Incognito mode provides a sense of privacy when browsing the internet. Nevertheless, unlike the popular belief, it does not make your activities completely invisible. Many websites, apps and other platforms can see your activities. Between the data, the search history, DNS query or cashed data may still be accessible in some scenarios. Removing secret search history on various devices can further increase your privacy. This guide describes the step-by-step process for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac users to remove secret search history.
What is secret mode?
Incognito mode, also known as private browsing, has a feature in most web browsers that inhibit the storage of your browsing history, cookies and site data. While this ensures that your activity is not locally recorded on your device, it does not offer full oblivion. Your internet service provider, network administrator and websites you see can still track your activities. It is necessary to understand its limitations to maintain online privacy.
How to turn on Incognito mode?
Before we dive into the way we remove our history, it is important to learn how to turn the secret mode. It is easy to enable secret mode. The browser or device you are used vary slightly different. Here is how you can turn secret mode:
For Chrome:
- Open chrome
- Tap on top-right corner to three-dot menu
- Choose new secret tab to browse privately
For safari:
On iPhone or iPad
- Open safari.
- Tap tab switcher icon.
- Choose and tap in the lower-left corner.
On Mac:
- Open safari.
- Go to the file menu.
- Select the new private window.
For Windows (Microsoft Edge):
- Open the microsoft edge.
- Click on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Choose new inprivate window.
How to remove secret search history on Android?
When browsing in secret mode on Android devices does not save history directly in your browser, yet the address can still be stored in DNS cash or network logs in other areas. To ensure complete cleaning, follow these steps:
Clear app cash:
- Go to Settings> App.
- Select your browser (eg, chrome or firefox).
- Tap on storage> clear cache.
Clear activity on google account:
- Open the Google app or go to my activity.
- Tap on delete activity> select Incognito activities> Confirm.
How to remove secret search history on iOS?
Removing secret activity marks on iPhones or iPads involves cleaning browser data and addressing DNS cash. This way:
Apparent browser data:
For safari
- Go to settings
- Go to safari
- Select clear history and website data.
For chrome
- Open chrome
- Tap on three-dot menu
- Go to settings
- Select privacy
- Click on clear browsing data.
Flush DNS Cash
- Open the Settings App.
- Turn on and off the airplane mode, or restart your device to refresh the DNS cache.
Review app permissions
- To ensure that no log is stored, check any apps related to your browsing activity.
How to remove secret search history on Windows?
Even when using Incognito mode, your browsing data can leave marks in temporary files or DNS cache. To remove secret history on windows:
Flush DNS Cash:
- Open the command prompt (as an administrator).
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
Remove temporary files:
- Press Win + R, type %temp %, and hit enter.
- Select all files and remove them.
Apparent browser data:
For chrome
- Go to settings
- Select privacy and security
- Click on clear browsing data
- Choose “All Time”
- And then clear.
For edge
- Navigate on settings
- Go to privacy, search and services
- Click on clear browsing data.
How to remove secret search history on Mac?
To clean secret search history on Macos, focus on cleaning browser data and DNS cache. follow these steps:
Flush DNS Cash:
- Open the terminal app.
- Type Sudo DSCACHEUTIL -Flushcache; Sudo Killal -Press the Hup MDNSRESPONDER and Enter.
Apparent browser data:
For safari
- Go to safari
- Then priorities
- Click on privacy
- Go to manage website data
- Choose all remove.
For chrome
- Open chrome
- Click on the three-Dot menu
- Go to settings
- Click on privacy
- Select clear browsing data.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is to delete secret history?
Removing secret history clears temporary files, DNS logs, and cashed data that may arise during your browsing session. This reduces the possibility of third parties reaching residual data.
Can the deleted secret history be seen?
In some cases, yes. Network administrators, ISPs, or a forensic tool reach can recover the browsing log. Removing history makes access difficult but is not impossible.
Can I see my history after removing it?
Removing history removes visible scars from your device, the external records (eg, ISP log) may still be present. Using an encryption tool, such as VPN, can help reduce exposure.
Can anyone recover secret history?
Sophisticated recovering equipment can sometimes recover deleted data. However, the methods of completely deletion, combined with encryption tools, can significantly reduce the risk of recovery.