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Google Gives iOS Users Ability to Delete Recent Search History

Get rid of embarrassing searches quicker

By Allison Murray Allison Murray Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 16, 2021 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Google's new feature that allows you to delete the last 15 minutes of your search history is now available for iOS. The feature originally was announced during May’s Google i/O event as an additional option to Google Search’s auto-delete feature. You’ll be able to delete the last 15 minutes of your search history with a single tap from the Google Account Menu. Getty Images/Chesnot/Contributor Google said the feature is only available if you have the Google app for iOS, and that it will come to the Android app later this year. Other auto-delete controls Google announced on Thursday include the ability to choose to automatically delete your Search history after three, 18, or 36 months. It’s important to note that new accounts automatically delete after 18 months, but you can update these settings. Other search updates Google announced on Thursday include the ability to lock your My Activity page behind an extra sign-in page. This feature is especially handy if you share a device with someone else, such as your kids, so others won’t have access to what you’ve been searching for on Google. Google said the feature is only available if you have the Google app for iOS and that it would come to the Android app later this year. Google’s push to prioritize privacy this year also includes other recent updates like a new safety section within Google Play to provide more transparency into the data that apps collect and share. The tech giant said the new safety section will make developers disclose what information is collected and stored within their apps and how that data is used (i.e., for app functionality or personalization). Earlier this year, Google also introduced a new app policy restricting "broad app visibility" to specific apps to provide more security for Android users. Experts say this means that apps will have a harder time getting access to information from the other apps on your phone, increasing your phone’s security. 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 Clear Your Instagram Search History How to Access Google Docs Trash How to Clear Reddit Search History How to See Reddit Search History Search History: How to View or Delete It The Top 10 Internet Browsers for 2022 How to Clear Your Search Bar History How to Delete an Address From Google Maps How to Use Google Lens on iPhone How to Clear YouTube Search History How to Delete Tinder Google Family Link: What It Is and How to Use It How to Clear Search History on iPhone What Does Google Know About Me? The History of iOS, from Version 1.0 to 16.0 The 10 Best Parental Control Apps and Services of 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