The iPad is an amazing device that has simplified our lives greatly. You can use the iPad to search the web, watch movies, and even access bank statements. However, your search history might contain critical information that you don’t want other people to see. It’s always a good idea to know how to clear your search history on your iPad. Clearing your search history on your iPad includes erasing your browsing history, cookies, and even login details. This article will show you how to clear your search history on your iPad with step-by-step instructions.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we get started, there are a few things required before being able to clear your search history on your iPad. First, the iPad you are using must have iOS 5 or later installed. Additionally, you must have access to your iPad settings, the Safari browser, and a Wi-Fi connection. When those requirements are met, you can go ahead and clear your search history.
What Requires Your Focus?
Clearing your search history is a simple process, and you don’t need an expert to perform it. However, you must focus on the following:
- Clearing your browsing history and cookies will wipe out your login details for various websites and apps
- The process will remove your browsing history, cookies, and website data that have collected on your iPad, meaning you will not be able to use it when filling out forms online or auto-filling passwords.
- If you have enabled Safari sync, clearing your search history on one device will automatically do it across all of your devices
Different Methods to Clear Your Search History on iPad
Method 1: Using Safari Settings
Before you start erasing your browsing history, cookies, and website data, it’s important to ensure that you are using the latest version of the Safari browser. This is crucial because the Safari browser updates come with new features that enhance its safety and security. Once you have confirmed that you are using the latest version of Safari, you can proceed to clear your search history using the Safari settings.
Follow these steps to clear your search history using Safari settings:
- Open the Safari browser on your iPad
- Tap the ‘Book’ icon on the toolbar. For devices with IOS 12 and later, you can find it in the tab switcher, and for older versions such as IOS 11 and earlier, you can access it by clicking the ‘Show All’ button.
- Once you have opened your bookmarks page, click on the ‘History’ tab that you will find on the left-hand side of the screen
- You will then see your browsing history in chronological order. Swipe right to left on the items you want to remove, or click ‘Clear’ to clear your entire browsing history, cookies, and website data
- To confirm your selection, click ‘Clear browsing history’ on the pop-up message
Pros:
- It’s a simple process that takes a few seconds to complete
- You can choose which items to remove by swiping left or right
- The process is safe and secure because it is done within the Safari settings
Cons:
- You can’t undo the process once it’s complete
- The process clears out your browsing history, cookies, and website data, which may affect other apps and websites’ functionalities
Method 2: Using iCloud
iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage system that helps store and sync data across multiple Apple devices. By using iCloud, you can easily clear your search history by deleting it from all of your devices at once. Follow the steps below to clear your search history using iCloud:
- Open the Settings app on your iPad
- Tap on your name at the top of the screen
- Select ‘iCloud’ from the options displayed on the next screen
- Scroll down and click on ‘Manage Storage’
- Choose ‘Safari’ from the list of apps that appear under the section ‘Documents and Data’
- Click ‘Edit’ on the next page and then choose ‘Delete All’. You can choose specific items by clicking on them.
- Once you have selected your items, click ‘Done’ to confirm your selection
Pros:
- The process is quick and easy to perform as it is accessible via the Settings app
- You can remove your search history from all your Apple-brand devices at once.
Cons:
- You need to be logged into iCloud to access this feature
- If you delete a Safari item on one device, it automatically deletes on all devices connected to the same iCloud account
- This process deletes all of your Safari data, including your login credentials, saved passwords, and even bookmarked pages
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
Apart from using the built-in Safari settings or iCloud, you can also clear your search history by using third-party apps such as CleanMyMacX or PhoneClean. These apps help clean your iPad’s junk files and clear your browsing data.
Here’s how to clear your search history using CleanMyMacX or PhoneClean:
- Download and install CleanMyMacX or PhoneClean app on your Mac or Windows computer
- Connect your iPad to your computer with a USB cable
- Open the app and click on the ‘Privacy’ tab at the top of the screen
- Select ‘Safari history’ and any other search data you wish to clear
- Click ‘Clean’ to start the process of clearing your search history
Pros:
- The process is fast and efficient
- Third-party apps can clean up other junk files on your iPad besides clearing your search history
Cons:
- Third-party apps may require you to pay or subscribe for access to this feature
- Sometimes, third-party apps don’t always function as advertised
Why Can’t I Clear My Search History on iPad?
There may be instances when clearing your search history on your iPad may fail. Here are some reasons why this might be happening:
1. Your iPad is not updated to the latest version of iOS
A common reason why it may be impossible to clear your search history is because your iPad is using an outdated operating system. To remedy this, ensure that your iPad is running the latest version of iOS.
2. Safari settings have been changed
Occasionally your Safari settings may become altered, making it impossible to clear your search history. In such a case, you can reset your phone’s Safari settings by following a few simple steps from the Safari settings.
3. Restrictions
If you are using a device that is managed by an IT department, you may not be allowed to clear your search history. This is usually because of security reasons.
Fix:
To fix the above issues, ensure that you are using the latest iOS system. Additionally, reset your Safari settings by navigating to the Safari settings and clearing the cache and search history manually.
Implications and Recommendations
Clearing your search history on your iPad has some implications, such as improving your privacy and speeding up your device. However, it comes at the cost of sacrificing functionalities such as auto-fill passwords for some apps.
We recommend that you regularly clear your search history and delete cookies on your device for better privacy and security. Additionally, ensure that you are using the latest iOS system and that you backup your device regularly.
5 FAQs about Clearing Your Search History on iPad
Q1: Can I recover my deleted search history on iPad?
A: No. Once deleted, your search history cannot be recovered. Therefore, ensure that you are only deleting what you need to be deleted.
Q2: How often should I clear my search history?
A: It depends on your browsing habits. However, we recommend that you clear your search history periodically.
Q3: Will clearing my search history delete my saved passwords?
A: Yes, clearing your search history will delete your saved passwords along with other browsing data.
Q4: What happens if I don’t clear my search history on my iPad?
A: If you don’t clear your search history, you risk being tracked and your privacy being invaded. Additionally, accumulated data can slow down your iPad over time.
Q5: Does clearing my search history on iPad delete my iCloud data?
A: No, clearing your search history on your iPad will not delete your iCloud data. It will, however, clear your Safari history stored on your iPad.
Final Words
Clearing your search history on your iPad is an essential step towards guaranteeing your privacy and securing your data. Regardless of how you choose to clear your search history, it’s essential to be cautious to avoid accidentally deleting essential cookies or passwords. Save yourself the trouble of constantly worrying about your privacy by clearing your search history regularly.