How To Delete Your Browsing History

Different routers have slightly different ways of doing this, although the general concept is the same. Look for similar phrases if your router does not match what’s listed here.

How to Clear Router History

Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.

Updated on January 19, 2022
Reviewed by

• Wichita Technical Institute

Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years’ experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.

• Routers & Firewalls
• The Wireless Connection
• Network Hubs
• ISP
• Broadband
• Ethernet
• Installing & Upgrading
• Wi-Fi & Wireless

What to Know

• Log into your router through your browser and click Advanced >System >System Log >Clear System Log to delete your router history.
• Some routers have different interfaces which require different approaches.
• Few routers store your history for very long and many often only store system information rather than more detailed information.

This article teaches you how to clear your router’s history and explains what kind of data your router saves.

How Do I Clear My Wi-Fi Router History?

Few routers log your actual browsing history. At most, they store the IP addresses of the sites you have visited, but that’s still relatively unusual in the case of the average router. However, if you want to clear your Wi-Fi router history or system logs, the process is only a few steps away. That’s providing you know where to look. Here’s what to do.

Different routers have slightly different ways of doing this, although the general concept is the same. Look for similar phrases if your router does not match what’s listed here.

1. Log into your router via your web browser.

Click Advanced.

Click System.

Click System Log.

This may also be called Administration, History, or Logs depending on your router.

Click Clear All or Delete All.

Some routers may immediately delete your router history logs so this step is not necessary.

Does Unplugging Router Delete History?

That depends on the router. Most routers won’t store your log history if you unplug it. They tend to store only key configuration files to keep the router operating once you plug it back in. Such features mean that a power cut doesn’t disrupt service any more than it has to.

Some router brands will store your history, so it’s worth checking what model you have and what features it has. There are pros and cons to keeping your log history, even after unplugging it. It’s also possible to factory reset your router to clear all history.

How Long Does Router Keep History?

The length of time your router keeps your history varies depending on the device. As mentioned, most routers only store your system logs, with some also storing IP addresses of websites and services visited.

Routers that store some form of history also often have options for how long you want them to keep such information.

It’s also possible to delete the information as and when needed, as described above.

Check your router and its manual to see how long the default setting is for storing system logs or IP addresses. It can range from hours to weeks or even months, depending on how frequently you use it.

Do I Need to Delete My Router History?

Rarely. There really isn’t a need to delete your router history unless you’re wary of others accessing system logs or you plan on selling your router to another person. Unlike some maintenance tasks, it really isn’t needed very often.

How do I hide my internet history?

To browse the web anonymously, use a private web browser and a secure search engine, such as DuckDuckGo, that doesn’t track your history. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox also have an incognito mode.

How do I check my internet history?

You can view your router’s history in your router’s admin interface, usually in the same section where you can delete it. You can also view your browser’s search history.

Can I ask my ISP for my internet history?

No. You can’t get your internet history from your ISP. If you don’t want your ISP (or the government or hackers) to see your internet history, get a virtual private network (VPN).

How To Delete Your Browsing History

Every day, people clear their browsing history in order to delete information stored by their browser. Over time, this stored information could slow down your Internet connection or threaten your Internet privacy. Deleting your browsing history allows you to keep your personal search history private and out of reach of third-party snoops and hackers. As you surf the web, everything you view is stored in your computer cache. Congested computer caches can also take up space on your computer’s hard drive, so it is recommended that you clear your browsing history as often as possible.

Clear Your Browsing History

To delete your browsing history, follow the steps below. Once deleted, your website history log will be cleared and previously-visited websites will no longer appear in your history log.

1. Open your preferred browser.
2. Click History in your browser menu.
3. Click Clear to erase all items in your history log. This button text may differ depending on which browser you are using.

That’s it. Your browser history is now deleted.

More Ways to Protect Your Privacy

Protecting your privacy online is crucial to maintaining your security and enjoying an open, unrestricted Internet experience. When you browse the Internet without an extra layer of protection, such as a VPN, you are risking your private information being shared with third-party sites or hackers on your network. Information such as your IP address, location and search history are at risk. You should always be aware of the following:

• Your ISP (Internet service provider) can see a great deal of information, including your activity, location, sites visited, whom you communicate with and more.
• ISPs or other providers often share or sell this data to third parties, including advertisers.
• It’s essential to to read and understand the privacy policies of the various web-based tools or sites you visit.

To protect your privacy while browsing online, you can also do the following:

• Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, offering an exceptional level of privacy and security every time you connect. With a VPN, no one (not your ISP or snoops) can see the sites you visit, your location or any other personal data.
• Use HTTPS: HTTPS indicates that your connection is secured, meaning it is safer than using HTTP. Always use this prefix when you browse.
• Be aware of the risks: Understand that when browsing, a lot of personal information may be exposed to your provider and websites. Being aware of this fact can help you decide what you do online and what privacy measures you take.