How to completely delete your browsing and Google activity

Think clearing your browser history means your digital footprint is wiped clean? Think again. While deleting history from your browser may remove locally stored data, your activity across Google services is still stored in your account unless you take extra steps.

Gadinsider has compiled a step-by-step guide on how to not only clear your browser history but also remove your activity stored by Google.

How to clear your browser history

Follow these steps to take better control over your privacy online.

1. Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome).
2. Go to this website: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData.
3. On the left-hand side, select “Privacy and security.”
4. Click on “Clear browsing data.”
5. In the popup window: Set Time range to “All time,” Check all three boxes: Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
6. Press “Clear data.”

How to delete activity stored in your google account

1. Visit: https://myactivity.google.com.
2. On the left-hand side, click on “Delete activity by.”
3. Choose “All time” as the range or set a custom time range.
4. Select the Google services and apps you want to delete activity from (e.g., Search, YouTube, Maps).
5. Click “Next.”
6. Confirm by clicking “Delete.”