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Google collects information on each of the searches that are performed through its programs. In 2012, they unified all of their privacy information, allowing you to choose whether you want Google to collect your web search history and give it to third-party clients. Follow these instructions to delete your Google history and increase your online privacy.
Steps
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:
Google Account
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1Go to google.com or gmail.com and sign into your Google account.
- All of Google's products are unified, meaning that you should use the same sign in to access all Google's products, such as Gmail, YouTube, Documents and more.
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2Go to Google.com/History. This is where Google manages searches and other browsing information for internal and advertising purposes.
- You can also go to the Google History page when you are on Google's main search engine. Find the gear icon that indicates settings. Click on it and choose "Search History."
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:
Choose Google Search History
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1Specify the type of history you would like to remove. Navigate through the different options in the left hand column.
- For example, you can go to "Shopping" or "Images" or "Finance" and see a list of search history dating back as long as you have used the Google account.
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2Choose whether you want to delete only certain parts of your Google history.
- This is preferable if you use Google Now, because your cards are based on your Google history. Deleting the finance, shopping or other sections may remove the efficacy of those cards and your voice search.
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3Select individual items in each category.
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4Click the "Remove Items" button to delete this specific history.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:
Delete All History
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1Return to the main Google.com/history page.
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2Press the "Delete All" button.
- Decide if you want to turn Web History off. Go to privacy settings and choose to turn it off, and select who can see your history. Press "Save" to make the changes to your account.
- Even if you choose to increase your privacy settings, Google will collect data about your searches for their internal programs, such as analytics.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I remove Google log?Community AnswerLog into your Google Account. Go to My Account, then My Activity. On the left-hand side, click Delete Activity. Follow the instructions from there.
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QuestionWhat if no boxes appear in my search history?Community AnswerIf that's the case, then you're history is already gone! If you're not sure, look for a "Clear History" or "Clear Search History" button, and click that just to be on the safe side.
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References
- http://support.google.com/accounts/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=54067
- http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/clear-your-google-search-history-now-240860
- http://support.google.com/accounts/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=54052
- https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/02/how-remove-your-youtube-viewing-and-search-history-googles-new-privacy-policy
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