Have you ever searched for a gift on Amazon, only to have similar items follow you around the internet for weeks? Or perhaps you’re simply looking to keep your shopping interests private. Your Amazon search history is the digital footprint of your every query, and while it helps the site recommend products, it can sometimes feel a bit too personal.
The good news is that you have complete control over this data. Clearing your search history is a simple process that can enhance your privacy and even refresh the recommendations you see on the site. Let’s walk through how to do it on both your computer and mobile device.
Why Clearing Your Search History Helps
Removing your search history does more than just protect your privacy. It also gives your Amazon experience a clean slate. If you’ve been researching items for someone else or have old interests you’ve moved on from, deleting this history stops Amazon from using that outdated information to suggest products. This can make your homepage feel more relevant to your current needs.
How to Remove Searches from a Computer
Start by logging into your Amazon account on a web browser. Hover over ‘Account & Lists’ in the top right corner and click on ‘Browsing History’. You’ll land on a page showing all your recently viewed items and search terms. To delete your entire search history, look for the ‘Manage history’ button on the right. Click it and select ‘Remove all items from view’. If you prefer to be more selective, you can click the ‘Remove’ link that appears under each individual search query.
Clearing Your History on the Amazon App
The process is just as easy on your phone or tablet. Open the Amazon app and tap the user icon at the bottom of the screen. Next, tap on ‘Your Account’, and then scroll to find ‘Browsing History’. Tapping on this will bring up your recent activity. To remove a single search, simply swipe left on it and tap ‘Delete’. For a full clean-up, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select ‘Clear browsing history’.
A Note on Your Amazon Experience
It’s helpful to remember that clearing your history is temporary. As you start searching for new things, Amazon will begin building a new history to personalize your experience again. Think of it as a periodic refresh for your account. For the best ongoing privacy, you might make it a habit to clear your history every few weeks.
Taking a few moments to manage your Amazon search history is a powerful way to take charge of your digital footprint. It’s a simple step that leads to a more private and personally tailored shopping journey, ensuring the ads and recommendations you see better reflect who you are right now.
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