What happens when you delete Safari history?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

When you choose to delete your Safari history, you are essentially removing the data that Safari saves based on your browsing activities. This includes various aspects that Safari keeps track of to enhance your browsing experience.

1. History of webpages visited:
By clearing your history, Safari erases the list of webpages you have visited in the past. This means that when you start typing in the address bar, Safari won’t suggest previously visited sites based on your browsing history.

2. Back and forward list for open webpages:
Safari keeps a record of the webpages you have visited during your current browsing session. This allows you to easily navigate back and forth between pages using the back and forward buttons. When you clear your history, this list is also cleared, and you won’t be able to revisit recently viewed pages using those buttons.

3. Frequently visited site list:
Safari keeps track of the websites you frequently visit and creates a list for quick access. When you type in the address bar, Safari suggests these frequently visited sites to make it easier for you to revisit them. Clearing your history removes this list, and Safari won’t suggest your most visited sites anymore.

It is important to note that clearing your history only affects the data stored within Safari. It does not necessarily remove all traces of your browsing activities. Other applications or services may still have access to your browsing history, depending on the device and settings you have in place.

Furthermore, clearing your history can be useful for various reasons. For example, if you share your device with others and want to maintain privacy, deleting your browsing history ensures that others won’t be able to see which websites you have visited. It can also be helpful for troubleshooting issues or starting fresh if you feel that your browsing experience has become sluggish or cluttered.

When you delete your Safari history, you are removing the records of webpages you visited, the back and forward list for open webpages, and the frequently visited site list. This can enhance privacy, improve performance, and provide a cleaner browsing experience.