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Home > Updates from Artemis Huron > How to Erase Your Online History — and Why It Matters

How to Erase Your Online History — and Why It Matters

At Artemis Huron, we know that safety isn’t just physical. It’s digital too. If you’re researching support, planning a safe exit, or even just reading about gender-based violence, it’s important to know how to clear your online tracks—especially if you’re sharing a device or network with someone who might be monitoring your activity.

This guide will walk you through how to erase your online history in all major web browsers step-by-step and help you understand why it matters.

Why Clearing Your Browsing History Matters

If you’re looking for help, like visiting the Artemis Huron website, and you’re worried someone might go through your computer or phone afterward, you’re not alone. Controlling partners or perpetrators of gender-based violence may:

  • Check your browser history
  • See what websites you’ve visited
  • Look through saved passwords or autofill data

Taking a few moments to clear this history can be a powerful way to protect your privacy.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Browsing History

We’ve outlined simple instructions for the most common browsers. If you’re unsure which one you’re using, look at the logo on the browser or type “what browser am I using” into the address bar.

💻 Chrome

Desktop:

  1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
  2. Select History > History (or press Ctrl + H).
  3. Click Clear browsing data on the left.
  4. Choose “All time” in the time range.
  5. Check:
    • Browsing history
    • Cookies and other site data
    • Cached images and files
  6. Click Clear data.

Mobile (Android/iOS):

  • Tap the three dots > History > Clear browsing data
  • Select time range > choose what to clear > Clear data

🦊 Firefox

Desktop:

  1. Click the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right.
  2. Select History > Clear recent history.
  3. Choose “Everything” from the time range.
  4. Check:
    • Browsing & download history
    • Cookies
    • Cache
  5. Click OK.

Mobile:

  • Tap the menu > Settings > Delete browsing data
  • Choose what to clear > Tap Delete browsing data

🧭 Safari (Mac)

Desktop:

  1. Click Safari in the top menu.
  2. Select Clear History.
  3. Choose “all history” from the dropdown.
  4. Click Clear History.

iPhone/iPad:

  • Go to Settings > Safari
  • Scroll down > Tap Clear History and Website Data
  • Confirm

🧍🏽‍♀️ Microsoft Edge

Desktop:

  1. Click the three dots (⋯) > History > Clear browsing data.
  2. Choose “All time” from the time range.
  3. Check all boxes.
  4. Click Clear now.

Mobile:

  • Tap the three dots > Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
  • Choose time range > Select items to clear > Tap Clear data

⛅ Incognito/Private Browsing: Use it when possible

Incognito Mode or Private Browsing doesn’t save your history at all. It’s a good option if you’re not able to erase your history later. Here’s how to open a private browsing window:

  • Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac)
  • Firefox/Safari/Edge: Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P

But be aware — files you download and bookmarks you save can still be seen.

Other Tips to Stay Safe Online

  • Clear search history: If you use Google, go to myactivity.google.com > Web & App Activity > Manage > Delete
  • Log out of shared accounts like Google or Facebook.
  • Don’t save passwords to shared devices.
  • Turn off autofill: It can remember and show sites you’ve visited

You Deserve Safety — Online and Off

Clearing your browser history can be a small but powerful way to take control. Whether you’re just gathering information or planning your next step, we want you to know: you are not alone.

If you need immediate support, our 24/7 crisis line is always here: 1-800-265-5506