How to Clear Browsing History on iPhone 12

As our browsing activities increase daily, the need to clear the browsing history on our iPhones becomes more pressing. Clearing browsing history on iPhone 12 helps protect your privacy, frees storage space on your device, and can also aid in troubleshooting issues related to your browsing. This blog post focuses on various methods to clear browsing history on iPhone 12.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

To clear browsing history on an iPhone 12, you would need your iPhone device, a stable internet connection, and updated iOS software.

What Requires Your Focus?

It is essential to note that clearing browsing history on iPhone 12 could lead to lost website logins, cached web pages, and website data. You would need to consider the implications of clearing browsing history on your device before proceeding with the process.

Different Methods to Clear Browsing History on iPhone 12

Method 1: Via Safari Settings

  • Open the Safari app on your iPhone 12.
  • Tap the bookmarks icon, located at the bottom of your screen, represented by an open book.
  • Next, select the History icon, represented by a clock icon, located at the top of your screen.
  • Click Clear, which is located at the bottom of your screen.
  • Select how far back in time you would like to clear browsing history on your iPhone. You can choose from the last hour, the last day, the last two days, the last week, the last month, or all time.
  • Finally, click Clear History to complete the process.

Pros:

  1. Easy and straightforward process.
  2. Offers various options in the clearing process.

Cons:

  1. Cannot delete select browsing history records
  2. May lead to some loss of browsing data that you would rather preserve.

Method 2: Via iPhone Settings

  • Tap on the Settings app on your iPhone home screen.
  • Scroll down and click on Safari.
  • Next, select the Clear History and Website Data option.
  • Click Clear History and Data on the pop-up window to confirm the process.

Pros:

  1. Ensures that all browsing-related data and website data are cleared.
  2. Deletes website data along with browsing history.

Cons:

  1. More extended process compared to other methods.
  2. Complete deletion of website data, which could lead to the loss of website authentication information.

Method 3: Via Siri voice control

  • Activate Siri on your iPhone 12.
  • Ask Siri to Clear Browsing History on Safari.
  • Click Yes, then follow the prompt by tapping on Clear History and Data.

Pros:

  1. Simplified and faster process.
  2. Hands-free operation.

Cons:

  1. Requires a stable and active internet connection.
  2. Not very reliable as Siri may misunderstand your instruction.

Method 4: Via Third-Party Apps

  • Download and Install a Browsing history cleaning app such as CleanMyPhone on your iPhone 12.
  • Launch the application and select Browser Data Manager.
  • Click Clean to clear the browsing history, cookies, and cache data.

Pros:

  1. Faster and more efficient process.
  2. Deletes website data, cache data, and cookies as well.

Cons:

  1. Requires additional app download and installation.
  2. The functionality of third-party apps depends on the app’s programming and performance.

Why Can’t I Clear My Browsing History on iPhone 12?

There may be times when you may be unable to clear your browsing history on iPhone 12. The following are some reasons and their respective fixes.

1. Inactive Internet Connection

If your internet connection is inactive, you may not be able to clear browsing history on your iPhone 12. To fix this, ensure that you have a stable and active internet connection.

2. Restrictions On Settings

Suppose there are restrictions on your iPhone 12 regarding settings. In that case, this may prevent you from accessing the feature to clear browsing history on your device. To fix this, navigate to Settings, tap on Screen Time, select Content & Privacy Restrictions, enter your screen Time Passcode, and then turn this feature off.

3. Outdated iOS Software

Using outdated iOS software on your iPhone 12 may also prevent you from clearing browsing history. To solve this issue, update your iPhone 12 iOS Software to the latest version available.

Implications and Recommendations

Clearing browsing history on iPhone 12 could lead to the loss of essential website data and logins. It is essential to consider this before proceeding with any of the clearing options highlighted in this blog post. To avoid this loss, consider exporting website data to the cloud or a safe place separate from your iPhone.

5 FAQs About Clearing Browsing History on iPhone 12

Q1: Can I clear browsing history for specific websites?

A: No, clearing browsing history via Safari settings or iPhone settings removes all browsing history logs.

Q2: Will clearing browsing history on my iPhone 12 delete my bookmarks?

A: No, clearing browsing history does not affect bookmarks saved on your iPhone 12.

Q3: Will clearing browsing history affect website data saved on my iPhone 12?

A: Yes, clearing browsing history can lead to the loss of website data saved on your iPhone 12.

Q4: Why do I need to clear browsing history on my iPhone 12?

A: Clearing browsing history on your iPhone 12 helps protect your privacy and free storage space. It can also help solve browsing-related issues on your iPhone 12.

Q5: Do I need third-party apps to clear browsing history on my iPhone 12?

A: No, third-party apps are not necessary to clear browsing history on your iPhone 12. The built-in Safari settings and iPhone settings provide suitable options.

In Conclusion

Clearing browsing history on iPhone 12 is crucial for privacy protection, freeing storage space, and troubleshooting browsing-related issues on your device. This blog post highlights different methods to clear browsing history on iPhone 12, their respective pros and cons, reasons why clearing history may fail, and FAQs. We hope this article proves informative and helpful to you.