it may store history for up to a year depending on your settings and available space.

Does Safari history show websites visited in Private Browsing mode?

No, Private Browsing mode does not save any history, so those websites will not appear in your history.

Can I stop my Safari history from syncing across my devices?

Yes, you can stop syncing by going to your iCloud settings and turning off Safari syncing.

  • Open Safari.
  • Tap the Book Icon.
  • Select the Clock Icon.
  • Browse Your History.

Knowing how to check your Safari history on your iPhone 12 is a handy skill that allows you to keep track of your digital footprint. Whether you need to find that one website you forgot to bookmark or you’re just curious about your browsing patterns, your history can tell you a lot. Remember, your browsing history can also be a privacy concern, so make sure to manage it according to your needs, whether that’s clearing it regularly or using Private Browsing mode. Stay savvy with your browsing, and you’ll be a pro at navigating your digital world. And that’s how you check your Safari history on iPhone 12!

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Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

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  • How to Do Private Browsing on iPhone 15: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Get Safari Back on iPhone 13
  • iPhone 14 – How to Clear Browsing History
  • How to Clear History in Chrome on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • iOS 17 – How to Clear Safari History

How to search your browsing history on an iPhone, in Safari or Google Chrome

  • It's easy to search the history on your iPhone's web browser to return to a specific webpage you've visited previously. 
  • You can search the history on your iPhone in the Safari or Google Chrome browsers with these steps. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The search history on your iPhone's web browser can be helpful in taking you back to a site you want to see again, but scrolling through the whole list can be time consuming and annoying. 

Luckily, there's a search tool to help you get back to websites you may have visited a while ago — without going through the trouble of trying to remember the date you visited it. 

This feature is available on both the Safari and Google Chrome browsers. Here's how to use it to search your web history on an iPhone . 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Iphone 11 (from $699.99 at best buy), how to search the history on your iphone in safari .

1. Open the Safari app.

2. Tap the book icon at the bottom of your screen. It is the second icon from the right. This will bring up your search history.

3. Pull down on this History menu to reveal a bar at the top labeled "Search History" with a magnifying glass to the left of it.

4. Tap the search bar you just revealed to bring up the keypad, and type your search query. The query doesn't have to be exact to bring up results.

5. The result you are looking for should appear. Tap it to return to the website you visited.

How to search history on your iPhone in Google Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome app.

2. Tap the three dots in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. This will bring up an options menu.

3. Tap "History," which is the second to last option on the list of items in blue. The icon looks like a clock with an arrow around the outside pointing counterclockwise.

4. On the new History page, tap the search bar at the top to bring up your keyboard.

5. Type your search query into the search bar. 

6. Tap the name of the site you were looking for. This will bring you back to the page.

does safari store browsing history

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to close all of the open tabs on your iphone's safari browser at once, how to stop pop-ups from appearing on your iphone's safari browser, how to add bookmarks and favorites on an iphone's safari browser for quick access to your preferred webpages, how to clear the safari search history on your iphone in three different ways.

On February 28, Axel Springer, Business Insider's parent company, joined 31 other media groups and filed a $2.3 billion suit against Google in Dutch court, alleging losses suffered due to the company's advertising practices.

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

Watch: I'm a diehard iPhone user who switched to Android for a week — here's what I loved and hated about the Google Pixel 3 XL

does safari store browsing history

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How To See Safari Private Browsing History

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Introduction

Private browsing has become an essential feature for many internet users seeking to maintain their online privacy. Whether you're using Safari on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, the ability to browse the web without leaving a trace of your activity can be invaluable. However, there are instances where you may need to access your private browsing history for various reasons, such as revisiting a website you previously viewed or tracking down a lost link. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of Safari's private browsing mode and explore the methods for viewing your private browsing history on both Mac and iOS devices.

Understanding the nuances of private browsing in Safari is crucial for effectively managing your browsing history and ensuring that your privacy remains intact. By gaining insight into the functionality of private browsing, you can navigate the digital realm with confidence, knowing that your online activities are shielded from prying eyes. Whether you're a seasoned Safari user or a newcomer to the world of private browsing, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate your private browsing history with ease.

As we embark on this journey through Safari's private browsing landscape, we'll uncover the steps required to access your private browsing history on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Additionally, we'll provide valuable tips for managing your private browsing history, empowering you to maintain control over your digital footprint while harnessing the full potential of Safari's private browsing mode. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of private browsing history in Safari, empowering you to navigate the digital realm with confidence and privacy.

Understanding Private Browsing in Safari

Private browsing, also known as "Incognito" mode in other browsers, is a feature designed to allow users to browse the internet without leaving a trail of their online activities. When you engage private browsing in Safari, the browser does not store your browsing history, search history, or any information entered in forms. Additionally, any cookies, cache, or temporary files generated during the private browsing session are discarded once the session is closed.

It's important to note that while private browsing prevents the storage of your browsing history on the local device, it does not make you completely anonymous online. Your internet service provider, employer, or the websites you visit can still track your online activities. Private browsing is primarily intended to prevent the storage of browsing data on the local device and to maintain privacy from other users who may have access to the device.

When you open a private browsing window in Safari, it is visually distinguished from a regular browsing window. The browser interface typically adopts a darker theme, and a mask or "privacy" icon may be displayed to indicate that you are in private browsing mode. This visual cue serves as a reminder that your browsing activity during this session will not be saved locally.

One of the key benefits of private browsing in Safari is the ability to conduct research, access sensitive accounts, or explore content without affecting your regular browsing history or stored data. This can be particularly useful when using a shared computer or when you simply want to prevent certain websites from appearing in your browsing history.

It's important to remember that private browsing does not provide complete anonymity or protection from online tracking. If you require a higher level of privacy and security, additional measures such as using a virtual private network ( VPN ) or specialized privacy-focused browsers may be necessary.

By understanding the principles and limitations of private browsing in Safari, you can make informed decisions about when and how to utilize this feature to safeguard your online privacy while navigating the digital landscape.

Viewing Safari Private Browsing History on Mac

Accessing your private browsing history in Safari on a Mac involves navigating through the browser's settings to reveal the hidden records of your private browsing sessions. While private browsing is designed to leave no trace of your online activities, there are methods to uncover the history from these sessions.

Accessing Private Browsing History: To view the private browsing history in Safari on a Mac, you can follow these steps:

  • Open Safari on your Mac.
  • In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on "History."
  • From the drop-down menu, select "Show History." Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Y.

Identifying Private Browsing Sessions: Once the history window opens, you can identify the private browsing sessions by looking for entries with the label "Private Browsing" and the date and time of the session. These entries represent the websites visited during private browsing sessions and are distinct from the regular browsing history.

Browsing and Managing Private History: You can scroll through the private browsing history to revisit specific websites or search for particular entries. Additionally, you have the option to clear individual entries or the entire private browsing history by right-clicking on the desired item and selecting "Delete" or "Clear History" from the "History" menu.

Understanding Limitations: It's important to note that the private browsing history in Safari on a Mac is only accessible from the local device and is not synced across your iCloud account or other devices. This means that the private browsing history can only be viewed on the specific Mac where the private browsing sessions occurred.

By following these steps, you can effectively access and manage your private browsing history in Safari on your Mac, providing you with the ability to revisit websites from previous private browsing sessions and maintain control over your browsing records.

Understanding how to view the private browsing history on your Mac empowers you to navigate your digital footprint with confidence, ensuring that you can access the information you need while maintaining control over your browsing history.

Viewing Safari Private Browsing History on iPhone or iPad

Accessing your private browsing history in Safari on an iPhone or iPad requires a slightly different approach compared to viewing it on a Mac. While private browsing is designed to leave no trace of your online activities, there are methods to uncover the history from these sessions on your iOS device.

To view the private browsing history in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you can follow these steps:

Accessing Private Browsing History:

  • Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Tap the book icon at the bottom of the screen to open the bookmarks menu.
  • From the bookmarks menu, tap the clock icon, which represents your browsing history.

Identifying Private Browsing Sessions:

  • Once the history window opens, you can identify the private browsing sessions by looking for entries with the label "Private Browsing" and the date and time of the session. These entries represent the websites visited during private browsing sessions and are distinct from the regular browsing history.

Browsing and Managing Private History:

  • You can scroll through the private browsing history to revisit specific websites or search for particular entries. Additionally, you have the option to clear individual entries or the entire private browsing history by swiping left on the desired item and tapping "Delete."

Understanding Limitations:

  • Similar to the Mac, the private browsing history on your iPhone or iPad is only accessible from the specific device and is not synced across your iCloud account or other devices. This means that the private browsing history can only be viewed on the specific iPhone or iPad where the private browsing sessions occurred.

By following these steps, you can effectively access and manage your private browsing history in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, providing you with the ability to revisit websites from previous private browsing sessions and maintain control over your browsing records.

Understanding how to view the private browsing history on your iPhone or iPad empowers you to navigate your digital footprint with confidence, ensuring that you can access the information you need while maintaining control over your browsing history.

Tips for Managing Private Browsing History in Safari

Managing your private browsing history in Safari is essential for maintaining control over your digital footprint and ensuring that your online activities remain private. While private browsing is designed to leave minimal traces of your browsing history, there are several tips and best practices that can enhance your ability to manage and safeguard your private browsing history effectively.

Regularly Clear Your Private Browsing History : To maintain privacy and prevent the accumulation of private browsing data, consider clearing your private browsing history regularly. This can be done by accessing the history section in Safari and selecting the option to clear your private browsing history. By doing so, you can ensure that no residual data from private browsing sessions is retained on your device.

Use Private Browsing Wisely : While private browsing can be a valuable tool for maintaining privacy, it's important to use it judiciously. Avoid relying solely on private browsing for sensitive activities, especially if you require a higher level of anonymity and security. Consider utilizing additional privacy measures such as VPNs or specialized privacy-focused browsers when engaging in activities that require enhanced privacy.

Be Mindful of Shared Devices : If you share your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with others, be mindful of the potential impact of private browsing on the overall user experience. While private browsing prevents the storage of browsing history on the local device, it does not prevent websites from tracking your activities or your internet service provider from monitoring your online behavior. Exercise caution and consider the implications of private browsing in shared environments.

Educate Yourself on Privacy Features : Familiarize yourself with the privacy features and settings available in Safari. Explore options for managing cookies, preventing cross-site tracking, and enhancing your overall privacy while browsing. By leveraging the built-in privacy features of Safari, you can augment your privacy protection and minimize the need to rely solely on private browsing.

Consider Alternative Privacy Solutions : In addition to private browsing, consider exploring alternative privacy solutions to augment your online privacy. This may include using privacy-focused search engines, employing ad and tracker blockers, and integrating privacy-enhancing browser extensions. By diversifying your privacy toolkit, you can fortify your online privacy beyond the scope of private browsing.

By implementing these tips for managing your private browsing history in Safari, you can navigate the digital landscape with heightened privacy awareness and control. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard your online activities while leveraging the benefits of private browsing in Safari.

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does safari store browsing history

Clear your browsing history

You can remove all records that Safari keeps of where you’ve browsed during a period of time you choose. If your Mac and your other devices have the iCloud Safari feature turned on, your browsing history is removed from all of them. Clearing your browsing history in Safari doesn’t clear any browsing histories kept independently by websites you visited.

Open Safari for me

Choose History > Clear History and Website Data, then click the pop-up menu and choose how far back you want your browsing history cleared.

When you clear your history, Safari removes data it saves as a result of your browsing, including:

History of webpages you visited

The back and forward list for open webpages

Top Sites that aren’t marked as permanent

Frequently visited site list

Cookies and website data saved while visiting webpages

Recent searches

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List of items you downloaded (downloaded files aren’t removed)

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iCloud Was Storing Deleted Safari Browser History for Months, but Apple Fixed the Issue

When clearing Safari browser history, iPhone and iPad users expect all records to be permanently deleted from their devices, but it appears Apple's cross-device browser syncing feature caused iCloud to secretly store browsing history for a much longer period of time ranging from several months to over a year.

iCloud was caught storing deleted browser history by software company Elcomsoft , which develops cracking tools for extracting protected data from iOS devices. Speaking to Forbes , Elcomsoft CEO Vladimir Katalov explained that the company had been able to retrieve "deleted" browser history dating back more than a year.

elcomsoftdeletedbrowserhistory

The point is that Apple keeps synced Safari browsing history in the cloud for much longer than one, three or four months - even for deleted entries. ElcomSoft researchers were able to access records that've been deleted more than a year ago, which means that deleted records are not actually cleaned up from iCloud.

Forbes tried using the Phone Breaker software created by Elcomsoft and was able to retrieve nearly 7,000 records dating back to November of 2015. Site names, URLs, Google searches, visit counts, and the date and time items were deleted were included. It's not clear why Apple was storing the information for so long, but it appears to have been an oversight related to ensuring information is deleted on all devices once cleared rather than intentional.

Shortly after Forbes and Elcomsoft published their iCloud findings, Elcomsoft noticed previously available records being deleted as part of a server-side fix quietly implemented by Apple. All deleted browser records older than two weeks have been eliminated. From Elcomsoft's blog:

Update: we have informed media about this issue in advance, and they reached Apple for comments. As far as we know, Apple has not responded, but started purging older history records. For what we know, they could be just moving them to other servers, making deleted records inaccessible from the outside; but we never know for sure. Either way, as of right now, for most iCloud accounts we can see history records for the last two weeks only (deleted records for those two weeks are still there though). Good move, Apple. Still, we would like to get an explanation.

Even before Apple made the server-side fix to make sure deleted browsing history is permanently removed in a timely manner, it was difficult to get ahold of the information. Forensic software like Phone Breaker was required, which doesn't come cheap, and Phone Breaker only works with a user's Apple ID and password, or an authentication token pulled from a user's computer.

In iOS 9.3 and later (and Safari 9.1 and later), Apple also began turning URLs into unreadable hashes instead of plaintext when browser history is deleted, an additional security measure, but Forbes says that didn't stop Elcomsoft's tool from working with the newest versions of Safari.

While Apple now appears to be deleting browsing data at the two week mark (or has made it invisible to tools like Phone Breaker), iCloud users should be aware that their browsing history, including cleared browser history, is stored in iCloud for at least that two week period. Users who are not comfortable with that can easily disable syncing features through the iCloud section of the Settings app. Apple has not commented on Elcomsoft's finding or the apparent server-side fix.

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Apple was keeping deleted browser information in a separate iCloud recored called "tombstone,"

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VPNoverview.com Privacy Anonymous Browsing Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

Chris Bluvshtein

Ever wondered what Safari Private Browsing does exactly? Chances are it might not be giving you the level of online privacy you expect. Safari Private Browsing does have some perks, including:

  • Stopping Safari from remembering the websites you’ve visited
  • Not storing any new usernames, passwords, payments cards, and other information you input into private browsing
  • Forgetting any search engine queries you’ve run
  • Allowing you to save money by avoiding marketing cookies that might inflate prices

However, this is pretty much all the privacy that you’ll get with Safari Private Browsing. This incognito mode  won’t cloak your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, or make you safe on public Wi-Fi . Private browsing still leaves you pretty exposed to a lot of the risks that come with connecting to the internet.

For true online anonymity, you’ll need to use a VPN to change your IP address . We’re big fans of ExpressVPN, one of the fastest VPNs in the industry.

Below, you’ll find more information on how to use Safari Private Browsing on all your Apple devices, as well as more details on how this incognito mode does and doesn’t protect your privacy.

If you use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, then chances are you’ve encountered Safari Private Browsing before. Whether you’re shopping for a partner’s gift or want to snoop on a long-lost colleague’s LinkedIn, there are many reasons why you might want to use private mode in Safari.

In this article, we answer the question, what is Safari Private Browsing ? We’ll also tell you what this handy tool can’t  do to save you any embarrassment or risk to your online security.

What is Safari Private Browsing?

Use anonymous search engine icon

There’s a little more to this method of browsing than meets the eye, but we’ll go into specifics further down in this article. The point is, for a more private experience, you can use Safari’s incognito mode . You’ll be logged out of all accounts, and Safari won’t autofill user logins, passwords, or payment information. When you turn on private browsing, Safari won’t remember :

  • Your search engine history
  • Webpages you’ve visited
  • Browsing activity or history

You should, however, be aware of a major drawback of this tool on Macs: your browsing activity likely isn’t as hidden as you might think. Websites you visit can still see who you are and what you’re doing . You can read more about this in our general incognito mode article .

With Macs, Private Browsing information is logged in a different place, as well: your Terminal archive.

Beware the Mac Terminal archive

On Macs, there’s something called the Terminal archive , and it’s as scary as it sounds — well, for fans of privacy at least. It’s a treasure trove for snoops. The Terminal archive contains all of the websites you visit , whether you’re using Safari Private Browsing or not. This is because your Mac stores static images and other files when you visit a website for the first time. This makes future visits to these sites and page loading much faster, as your Mac pulls the relevant files from the Terminal archive.

This command-line function also lets you make systemic changes to your Mac . For most users, there’ll never be a need to make any changes in the Terminal archive, and you shouldn’t if you don’t know what you’re doing. You could end up breaking something critical in your computer’s operating system if you tinker with the Terminal.

Screenshot of iOS user interface, Access Terminal app

However, it is good to know that, even when you’re using Safari’s Private Browsing mode, your online activity is logged here.

Make your Safari Private Browsing truly private

By now, you might be asking yourself: how do I clear the cache on my Mac? Well, today’s your lucky day.  Below, you’ll find a brief, step-by-step guide to clearing the cache on a Mac . Just make sure not to do anything else while inside the Terminal.

  • Open “ Finder ,” then search for “ Terminal ” in the search bar.
  • Run the  Terminal  application.
  • Paste the following text into the Terminal and hit enter: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

You may have to enter your Admin password to proceed. This is going to flush the DNS cache.

Remember that you shouldn’t do anything else inside of the Terminal application unless you know what you’re doing. It only takes a short command to nuke files or entire directories in this app forever! So, tread carefully.

Why You Should Use Safari Private Browsing on Macs and iOS

We can hypothesize all we want, but you’ve probably got a good idea of why you  use private browsing. According to a 2018 research study , the most common reason people use private browsing is so others that are using a shared device can’t see what they’re doing. This comes down to protecting two things from other users of your device:

  • Their personal data
  • Their browsing activity

Fortunately, these are two things that Safari Private Mode manages to do wonderfully. Below, you can read more about what else Safari Private Browsing does for you .

Online privacy

Privacy browser icon

  • Your browser won’t remember what websites you’ve visited.  Anything you browse while you’re in private browsing mode won’t be remembered by Safari. So, if you start shopping online for gifts or a product that you find embarrassing, you won’t usually have to worry about your friends or family coming across your browsing history.
  • Safari won’t suggest usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and so   on.  You’ve probably noticed that Safari can remember usernames, passwords, credit cards, and other information when you use it for the first time. If you tell your Mac, smartphone, or tablet to remember those details, they’ll be automatically filled in the next time you visit the website. With Safari Private Mode enabled, these kinds of details won’t be stored: you won’t be prompted to save or autofill them at all.
  • Your search engine queries won’t be remembered . If you’ve been shopping for gifts or trying to self-diagnose, you probably don’t want other users of the computer to see what you’ve searched for . Normally, you’ll see suggested searches popping up in search engines like Google. Based on your past searches and clicks, some links might be colored purple instead of blue, too. In private browsing mode, these won’t appear, nor will any new searches be stored.

How to pay less with Safari Private Browsing

There’s more to private mode options than just online security. You could also save money with Safari Private Browsing, as you won’t be quoted higher prices for products you’ve already viewed. When you visit a website, cookies (small text files) are stored on your computer by your browser.

These kinds of cookies aren’t delicious or rewarding at all. Instead, they allow the site to track you and figure out that you’re interested in, for example, a particular holiday destination. This can result in you seeing higher airfares, hotel booking fees, and more. Just turn on Safari’s Private Browsing to s top cookies from being stored on your browser and avoid hiked prices.

How to Go Incognito on Safari

Incognito mode icon

Safari Private Browsing on a Mac

Using  Safari Private Browsing  on a Mac is simple. If you’re reading this on a Mac, you can skip step one in our step-by-step guide below:

  • Open Safari on your Mac.
  • Click on “ File ” in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  • Select “ New Private Window .” This will open a new private tab, but you can open as many private tabs in your tab bar as you need.

Screenshot how to open a New Private Window on Safari

It’s that simple. Now, any new tab you open within this new private browsing window will be a private browsing tab. Give it a whirl by opening some new private tabs and navigating to a website you frequently log into. You’ll notice that your username and password aren’t suggested for autofill as they usually would be .

Also, you’ll know that you’re in private browsing, as the URL bar will have a gray background rather than the usual white. Just remember to ignore or close your existing browser window if you had any open. If in doubt, check the background color of the URL bar.

Finally, to  turn off private browsing in Safari , simply click the red cross in the corner of the browser window as you usually would.

Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Using  Safari’s private browsing mode on an iPhone or iPad is fairly straightforward and could increase your privacy on an iPhone . If you’re running  iOS 14 or earlier , simply follow the steps below:

  • Open  Safari on your phone.
  • Tap on the “ Tabs ” button. That’s the two small squares in the bottom-right corner of your Safari window on iPhone.
  • A new option called “Private” should appear.
  • Tap “ Private ” and you’ll be taken to a blank screen confirming that you’re using Private Browsing Mode . You’ll notice that it’s using the same gray color scheme as Safari for Mac.
  • Lastly, click on the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a private browsing window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode

If you’re using  Apple’s latest iPhone update, iOS 15.1.1 , you’ll need to follow a slightly different (and hey, we’ll say it — more confusing) set of steps:

  • Tap on the “ Tabs ” button.
  • Tap where it says “ X Tab(s) ” – this number will reflect the number of windows you have open.
  • Tap “ Private .”
  • Now, you’re in Private Browsing mode and can click the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a new private window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode latest Apple update

Again, turning off private browsing in Safari for iPhones or iPads is simple. Just press the same “ Private ” button that you used to enable the feature. Don’t forget, if you have multiple private tabs open, they won’t close automatically. Swipe each tab closed before you exit private mode if you want to leave no trace.

How to Set Safari Private Browsing as the Default

If you’d rather always browse privately, you can also set Safari Private Browsing as your default, so that it opens automatically whenever you open a new tab or window. Check out the step-by-step instructions below for a Mac :

  • Make sure your active application is Safari, then select “ Safari ” from your Mac’s toolbar at the top of your screen. Click on “ Preferences ” next, which can also be accessed using the keyboard shortcut “ Command ” + “ , ” (that’s Command, plus a comma).
  • Now, you should see the Privacy window for Safari. Click on the “ General ” tab.
  • Next to “Safari opens with”, select “ A new private window ” from the drop-down list.

While you  can’t automatically use Safari Private Browsing by default on mobile , there are some options for minimizing what’s remembered, stored, or recommended. Here’s how you get there:

  • Open the “ Settings ” application.
  • Scroll down until you see “ Safari ” and tap on that option.

Now, you’ll have the choice to use a number of features. You can:

  • Disable search engine suggestions
  • Disable Safari suggestions specifically
  • Turn off autofill for Safari , either for personal information, payment information, or both
  • Disable “ Favorites “, which you can save in your Safari app’s home screen
  • Turn off “ Frequently Visited Sites “, which appear below your favorites

In this menu, you can also  prevent cross-site tracking and  block all cookies on the websites that you visit. In the event that you forget to launch Safari Private Browsing, these options should give you at least a little more privacy whenever you go online.

Is Safari Private Browsing Safe?

Question mark over padlock icon

That last risk is surprisingly common on public Wi-Fi networks  too. Bear in mind that private browsing doesn’t protect you against malware (malicious software) either, nor does it protect your payment information or other personal details . For true online anonymity and to  improve your online security , you should give serious thought to using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) .

How to use a VPN with Safari Private Browsing

Using a VPN along with Safari Private Browsing should give you the online security you’re looking for. In addition to avoiding any logged browsing history or search history , you’ll be much harder to track and enjoy greater online anonymity. You can check out the many advantages of a VPN for more information. Want to get started right away? The following steps will only take a few minutes of your time:

  • Choose a VPN provider and create an account. We recommend checking out our list of the best VPNs if this is new ground for you. Alternatively, ExpressVPN is a market-leading VPN provider that we’re always happy to recommend.
  • Download and install  the VPN software onto your Mac. You can also download ExpressVPN for mobile on your iPhone. Other premium providers like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark all offer really slick mobile apps for iOS, too.
  • Log into your account , either in the desktop software or the mobile app.
  • Choose a VPN server in a country of your choice. If you’re purely interested in online security, then the location you choose isn’t  too  important (though some will be faster than others). However, if you want to  save money on subscriptions , for example, you should give it some more thought.
  • Connect to the VPN server . When you connect, you’ll be  changing your IP address to mirror the VPN server’s IP. It’s safe, legal ( in most countries ), and best of all, it’ll give you far greater online security than simply using Safari Private Browsing alone.

Safari Private Browsing is perfect for hiding those Christmas or birthday purchases from your family before the big day. It’s also a great way to save money on flights, hotels , or other purchases. However, it won’t do much for your online security. If you want  truly private browsing , then use a VPN along with Safari private mode.

Interested in exploring other private browsers? Check out these articles below:

  • How Anonymous Is DuckDuckGo?
  • Is Vivaldi Browser Safe?
  • How to Set Up Firefox as an Anonymous Browser

Do you want to know how to enable private browsing on Safari? Are you wondering how much privacy Safari Private Browsing actually gives you? You’ll find these answers and more in our frequently asked questions below.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for Mac, follow these simple steps:

  • Make sure Safari is the active application that you’re using.
  • Click on  File in the menu bar along the top of the screen.
  • Click on  New Private Window to switch to private browsing mode.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for iPhone or iPad, the process is much the same:

  • Open the  Safari application.
  • Tap on the  Tabs icon (the two small squares in the lower-right corner of your screen).
  • Tap on  Private to switch to private browsing.
  • Click on the small  + (plus) icon to open a new private browsing tab.

Check out our full article for more information on Safari Private Browsing.

No. Safari Private Browsing, like any browser’s private mode, won’t protect you against a lot of online threats. Your IP address will still be visible to many third-party individuals and organizations. For example, your ISP will know what websites you’ve visited, and hackers could determine your location using your IP (though some private modes do limit location tracking). For true online privacy and anonymity, you’re safer using a VPN like ExpressVPN .

With Private Browsing, it’s more difficult for websites to track you, since cookies are cleared the moment you close the browser — but it’s not impossible. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider), employer, school, or college could still see your internet history . That is, unless you use a VPN along with the incognito mode.

Yes. The owner of an internet connection can absolutely check up on your browsing session if they have the right technical knowledge. Some routers can be set up to remember all URLs a device accesses. So, if you’re trying to fly under your parents’ radar, for example, they could potentially bust you using the family router, even if you’re exclusively using private browsing modes.

For true anonymity , you’ll want to use a VPN. With a VPN connection, all of your internet traffic is encrypted, which gives you far better anonymity and privacy than using private browsing on its own.

Chris Bluvshtein

Chris Bluvshtein Author

Senior journalist.

Chris is a tech journalist with many years’ experience covering online privacy and cybersecurity. He’s also a published author and works as a Product Manager for some of the most innovative software development companies.

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Hi Chris , I’m finding while using private mode in safari my sound is being cut out and I have not been able to find a way to reconnect it. I use it on a iPad with a vpn and trend anti spam for protection as much as it can in private mode. I have not been able to find any reason as to why this is happening.

Hey Wayne, I've done a bit of digging, and I've found something that might be worth a try. It seems that recent versions of Safari have a built-in feature that can prevent audio from playing when you visit a website; it's enabled by default too. Give this a try and let me know if the issue goes away: 1. Open the Safari menu and click preferences 2. Click on the websites tab 3. Look for the setting: "When visiting other websites", which has a drop-down selection beside it 4. Change this setting so that it allows websites with media to play sound. You can alternatively add individual websites to this list if you'd rather have control over which ones can play sound by default.

Hi Chris Just tried your Terminal Commands, I am running macOS Monterey The Terminal Commands Below are not working dscacheutil -cachedump -entries Host dscacheutil -flushcache

You're right. Thank you for pointing it out to us! There is a new terminal command you'll now need instead: "sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder". We've adjusted the article to reflect this. Hope this helps!

Looking for a VPN?

Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Extensively tested by our experts.

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How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac

Arnold Zafra

In case you’re not aware, Apple’s Safari browser, like other popular browsers, offers a Private Browsing mode . Simply put, when you use this feature while using Safari, the browser won’t log or save any of your activity. Other browsers call this Incognito Mode. The downside is that all your saved preferences for websites you frequently visited are disabled. Still, it won’t hurt to browse websites using the feature from time to time for some private browsing experience. But is there really no way to browse your Private Browsing history? Well, there is, and that’s what I’m going to show you in this guide on how to view Private Browsing history in Safari on your Mac.

How Does Private Browsing Work in Safari

When you opt to browse websites in Safari using Private Browsing, it opens up a new private window in your browser. As previously mentioned, when privately browsing in Safari, your activity will not be logged or saved. Although it’s not a foolproof way of browsing privately, the feature still offers some level of privacy. As such, Private Browsing in Safari won’t record your search engine history, webpages you’ve visited, browsing activity, and most especially passwords you used on different websites.

It should be noted that this feature doesn’t really prevent the websites you visited from knowing who you are and your browsing activity on the website.

How to Browse Privately in Safari on Your Mac

Before I discuss the procedure on how to view your Private Browsing history on Mac, let me walk you through the steps on how to browse privately. You can either do it one time or opt to always browse privately.

To browse privately in Safari one time:

  • Open the Safari app on your Mac.

does safari store browsing history

To always browse privately in Safari:

  • Click General.

does safari store browsing history

What is the Mac Terminal Archive?

Now that you know how to use Private Browsing in Safari on your Mac, it’s time for you to know that your Mac actually logs that browsing history. This can be found in your Mac’s Terminal archive. You’ll be surprised to know that this Terminal archive contains information about all of the websites you visited. That’s even when you use the Private Browsing feature. So, you can view Private Browsing history via the Terminal archive.

How to View Private Browsing History in Safari on Mac

Time needed:  1 minute

does safari store browsing history

You will notice that the website names have been translated into their corresponding IP addresses. You won’t see the exact name of the websites. That’s because your Mac has consulted a DNS directory to translate the website names into IP addresses.

We think you might also be interested in how to clear browser cache on Mac for Chrome, Firefox and Safari .

Final Words: Is It Really Safe to Browse Privately in Safari?

According to Apple, when you browse privately in Safari :

  • The browser won’t save the web pages you visit and your Autofill information.
  • Safari won’t store webpages you open in iCloud.
  • Safari won’t include your recent searches in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.
  • Safari won’t include items you downloaded in the download list.
  • Changes to your cookies and website won’t be saved.

Knowing all that, Private Browsing in Safari would seem safe. But then, when you browse privately, are you really browsing anonymously, or does the feature just hide your information from anyone who could access your Mac? However, if somebody gets physical access to your Mac and knows their way around, they can still see the websites you visited, since the information is stored in the DNS cache of your Mac.

Even worse is when you are using a public network. The network administrator can still see the websites you are visiting using your Mac. The bottom line is that advertisers can still track you even if you browse privately on your Mac, and then serve targeted ads. If you don’t mind that at all, then there’s no harm in always browsing privately in Safari on your Mac.

One thought on “ How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac ”

When it comes to private browsing, Utopia P2P ecosystem’s web proxy function is the gold standard. Its advanced encryption and anonymity features are unmatched by other solutions like VPNs and incognito modes.

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  • Arnold Zafra

does safari store browsing history

Pocket-lint

How to delete your Safari history on Mac, iPhone, or iPad

  • Clearing your Safari history removes cookies and reduces online tracking.
  • The process for deleting web history is different for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
  • You can use Private Browsing Mode to prevent web history from being saved.

From accessing your bank account on a shared computer to Googling embarrassing queries, there are a number of reasons to want to clear out your search history. Deleting your history on Safari removes your trail of web browsing, but the process also does more than clear out potentially embarrassing websites.

Clearing your history will also remove associated cookies from the web browser, reducing the number of ways you are being tracked online. While clearing your web history only removes cookies from Safari and not third-party websites that already have your data, it can still be helpful to reduce online tracking. Clearing the related cache can also sometimes fix bugs.

Deleting a web history from Safari isn't a terribly complicated process, but the steps are a bit different if you are using a MacBook , iPad , or iPhone . The steps for clearing several web pages and a single website are also different. Some privacy settings can also prevent you from deleting any web history, leaving the buttons you need grayed out.

How to close all Safari tabs on iPhone at the same time

There are also a few tricks that can make the process simpler. For example, if you turn on iCloud for Safari, when you delete the history from your Mac, it will automatically be deleted from your phone and tablet too. If you know you want to delete your web history before you make a single click, you can use Private Browsing Mode instead.

Whether you are a murder mystery writer looking to eliminate search queries that would raise the eyebrows of any detective, or you want to reduce the number of cookies tracking you, this guide will tell you how to delete Safari history in a few simple steps.

How to delete Safari history on a Mac

Safari allows you to delete a lot of web history from a Mac or MacBook at once by allowing you to choose the dates for which you would like to erase. If you want to clear websites from the last hour, last day, last two days or all of your web history, this is the process to use.

  • Open Safari
  • From the top toolbar, click on History , then click Clear History.
  • In the pop-up window, use the drop-down menu to select the time period you want to clear from your history.
  • Click Clear History .

How to delete Safari history on an iPhone or iPad

The steps for clearing out your Safari history on an iPhone is quite different from using a Safari browser on a Mac. But, the process is the same across both iPhones and iPads, so these steps below work for both your phone and tablet.

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Select Safari.
  • Scroll down to the Privacy & Security section and select Clear History and Website Data.
  • On the next page, tap the time frame that you would like to delete the history for.
  • Optional: If you also want to close out of all open websites, tap the toggle for Close All Tabs.
  • Tap Clear History.

How to delete a single website from Safari history

Safari allows you to easily delete websites from the last hour, day, two days, or your entire web history easily. But, if you only want to remove a single website, you'll instead have to access your history, and then select the individual page to remove.

  • Open a Safari browser.
  • From the top toolbar, select History > Show All History. Or, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Y.
  • Select the website entry that you wish to delete. If that site was not visited today, you will need to tap on the date that you visited the website to find it or use the search bar at the top.
  • Right-click on the website entry and select delete.

On an iPhone or iPad:

  • Tap the Bookmark icon on the bottom (it looks like an open book).
  • Tap the Clock or History icon at the top of the page.
  • Locate the website that you wish to delete from your history -- your history is organized by the date you visited.
  • On the website you wish to delete, swipe left, then tap on the red trash icon.

How to use Bing Chat on Safari

How to use private mode in safari.

If you know that you'll want to delete the website that you are about to visit from your history, try using Private Browsing Mode instead. This mode does not save any website history, including search history and autofill information. That means you can do your online banking without going back and deleting your web history when you are done.

To use Private Browsing Mode on a Mac:

  • Open Safari.
  • On the top toolbar, go to File > New Private Window.
  • Use this new private window for browsing. You can quickly see if a Safari browser is Private because the field to type in the URL is dark gray instead of white.

To use Private Browsing Mode on iOS:

  • Tap the tab icon in the bottom left corner.
  • At the bottom of the screen, tap Private (swipe to see all the toppings in this toolbar if you do not see the Private option.)
  • Private browsing will have a dark gray URL field instead of white. To return to regular browsing, repeat the steps but this time swipe back to your open tabs.

How to use picture-in-picture mode in Safari on Mac

How to instantly clear your web history from multiple devices.

With iCloud , Safari can save your web browsing across all the devices that you use with your Apple ID. While that's helpful for quickly recalling a website no matter what device you first opened it with, it also syncs any deletions to the web history across your devices . That means if you delete a web page from your history on a Mac, it will automatically be deleted from your iPhone too -- as long as both devices are logged into the same Apple ID and iCloud for Safari is enabled.

iCloud for Safari can be enabled during the setup process for a new device, but it can also be turned on and off from the Settings app:

  • Tap on your Apple ID or name at the top.
  • Tap on iCloud.
  • Under Apps Using iCloud, select Show All . (If you are running iOS 15 or earlier, you may not see the full list already instead of the Show All option, in which case you can jump to the next step.)
  • Toggle on Safari from the list.

Why can't I clear my Safari history?

In some cases, the buttons that you need to tap to clear your Safari history are gray. But why can't you delete your Safari history, and how do you fix it? Here are a few common reasons why the Safari history options are grayed out:

  • You've already deleted your history and there are no more websites to clear out.
  • Web content restrictions are turned on. Some parental control settings prevent kids and teens from deleting their web history, while other content restrictions can also prevent you from deleting. To access the content restriction options, open the Settings app and go to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  • You are using Private Browsing Mode. This mode does not save your web history, so you have nothing to delete.

14 Safari tips and tricks you absolutely need to know

Can you permanently delete safari history.

Deleting your Safari history makes it difficult for the average person to recover the past websites that you have visited. However, if you are connected to your work or school network, in some cases the network administrator can still see your website access. Deleting your website history also may not fool a trained digital forensics expert during an investigation.

How to delete your Safari history on Mac, iPhone, or iPad

About iOS 17 Updates

iOS 17 brings big updates to Phone, Messages, and FaceTime that give you new ways to express yourself as you communicate. StandBy delivers a new full-screen experience with glanceable information designed to view from a distance when you turn iPhone on its side while charging. AirDrop makes it easier to share and connect with those around you and adds NameDrop for contact sharing. Enhancements to the keyboard make entering text faster and easier than ever before. iOS 17 also includes updates to Widgets, Safari, Music, AirPlay, and more.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

This update provides bug fixes for your iPhone including:

Text may unexpectedly duplicate or overlap while typing

This update introduces additional security measures with Stolen Device Protection. This release also includes a new Unity wallpaper to honor Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.

Stolen Device Protection

Stolen Device Protection increases security of iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions

Security Delay requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed

Lock Screen

New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month

Collaborate on playlists allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and everyone can add, reorder, and remove songs

Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist

This update also includes the following improvements:

AirPlay hotel support lets you stream content directly to the TV in your room in select hotels

AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID

Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models)

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

This update provides important bug fixes and is recommended for all users.

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

This update introduces Journal, an all-new way to reflect on life’s moments and preserve your memories. This release also includes Action button and Camera enhancements, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.

Journal is a new app that lets you write about the small moments and big events in your life so you can practice gratitude and improve your wellbeing

Journaling suggestions make it easy to remember your experiences by intelligently grouping your outings, photos, workouts, and more into moments you can add to your journal

Filters let you quickly find bookmarked entries or show entries with attachments so you can revisit and reflect on key moments in your life

Scheduled notifications help you keep a consistent journaling practice by reminding you to write on the days and time you choose

Option to lock your journal using Touch ID or Face ID

iCloud sync keeps your journal entries safe and encrypted on iCloud

Action Button

Translate option for the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max to quickly translate phrases or have a conversation with someone in another language

Spatial video lets you capture video on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max so you can relive your memories in three dimensions on Apple Vision Pro

Improved Telephoto camera focusing speed when capturing small faraway objects on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

Catch-up arrow lets you easily jump to your first unread message in a conversation by tapping the arrow visible in the top-right corner

Add sticker option in the context menu lets you add a sticker directly to a bubble

Memoji updates include the ability to adjust the body shape of any Memoji

Contact Key Verification provides automatic alerts and Contact Verification Codes to help verify people facing extraordinary digital threats are messaging only with the people they intend

Precipitation amounts help you stay on top of rain and snow conditions for a given day over the next 10 days

New widgets let you choose from next-hour precipitation, daily forecast, sunrise and sunset times, and current conditions such as Air Quality, Feels Like, and wind speed

Wind map snapshot helps you quickly assess wind patterns and access the animated wind map overlay to prepare for forecasted wind conditions for the next 24 hours

Interactive moon calendar lets you easily visualize the phase of the moon on any day for the next month

This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:

Siri support for privately accessing and logging Health app data using your voice

AirDrop improvements including expanded contact sharing options and the ability to share boarding passes, movie tickets, and other eligible passes by bringing two iPhones together

Favorite Songs Playlist in Apple Music lets you quickly get back to the songs you mark as favorites

Use Listening History in Apple Music can be disabled in a Focus so music you listen to does not appear in Recently Played or influence your recommendations

A new Digital Clock Widget lets you quickly catch a glimpse of the time on your Home Screen and while in StandBy

Enhanced AutoFill identifies fields in PDFs and other forms enabling you to populate them with information such as names and addresses from your contacts

New keyboard layouts provide support for 8 Sámi languages

Sensitive Content Warning for stickers in Messages prevents you from being unexpectedly shown a sticker containing nudity

Qi2 charger support for all iPhone 13 models and iPhone 14 models

Fixes an issue that may prevent wireless charging in certain vehicles

This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users.

In rare circumstances, Apple Pay and other NFC features may become unavailable on iPhone 15 models after wireless charging in certain cars

Weather Lock Screen widget may not correctly display snow

This update introduces the ability for AirDrop transfers to continue over the internet when you step out of AirDrop range. This release also includes enhancements to StandBy and Apple Music, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.

Content continues to transfer over the internet when you step out of AirDrop range

New options to control when the display turns off (iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max)

Favorites expanded to include songs, albums, and playlists, and you can filter to display your favorites in the library

New cover art collection offers designs that change colors to reflect the music in your playlist

Song suggestions appear at the bottom of every playlist, making it easy to add music that matches the vibe of your playlist

Option to choose a specific album to use with Photo Shuffle on the Lock Screen

Home key support for Matter locks

Improved reliability of Screen Time settings syncing across devices

Fixes an issue that may cause the Significant Location privacy setting to reset when transferring an Apple Watch or pairing it for the first time

Resolves an issue where the names of incoming callers may not appear when you are on another call

Addresses an issue where custom and purchased ringtones may not appear as options for your text tone

Fixes an issue that may cause the keyboard to be less responsive

Fixes an issue that may cause display image persistence

https://support.apple.com/HT201222

This update provides important bug fixes, security updates, and addresses an issue that may cause iPhone to run warmer than expected.

This update provides important bug fixes, security updates, and fixes an issue that may prevent transferring data directly from another iPhone during setup.

This update provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.

Contact Posters let you customize how you appear on other people’s devices when you call them with a customized poster

Live Voicemail displays a live transcription as someone leaves a message and allows you to pick up the call

Stickers iMessage app brings all your stickers into one place including Live Stickers, Memoji, Animoji, emoji stickers, and your third party sticker packs

Live Stickers can be created by lifting the subject from photos or videos and stylizing them with effects like Shiny, Puffy, Comic, and Outline

Check In automatically notifies a family member or friend when you arrive at a destination safely and can share helpful information with them in case of a delay

Audio message transcription is available for audio messages you receive so you can read them in the moment and listen later

Search improvements help you find messages faster by allowing you to combine search filters such as people, keywords, and content types like photos or links to find exactly what you are looking for

Swipe to reply to a message inline by swiping to the right on any bubble

One-time verification code cleanup automatically deletes verification codes from the Messages app after using them with AutoFill in other apps

Leave a video or audio message to capture exactly what you want to say when someone does not pick up your FaceTime call

Enjoy FaceTime calls on Apple TV by using your iPhone as a camera (Apple TV 4K 2nd generation and later)

Reactions layer 3D effects like hearts, balloons, confetti, and more around you in video calls and can be triggered with gestures

Video effects allow you to adjust the intensity of Studio Lighting and Portrait mode

Full-screen experience with glanceable information like clocks, photos, and widgets designed to view from a distance when iPhone is on its side and charging in places such as your nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk

Clocks are available in a variety of styles including Digital, Analog, Solar, Float, and World Clock, with elements you can personalize like the accent color

Photos automatically shuffle through your best shots or showcase a specific album you choose

Widgets give you access to information at a distance and appear in Smart Stacks that deliver the right information at the right time

Night Mode lets clocks, photos, and widgets take on a red tone in low light

Preferred view per MagSafe charger remembers your preference for each place you charge with MagSafe, whether that’s a clock, photos, or widgets

Interactive widgets let you take actions, like mark a reminder as complete, directly from the widget by tapping it on the Home Screen, Lock Screen, or in StandBy

iPhone widgets on Mac enable you to add widgets from your iPhone to your Mac desktop

NameDrop lets you exchange contact information with someone new by bringing your iPhones close together

New way to initiate AirDrop allows you to share content or start a SharePlay session over AirDrop by bringing your iPhones close together

Improved autocorrect accuracy makes typing even easier by leveraging a powerful transformer-based language model (iPhone 12 and later)

Easier autocorrect editing temporarily underlines corrected words and lets you revert back to what you originally typed with just a tap

Enhanced sentence corrections can correct more types of grammatical mistakes when you finish sentences (iPhone 12 and later)

Inline predictive text shows single and multi-word predictions as you type that can be added by tapping space bar (iPhone 12 and later)

Safari and Passwords

Profiles keep your browsing separate for topics like work and personal, separating your history, cookies, extensions, Tab Groups, and favorites

Private Browsing enhancements include locking your private browsing windows when you’re not using them, blocking known trackers from loading, and removing identifying tracking from URLs

Password and passkey sharing lets you create a group of passwords to share with trusted contacts that stays up to date as members of the group make changes

One-time verification code AutoFill from Mail autofill in Safari so you can log in without leaving the browser

SharePlay makes it easy for everyone to control and play Apple Music in the car

Crossfade smoothly transitions between songs by fading out the currently playing song while fading in the next so the music never stops

Intelligent AirPlay device list makes finding the right AirPlay-compatible TV or speaker even easier by showing your devices in order of relevance, based on your preferences

Suggested AirPlay device connections are proactively shown to you as a notification to make it even more seamless to connect to your preferred AirPlay devices

Automatic AirPlay device connections are made between your iPhone and the most relevant AirPlay-compatible device so all you have to do is tap “Play” to begin enjoying your content

Adaptive Audio delivers a new listening mode that dynamically blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency to tailor the noise control experience based on the conditions of your environment (AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with firmware version 6A300 or later)

Personalized Volume adjusts the volume of your media in response to your environment and listening preferences over time (AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with firmware version 6A300 or later)

Conversation Awareness lowers your media volume and enhances the voices of the people in front of the user, all while reducing background noise (AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with firmware version 6A300 or later)

Press to mute and unmute your microphone by pressing the AirPods stem or the Digital Crown on AirPods Max when on a call (AirPods (3rd generation), AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation), or AirPods Max with firmware version 6A300 or later)

Offline Maps allow you to select an area you want to access, search, and explore rich information for places to download for use when your iPhone doesn’t have a Wi-Fi or cellular signal

EV routing improvements give you routes based on real-time EV charger availability for supported chargers

Option to say “Siri” in addition to “Hey Siri” for an even more natural way to make requests

Back-to-back requests can be issued without needing to reactivate Siri in between commands (iPhone 11 and later)

Visual Look Up

Expanded domains in Visual Look Up help you discover similar recipes from photos of food, Maps information from photos of storefronts, and the meaning of signs and symbols on things like laundry tags

Multiple or single subjects can be lifted from the background of photos and videos and placed into apps like Messages

Visual Look Up in Video helps you learn about objects that appear in paused video frames

Visual Look Up for subjects in photos enables you to look up information about objects you lift from photos directly from the callout bar

State of Mind reflection allows you to log your momentary emotion and daily mood, choose what factors are having the biggest impact on you, and describe your feelings

Interactive charts give you insights into your state of mind, how it has changed over time, and what factors may have influence such as exercise, sleep, and mindful minutes

Mental health assessments help you understand your current risk for depression and anxiety and if you might benefit from getting support

Screen Distance leverages the TrueDepth camera that powers Face ID to encourage you to increase the distance you view your device to reduce digital eye strain and can help reduce the risk of myopia in children

Sensitive Content Warnings can be enabled to prevent users from unexpectedly being shown images containing nudity in Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters in the Phone app, and FaceTime messages

Expanded Communication Safety protections for children now detect videos containing nudity in addition to photos that children may receive or attempt to send in Messages, AirDrop, Contact Posters in the Phone app, FaceTime messages, and the system Photo picker

Improved sharing permissions give you even more control over what you share with apps, with an embedded photo picker and an add-only Calendar permission

Link tracking protection removes extra information from links shared in Messages, Mail, and Safari Private Browsing that some websites use in their URLs to track you across other websites, and links still work as expected

Accessibility

Assistive Access distills apps and experiences to their essential features in Phone and FaceTime, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Music, including large text, visual alternatives, and focused choices to lighten cognitive load

Live Speech lets you type what you want to say and have it be spoken out loud in phone calls, FaceTime calls, and for in-person conversations

Personal Voice enables users who are at risk of losing their voice to privately and securely create a voice that sounds like them on iPhone, and use it with Live Speech in phone and FaceTime calls

Point and Speak in Magnifier Detection Mode uses iPhone to read text out loud on physical objects with small text labels, such as keypads on doors and buttons on appliances

This release also includes other features and improvements:

Roadside Assistance via satellite lets you contact AAA to help you with vehicle issues when out of Wi-Fi or cellular range (iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max)

Pets in the People album in Photos surfaces individual pets in the album just like friends or family members

Photos Album widget lets you select a specific album from the Photos app to appear in the widget

Item sharing in Find My allows you to share an AirTag or Find My network accessory with up to five other people

Activity History in Home displays a recent history of events for door locks, garage doors, security systems, and contact sensors

Grid Forecast in Home shows when your electrical grid has cleaner energy sources available (Contiguous US only)

Grocery Lists in Reminders automatically group related items into sections as you add them

Inline PDFs and document scans in Notes are presented full-width, making them easy to view and mark them up

New Memoji stickers in Keyboard include Halo, Smirk, and Peekaboo

App Shortcuts in Spotlight Top Hit offer you app shortcuts to your next action when you search for an app

Redesigned Sharing tab in Fitness provides highlights of your friends’ activity like workout streaks and awards

Email or phone number sign-in lets you sign into your iPhone with any email address or phone number listed in your Apple ID account

New drawing tools in Freeform include a fountain pen, watercolor brush, ruler and more to create expressive boards

Crash Detection optimizations (iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max)

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For more information, please visit this website:

https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-17

Some features may not be available for all regions or on all iPhone models. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

does safari store browsing history

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IMAGES

  1. How to Manage Your Browsing History in Safari

    does safari store browsing history

  2. How to Manage Your Browsing History in Safari

    does safari store browsing history

  3. How to Manage Browsing History on Safari for iPad

    does safari store browsing history

  4. macOS: How to Manage Safari Browsing History

    does safari store browsing history

  5. How to Manage Your Browsing History in Safari

    does safari store browsing history

  6. Safari History iPhone: How to See It [2023 Guide]

    does safari store browsing history

VIDEO

  1. Failed to Delete Safari Search History on iPhone Fix

  2. How to Delete/Clear Safari Search History on iPhone Tutorial (2024) Full Guide Simple process

  3. View Safari Web Browsing Search History on iPhone

  4. How to delete safari browsing history on iPhone

  5. How To Check Safari Download History in iPhone || iPhone Safari Me Download History Kaise Dekhe

  6. How to Disable Safari's Incognito Mode on iPhones and iPads

COMMENTS

  1. How to view and clear your web browsing history in Safari on iPhone or

    In Safari, tap the Bookmarks button. Select the History icon in the upper right corner. Tap Clear and select how much history you'd like to clear: the last hour, the last day, 48 hours' worth, or all recorded history. To clear History, tap the Bookmarks button, then choose the History icon.

  2. Clear the history, cache, and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad

    Delete a website from your history. Block cookies. Use content blockers. Delete history, cache, and cookies. Go to Settings > Safari. Tap Clear History and Website Data. Clearing your history, cookies, and browsing data from Safari won't change your AutoFill information. When there's no history or website data to clear, the button to clear it ...

  3. How to Manage Your Browsing History in Safari

    Here's how to manage Safari's history on a Mac: Open the Safari browser and select History in the menu bar located at the top of the screen. You'll see a drop-down menu with the titles of the web pages you visited recently. Select a website to load the respective page or select one of the previous days at the bottom of the menu to see more options.

  4. Managing History and Other Private Data in Safari for macOS

    In Private Browsing mode, your personal data isn't saved. To activate Private Browsing mode, select File > New Private Window. Alternatively, open a private window in Safari on Mac using the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + N . When you use the web in a private window, items such as browsing history, cache, cookies, and AutoFill information ...

  5. How To Check Safari History on iPhone and Mac [2024]

    Follow these simple steps too: 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. 2. Scroll through the options and click on Safari. 3. Again, scroll and find the Clear History and Website Data option. 4 ...

  6. How to View and Search Your Safari History: 2 Simple Ways

    2. Click the History menu. It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen. 3. Click Show All History. A list of websites you've visited will appear. [1] If you're logged into the computer with the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone or iPad, you'll also see sites you've visited on those devices. 4.

  7. Keep your browsing history private in Safari and Maps

    On your Mac: Open the Safari app , choose History > Clear History, click the pop-up menu, then choose how far back you want your browsing history cleared. When you clear your history, Safari removes data it saves as a result of your browsing, including: A history of the webpages you visited. The back and forward list for open webpages

  8. How to Manage Browsing History on Safari for iPad

    Select the gear icon on the Home screen to open the iPad Settings . Scroll down and select Safari . Scroll through the list of settings and select Clear History and Website Data to delete the browsing history, cookies, and other cached website data. Select Clear to confirm, or select Cancel to return to the Safari settings without removing any ...

  9. Search your web browsing history in Safari on Mac

    In the Safari app on your Mac, choose History > Show All History. Type in the Search field at the top-right corner of the window. Safari uses iCloud to keep your browsing history the same on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac computers that have Safari turned on in iCloud preferences. On your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, go to Settings ...

  10. Does iCloud saves safari search history?

    tygb. Safari box is checked it sync safari as a web browser Browse the web using Safari on iPhone - Apple Support , the browsing history is saved when non private browsing is enabled , in case of private browsing is enabled Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPhone or iPod touch - Apple Support , the cookies are disabled so it won't show ...

  11. How To View History in Safari on a PC, Tablet, or Mobile Device

    Click on it to open the page in your browser. You can now see your history in Safari. If you signed in to your device using the same Apple ID that you use on your other Apple devices, that history ...

  12. How to clear browsing history on Safari on iPhone or Mac

    In Safari, choose the History menu. Select Clear History from the very bottom of the menu. In the dialog box that appears, choose from clearing the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all ...

  13. How to Check Your Safari History on iPhone 12: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 2: Tap the Book Icon. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a book icon. Go ahead and tap it. The book icon is your gateway to your bookmarks, reading list, and, most importantly, your history. It's typically located on the bottom bar of your Safari screen. If you don't see it, make sure you're on the main Safari page and not in ...

  14. How to Search the Browsing History on an iPhone in 2 Ways

    1. Open the Safari app. 2. Tap the book icon at the bottom of your screen. It is the second icon from the right. This will bring up your search history.

  15. Search your web browsing history in Safari on Mac

    In the Safari app on your Mac, choose History > Show All History. Type in the Search field at the top-right corner of the window. Safari uses iCloud to keep your browsing history the same on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac computers that have Safari turned on in iCloud preferences. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings ...

  16. How To See Safari Private Browsing History

    Private browsing, also known as "Incognito" mode in other browsers, is a feature designed to allow users to browse the internet without leaving a trail of their online activities. When you engage private browsing in Safari, the browser does not store your browsing history, search history, or any information entered in forms. Additionally, any ...

  17. Clear your Safari browsing history

    When you clear your history, Safari removes data it saves as a result of your browsing, including: History of webpages you visited. The back and forward list for open webpages. Top Sites that aren't marked as permanent. Frequently visited site list. Cookies and website data saved while visiting webpages. Recent searches. Icons for open webpages

  18. iCloud Was Storing Deleted Safari Browser History for ...

    In iOS 9.3 and later (and Safari 9.1 and later), Apple also began turning URLs into unreadable hashes instead of plaintext when browser history is deleted, an additional security measure, but ...

  19. Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

    Open Safari on your phone. Tap on the " Tabs " button. Tap where it says " X Tab (s) " - this number will reflect the number of windows you have open. Tap " Private .". Now, you're in Private Browsing mode and can click the small " + " (plus) icon to launch a new private window.

  20. How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac

    How to View Private Browsing History in Safari on Mac. Time needed: 1 minute. Click Applications > Utilities. Click Console > Your Mac HD on the sidebar. Type any:mdnsresponder in the search box ...

  21. How to delete your Safari history on Mac, iPhone, or iPad

    On a Mac: Open a Safari browser. From the top toolbar, select History > Show All History. Or, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Y.; Select the website entry that you wish to delete.

  22. Clear your browsing history in Safari on Mac

    In the Safari app on your Mac, choose History > Clear History, then click the pop-up menu. Choose how far back you want your browsing history cleared. When you clear your history, Safari removes data it saves as a result of your browsing, including: History of webpages you visited. The back and forward list for open webpages.

  23. About iOS 17 Updates

    Safari and Passwords. Profiles keep your browsing separate for topics like work and personal, separating your history, cookies, extensions, Tab Groups, and favorites. Private Browsing enhancements include locking your private browsing windows when you're not using them, blocking known trackers from loading, and removing identifying tracking ...