Google keeps track of all the searches you make when signed into your Google account. This allows you to easily revisit sites or information you’ve previously searched for. However, some users may be uncomfortable with Google saving their search history or want to periodically review it. Here is how to view your full Google search history.
Table of Contents
View Search History on My Activity Page
The easiest way to see your complete Google search history is through the My Activity page:
- Go to myactivity.google.com
- Sign into your Google account if prompted
- Your full search history will be displayed chronologically, showing queries, date/time, and source device
You can filter the search history by date range, search terms, or Google products used.
Pro Tip: Use the search box at the top to quickly find specific searches.
Download Your Full Search History
To save a copy of your search history or analyze it further, you can download it:
- Go to history.google.com/history
- Click the settings icon > Download
- Read the warning then click Create Archive
- Google will email you the download link when ready
The download will be a JSON file containing all your Google searches. You can use online JSON viewers to make the file more readable.
Delete Specific Searches or Time Ranges
If you find searches you want to remove from your history:
- On the My Activity page, click the X icon next to the search
- Or click a time range then Delete to remove multiple searches
Warning: Deleted searches cannot be recovered.
Turn Off Search History Tracking
To prevent Google from saving future search history:
- Go to history.google.com/history
- Click the settings icon > Settings
- Turn Web & App Activity to Off
- Confirm by clicking Pause
Google will no longer track or save new searches to your account.
Search History on Mobile Devices
The process to view search history is similar on mobile:
On Android:
- Open Chrome app > Tap History > Tap search history item
On iPhone:
- Open Chrome app > Tap History > Tap search history item
Search history is synced across devices logged into your Google account. Clearing search data on one device clears it everywhere.
Search History When Signed Out of Google
Google can still customize search results based on your recent activity even if you’re signed out. To turn this off:
- Go to google.com on Chrome
- Click Settings > Search settings
- Turn Search customization Off
Conclusion
- Google saves a complete search history for signed-in users to enhance services
- View your full history at myactivity.google.com
- Download your history data for offline access or analysis
- Selectively delete embarrassing or sensitive searches
- Turn off tracking to prevent Google from saving future search history
Reviewing your search history can uncover forgotten gems, interesting insights based on past interests, or searches you’d rather keep private. Understanding how Google handles search data allows you to better control your information.
