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How to Clear Router History

Delete your system logs and files

By Jennifer Allen Jennifer Allen Writer Swansea University, Staffordshire University Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 19, 2022 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking 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. 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.
Click yes or agree. Some routers may immediately delete your router history logs so this step is not necessary. Your logs are now deleted.

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.
FAQ 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). Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Check Router History How to Find a Wi-Fi Password on an iPhone 4 Ways to Find Your Roku IP Address (With or Without the Remote) Can a Router Get a Virus? D-Link DIR-600 Default Password How to Fix a "Failed to Obtain IP Address" Android Error How to Delete Your Activity Log on Facebook How to Clear Reddit Search History Cisco Default Password List (Updated October 2022) How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password How to Connect to Your Home Router as an Administrator Linksys Default Password List (Updated October 2022) How to Clear Watch History on Discovery Plus D-Link Default Password List (Updated October 2022) How to Clear Your Internet Explorer History NETGEAR Default Password List (Updated October 2022) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies