see safari history on iphone

How to view and clear your web browsing history in Safari on iPhone or iPad

Easily wipe your browsing history in Apple's Safari web browser in seconds.

How to find your web-browsing history

How to clear your web browsing history.

Clearing your browsing history on iPhone and iPad in Safari has been a straightforward affair for years now.

Sometimes, you may want a fresh start with your web browsing — perhaps to get rid of some history that may bring up a memory you'd rather forget as you type in a website URL in the address bar.

Apple makes this feature very easy to access on both the iPhone and iPad by offering two ways to clear your history. So with this in mind, here's how you can do just that and make a fresh start in Safari .

Viewing your web history in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 is very easy to do — and it's all done from Safari.

• In Safari, tap the Bookmarks button in the toolbar that's below the address bar.
• Tap the History icon in the upper right corner. Here, you can view your entire web history.

• Use the History search bar to find previously viewed pages.

If the time calls to wipe most or all of your web browsing history in Safari, here's how to do it on both iPhone and iPad.

To note, the below steps will be the same if you attempt to wipe your web browsing history on an iPhone 15 Pro Max , and an iPad Mini 6 for example.

• In Safari, tap the Bookmarks button.
• Select the History icon in the upper right corner.
• Tap Clear and select how much history you'd like to clear: the last hour, the last day, 48 hours' worth, or all recorded history.

One more thing… A feature no one talks about

Privacy on the web matters more than ever in these modern times. Websites store the pages you click on, especially when you sign into a page that can contain personal information about you.

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It's great to have a feature like this in Safari — but it would be good to have this automated. To tell Apple's web browser to automatically clear history after 24 hours would be very useful, as you wouldn't leave a trail behind.

Regardless, it's still a good feature, and one you should use every week.

Daryl is iMore's Features Editor, overseeing long-form and in-depth articles and op-eds. Daryl loves using his experience as both a journalist and Apple fan to tell stories about Apple's products and its community, from the apps we use everyday to the products that have been long forgotten in the Cupertino archives.

Previously Software & Downloads Writer at TechRadar, and Deputy Editor at StealthOptional, he's also written a book, ' The Making of Tomb Raider ', which tells the story of the beginnings of Lara Croft and the series' early development. He's also written for many other publications including WIRED, MacFormat, Bloody Disgusting, VGC, GamesRadar, Nintendo Life, VRV Blog, The Loop Magazine, SUPER JUMP, Gizmodo, Film Stories, TopTenReviews, Miketendo64 and Daily Star.

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2 Easy Ways to Check Your Safari Search History

Last Updated: January 17, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly . Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 157,093 times. Learn more...

Do you need to check your Safari browser history? In a few simple steps, you can easily view all the websites you accessed in the past. You can also search for specific websites in your history and clear any website data you don't want. This wikiHow will teach you how to view and delete your Safari history on iPhone, iPad, and macOS.

Things You Should Know

• On iPhone and iPad, you can click the book icon, then the clock icon to find your Safari history.
• On macOS, you can click the "History" tab, then "Show History".
• You can search for specific websites and clear your history data.

Using iPhone and iPad

• If needed, you can change your General Settings .

• If you're signed in with the same Apple ID to you use to log into your Mac, your Mac's Safari history will appear in this list as well.

• You may have to swipe down on the History page to find it.
• The results will load as you type.

• Tap a time period to delete the history from just that time period. To delete the entire log, select All time .
• You can also swipe left on individual websites in your history, then click Delete .

Using macOS

• Be sure to update Safari.

• If you're logged into the computer with the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone or iPad, you'll also see sites you've visited on those devices.

• A list of matching results from your history will appear. Click a site to load it in Safari.

• Select a time frame from the drop-down menu, then click Clear History .
• You can also delete cookies from Safari .

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/search-your-browsing-history-ibrw1114/mac
• ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201265

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iPhone/iPad: 1. Open Safari . 2. Tap the book icon. 3. Tap the clock button. macOS: 1. Open Safari . 2. Click History . 3. Click Show All History . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to search your browsing history on an iPhone, in Safari or Google Chrome

• It's easy to search the history on your iPhone's web browser to return to a specific webpage you've visited previously. 
• You can search the history on your iPhone in the Safari or Google Chrome browsers with these steps. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The search history on your iPhone's web browser can be helpful in taking you back to a site you want to see again, but scrolling through the whole list can be time consuming and annoying. 

Luckily, there's a search tool to help you get back to websites you may have visited a while ago — without going through the trouble of trying to remember the date you visited it. 

This feature is available on both the Safari and Google Chrome browsers. Here's how to use it to search your web history on an iPhone . 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Iphone 11 (from $699.99 at best buy), how to search the history on your iphone in safari .

1. Open the Safari app.

2. Tap the book icon at the bottom of your screen. It is the second icon from the right. This will bring up your search history.

3. Pull down on this History menu to reveal a bar at the top labeled "Search History" with a magnifying glass to the left of it.

4. Tap the search bar you just revealed to bring up the keypad, and type your search query. The query doesn't have to be exact to bring up results.

5. The result you are looking for should appear. Tap it to return to the website you visited.

How to search history on your iPhone in Google Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome app.

2. Tap the three dots in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. This will bring up an options menu.

3. Tap "History," which is the second to last option on the list of items in blue. The icon looks like a clock with an arrow around the outside pointing counterclockwise.

4. On the new History page, tap the search bar at the top to bring up your keyboard.

5. Type your search query into the search bar. 

6. Tap the name of the site you were looking for. This will bring you back to the page.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to close all of the open tabs on your iphone's safari browser at once, how to stop pop-ups from appearing on your iphone's safari browser, how to add bookmarks and favorites on an iphone's safari browser for quick access to your preferred webpages, how to clear the safari search history on your iphone in three different ways.

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• Main content

How to View Safari History on iPhone in 5 Simple Ways?

Viewing your Safari history on your iPhone can be quite useful. Whether you're looking to revisit a webpage you recently visited, want to keep track of your browsing habits, or need to delete some of your history for privacy reasons, it's essential to know how to navigate this feature.

This article will guide you through the methods about how to view Safari history on iPhone. You'll also learn how to manage your browsing history, including deleting individual sites or clearing it all at once. So, let's dive in and learn more about checking and managing your Safari history on your iPhone!

Way 1. How to Check Safari History on iPhone in Settings

Way 2. how to view iphone safari history by searching history, way 3. how to view browser history on iphone from icloud backup, way 4. how to look at safari history on iphone from itunes backup.

• Way 5. How to View Safari History on iPhone with Assistant for iOS [HOT!]

FAQs on Safari History on iPhone

Your iPhone's Safari browser keeps track of the websites you visit, making it convenient to revisit recently accessed pages or to find information you've looked up before. This browsing history is accessible through the Safari app itself, but you can also view it within the Settings app. Here's how to check history on iPhone in settings:

• Launch the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
• Scroll down until you find and tap on "Safari" to access its settings.
• Scroll down within the Safari settings until you reach the "Advanced" section.
• Inside the "Advanced" section, tap on "Website Data" to view any deleted history that's still stored on your device.

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In the latest version of Safari for iOS, browsing history is now searchable, making it easier than ever to find previously visited websites. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find search history on iPhone:

• Launch the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad. The icon looks like an open book.
• Tap on the "Bookmarks" button, which is the icon at the bottom of the screen that looks like an open book.
• Select the "History" tab from the list of options.
• At the top of the History section, you'll see a search box labeled "Search History." Tap on it.
• Type in the search term for the history you're trying to find. Safari will automatically start filtering your history as you type.
• As you type, Safari will populate the search results below. Each result will show the website's title, URL, and a snippet of text from the page.
• To open one of the search results, simply tap on it. Safari will immediately load that webpage.
• When you're done, tap the "x" button in the search box or tap "Cancel" to return to your browsing history.

iCloud serves as a digital locker for your iPhone data, safeguarding it in the cloud. One of its features, iCloud Backup, routinely stores all your iPhone content. Therefore, if you unintentionally erase your Safari history, you can retrieve it from iCloud Backup .

However, bear in mind that this process necessitates erasing all current data on your iPhone. Here's how to find browsing history on iPhone using iCloud Backup:

• Open "Settings" on your iPhone, then tap "General."
• Select "Reset" and opt for "Erase All Content and Settings."

• Follow the on-screen instructions. During the 'Apps & Data' phase, tap "Restore from iCloud Backup."
• Log in to your iCloud account, and select the backup containing the deleted Safari history. Your deleted data will be restored, allowing you to peruse your former records. This is how you access your history using iCloud Web.

• How to Transfer Videos/Movies from iPad to Computer? [5 Easiest Ways]
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There are iPhone users who opt to use iTunes to back up their devices. This approach allows them to access their iPhone's browsing history within the iTunes backup. iTunes is able to cover nearly all aspects of your iPhone, including browser history. This means that if you mistakenly delete your browsing history , you have the option to restore it from your iTunes backup.

However, it's important to note that when you restore old data from iTunes, any new data added to your iPhone since the last backup will be overwritten and lost. ( How to recover deleted Safari history on iPhone without data loss ?)

Here's how to find search history on iPhone from an iTunes backup:

• Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC using a USB cable. If you're using a Mac, use the Finder app. If you're on a PC, open iTunes.
• Click on your iPhone's icon to select your device.
• Next, choose "Restore Backup" from the list of options.

• Then, select the backup that contains the browser history you want to recover.
• Finally, click "Restore" and wait for the process to complete.

Way 5. How to View Safari History on iPhone with Assistant for iOS

MobiKin Assistant for iOS stands out as an intelligent iOS data exporting tool. Not only does it facilitate the effortless exportation of Safari history from iOS devices to computers, but it also enables users to access this crucial history at any time, even when their iOS device is unavailable. However, this iPhone data exporter boasts a plethora of other functionalities that users may find invaluable. Here are its standout features:

Main Features of MobiKin Assistant for iOS:

• Facilitates the transfer of data between iPads/iPhones/iPod touches and computers, supporting both directions.
• Provides the option to selectively or comprehensively back up data, offering enhanced flexibility.
• Enables users to preview data before exporting, ensuring they select only the files they need.
• Can seamlessly export over 18 types or versions of files, including contacts, messages, notes, calendars, bookmarks, music, and photos, among others.
• Compatible with almost all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod, including the latest iPhone 15 and 14 series.

Here's the simplest and most effective way to transfer and view your iPhone's Safari history on your computer using MobiKin Assistant for iOS, along with its advanced features:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to the computer

Download and Launch MobiKin Assistant for iOS on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB data cable.

Step 2: Select the Safari bookmarks you need

Once your device is detected by Assistant for iOS, navigate to the left sidebar. Select the file types you wish to export. In this case, click on "Safari History," or any other files you want to transfer.

Step 3: Export and view Safari bookmarks on computer

After selecting the Safari history you want to export, click on "Export" and choose a location on your computer to save them.

Now, you have successfully transferred all your Safari history to your computer. You can freely browse and use them on your computer at any time.

Video guide on how to transfer bookmarks from iPhone to computer:

Q1: How to clear Safari browser history on iPhone?

If you're experiencing sluggish performance on your iPhone or simply wish to clear your website data for privacy reasons, follow these steps to clear cookies and browser history:

• Launch Safari and tap on the "Bookmarks" icon located in the toolbar.
• Select the clock icon situated in the top right corner.
• Choose "Clear" to erase all your browsing history.

Q2: How long does the iPhone Safari history last?

The Safari history on your iPhone can last for an extended period, depending on your browsing habits and storage capacity. By default, Safari saves your browsing history indefinitely. However, you can manually delete it at any time.

If you have iCloud enabled, your Safari history might also be included in your iCloud backup, preserving it as long as the backup is maintained. The "Clear History and Website Data" option under "Settings" > "Safari" > "Clear History and Website Data" can also affect this. If set to "Never," your history remains until you manually clear it or restore your iPhone. In summary, your Safari history can last indefinitely unless deleted or overwritten during a backup or restore process.

Wrapping Up

Learning how to go to history on iPhone can greatly enhance your browsing experience. With Safari being the default browser for iOS devices, it's essential to understand how to access this feature for efficient browsing. This tutorial provides five different methods to view your Safari bookmarks, ensuring you can choose the one that works best for you.

Furthermore, if you want to access your Safari browsing history without a backup, MobiKin Assistant for iOS is a reliable option. This iPhone Data Exporter offers a comprehensive solution to extract, view, and export all your iDevice data, including Safari browsing history. This comprehensive summary underscores the importance of learning how to view Safari bookmarks on your iPhone, and the versatile solutions available to do so.

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How to clear Safari browsing history on iPhone and iPad

Clear Safari browsing history on iPhone and iPad in a few simple steps

You'll definitely want to know how to clear Safari browsing history on iPhone and iPad . Know how to delete browsing history is part of basic user operation on all your devices, and is especially if you share devices with others. 

Luckily, deleting browsing history on Safari is easy and can be done in just a few taps, and is the same on iOS and iPadOS, so whether you're using an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPad Air , these steps will apply.

Remember, though, that deleting your browsing history only stops your activity being visible on that device. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will still be able to see the webpages you have visited. If you want to stop that, for ultimate privacy, you'll need to use one of the best VPN services .

The following screenshots were taken on an iPhone running iOS 17 . If you aren't running the latest version of your device's OS, we can show you how to update an iPhone or how to update an iPad .

• In Safari, tap the book icon
• Go to the history tab (clock)
• Select how far back to clear

Read on to see full illustrated instructions.

1. In Safari, tap the book icon

Firstly, open Safari and tap the book icon in the bottom bar.

2. Select the history tab (clock icon) and tap Clear

Now select the history tab (clock icon) and tap Clear at the bottom.

3. Select how far back to clear and tap Delete

Now choose how far back you'd like to delete : last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all time.

If you like, you can toggle on Close All Tabs , which will close every open tab that isn't in a tab group (we can show you how to use tab groups if you aren't sure).

Finally, when you're happy, hit Delete .

As you can see in the screenshot above, if you now go back to the history tab, your history will have been deleted.

For more iPhone tutorials, check out our guides on how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone , how to clear RAM on iPhone , how to delete multiple contacts on iPhone and how to rearrange the iOS 17 Messages '+' menu .

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5 Ways to View & Recover Deleted Safari History on iPhone/iPad

“I've cleared my Safari history recently but now I need find back one website I visited previously. I was just wondering whether there's any chance to recover deleted Safar history so I can access these sites again?”

Safari is the built-in web browser for iOS devices and Mac computers, which is widely used among Apple users. While searching the internet with Safari, it usually keeps the browsing history and bookmarks for picking up what has been read.

The Safari history is very important and helpful. What if you have accidentally deleted your browsing history or it is suddenly gone without a record?

Don't worry. You still have chances to get back the deleted Safari history. Keep reading to find out how you can recover deleted Safari history on iPhone without or without backup.

Can You Recover Deleted Safari History on iPhone?

Are you wondering if it's possible to recover deleted Safari history on your iPhone? The good news is that it's YES. Even if you've deleted your browsing history on Safari, it's not permanently gone from your iPhone. It may still be stored on your phone for a limited period and inaccessible. And with the right steps, you can recover the deleted Safari history on iPhone.

Check iPhone Settings for Deleted Safari History

Before you try any other methods listed below, first check your iPhone itself. The most accessible and simple way of recovering your browsing history is to find them in Safari Website Data under Settings. Here's how to do it:

• On your iPhone, open the Settings app. Scroll down to find Safari and tap on it.
• On the next screen, scroll to the bottom and tap on the " Advanced " option.
• Choose the " Website Data " and you'll view the domain of the deleted browsing history.

Drawback of this method:

This method will only show you the root domain of your visited sites. You won't be able to find a specific page you've viewed before. Also, this method only works as long as you don't clear cookies and history from Safari.

Recover Safari History on iPhone without Backup (Recommend)

If there is no backup of your deleted Safari history, FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery is highly recommended to you. As the World's 1st iPhone and iPad data recovery software, it has helped tens of thousands iOS users find the deleted or lost data. What makes it become so popular? The answer is its reliability and function.

It provides 3 recovery modes for users: Recover from iOS Device, Recover from iTunes Backup, Recover from iCloud Backup, which means that it is powerful enough to scan deleted iOS data, preview almost all the content of iTunes/iCloud backup and download them on computer.

And the data types this tool supports to recover include messages, contacts, photos , videos, Safari history, notes , WhatsApp messages, Viber, etc. This tool works well on the latest iPhone 15/14/13 and iOS 17/16.

Follow the steps below to recover deleted safari history on iPhone without backup :

Step 1. Connect iPhone to Computer

To start with, install the program on your Windows PC or Mac and launch it. Choose " Recover from iOS Device " and then connect your iPhone to the computer using USB cable.

Step 2. Select Safari History to Scan

Once yoru iPhone is detected by the program, choose " Safari History " of any other type of files you would like to recover and then click " Scan " to begin scanning.

Step 2. Recover Deleted Safari History

After the scan, click " Safari History " from the category list to preview the recoverable safari history. Then select the ones you need and click " Recover " button to save the deleted safari history to your computer.

Recover Deleted Safari History on iPhone from Backup

Recover safari history from icloud web.

You are allowed to recover only Safari history from iCloud official site as long as you have turned on iCloud Auto Syncing on your iPhone. Follow these simple steps:

• Sign into iCloud official site from any browser using your iCloud account.
• Navigate to the " Advanced " option and scroll down to click " Restore Bookmarks " .
• Choose an archive of bookmarks you want and click on " Restore ".

Only the deleted Safari hisoty within the last 30 days can be retrieved. Also, the existing Safari bookmarks on your iPhone will be replaced and erased, which might cause new data loss.

Restore iPhone Safari History from iCloud Backup

If you have backed up your iPhone to iCloud, restoring iPhone from the iCloud backup is also one of the feasible choice you can try. Doing this will get back all the app data, including the deleted Safari history. But you need to factory reset the iPhone before performing the restore.

• Open Settings and click on " General ", scroll down to tap on " Reset " and select " Erase All Content and Settings ".
• Follow the instructions to set up your iPhone until you reach the page of " Apps & Data ". Then choose " Restore from iCloud Backup ".
• Sign in to iCloud and choose a backup to restore the device. All data in the backup file including the deleted Safari history will come back.

You're not allowed to preview the deleted files and selectively recover what you need only. What's worse, all the existing data on your iPhone will be erased and you'll lose your latest data that are not included in the iCloud backup.

Selectively Recover Deleted Safari History on iPhone from iCloud Backup

With FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery, you're able to preview and selectively recover deleted Safari history from iCloud backup.

• Run FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery and switch to " Recover from iCloud ".
• Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password. Then select the data types you want to restore and click on " Scan ".
• After you've downloaded the iCloud data, preview and select the data you need, then click on " Recover ".

Recover Deleted Safari History from iTunes Backup

If you have made an iTunes/Finder backup before you deleted the Safari history, you can also recover the deleted browsing history by restoring iPhone from iTunes backup. However, to restore the backed-up data, you will have to erase the existing data on your iPhone.

• Connect your iPhone to computer and launch iTunes or Finder.
• Click on the iPhone icon when it shows up and then choose " Restore Backup ".
• Select the backup file that contains your deleted Safari history and click on " Restore ".

Same as iCloud, preview and selectively recovery is not supported. Restoring from iTunes backup might also lead to data loss since any new files added to your iPhone since the backup will be replaced and overwritten.

Selectively Recover Deleted Safari History on iPhone from iTunes Backup

And again, we recommend you using FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery to recover deleted Safari history from iTunes backup without erasing any data.

• Launch FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery and choose the option of " Recover from iTunes Backup ".
• Select the iTunes backup file you want and click " Next ". Then select " Safari history " and click on " Scan ".
• After the scan, you can preview the Safari history and selectively recover those you need by clicking on " Recover ".

FAQs about iPhone Safari History Recovery

Q1. How long does Safari keep your browsing history?

This question has confused a lot of iPhone users. Actually, there is a definite answer of this question: your Mac can keep your browsing history for as long as a year, while some iPhone, iPad and iPod touch models keep browsing history for a month. This is what demonstrated on Apple’s official site.

Q2. How to recover deleted Safari history on iPad?

There are different methods for recovering deleted Safari history on your iPhone, most of which apply to iPads. You can try using FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery, which is compatible with major iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Q3. Where is Safari history stored on your Mac?

All the Safari history you can see on your Mac is stored in the ~/Library/Safari/ folder.

• Just click on Finder > Go > Go to Folder .
• Then enter the path in the textbox and click on OK to open  the History.db file.

Q4. How to avoid losing Safari history?

To avoid the possible loss of Safari history, we can enable Safari in iCloud preferences. In this way, the Safari data will be backed up to cloud automatically.

Besides that, we can also use some tools such as FoneGeek iOS Backup & Restore to back up iPhone data to computer selectively or fully.

This article has outlined all feasible solutions to recover deleted Safari history on your iPhone. You can pick the one that works best for you. We strongly recommended FoneGeek iPhone Data Recovery for its easy-to-use interface and allowing us to recover Safari history without data loss.

Joan J. Mims is interested in researching all tips about iPhone, iPad and Android. He loves to share useful ideas with all users.

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Table of Content

• 1 Can You Recover Deleted Safari History on iPhone?
• 2 Check iPhone Settings for Deleted Safari History
• 3 Recover Safari History on iPhone without Backup (Recommend) Hot
• 4 Recover Deleted Safari History on iPhone from Backup
• 5 FAQs about iPhone Safari History Recovery
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iPhone 101: How to view your Safari browsing history on your iPhone or iPad

Like most modern web browsers, Safari for iOS stores your browsing history so you can call up web pages that you previously visited on your iPhone or iPad. The feature is easy to access and works with any open Safari page on your device.

Open Safari for iOS on your iPhone or iPad.

Press and hold the back arrow button on the far left hand side of the bottom tool bar.

Your browser history menu will appear on the screen. From here, you can tap on a link to open it.

If you use iOS 7 and have multiple windows/tabs open, you can view each window's browser history by tapping the "multiple pages" icon in the bottom right of the tool bar and then selecting the target page to open it. When it is open, you can press and hold the back bottom to view the history of that particular session.

This only works for open tabs that originate on your device. If you use iCloud, you may be able to see pages that are open on another iOS device or Mac. Opening an iPad window from your iPhone, for example, does not allow you to view the history of that iPad browsing session.

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How to See Safari History on iPhone 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

To see your Safari history on an iPhone 11, simply open the Safari app, tap the book icon at the bottom of the screen, and then select the clock icon to view your browsing history. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require any technical know-how.

After completing this action, you’ll have access to a list of websites you’ve visited in the past. This can be useful for revisiting a site you forgot to bookmark or checking if someone else has been using your phone without permission.

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself trying to remember that one website you visited a few weeks ago on your iPhone 11 but just can’t seem to recall the name? Or perhaps you’re a concerned parent wanting to monitor your child’s online activity? Whatever the reason may be, knowing how to view your Safari browsing history can come in handy.

Understanding your Safari history is not only about revisiting your past online steps but also about managing your privacy. For iPhone 11 users, this process is simple and user-friendly. It’s relevant to anyone who uses Safari as their primary web browser on iPhone 11 and wants to keep track of their digital footprints. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to access your Safari browsing history, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this feature, and provide some additional insights that might just make your browsing experience a little bit more efficient. Let’s dive in!

Step by Step Tutorial: Viewing Safari History on iPhone 11

Before we start, it’s important to note that the following steps will show you how to access a list of websites you have visited in the past using Safari on your iPhone 11.

Step 1: Open Safari

First, tap on the Safari app to open it. Opening Safari is the gateway to accessing your browsing history. Make sure your iPhone 11 is turned on and you’re on the home screen or app library to locate the Safari app.

Step 2: Tap on the Book Icon

Next, tap on the book icon located at the bottom of the screen. This icon will take you to your bookmarks, reading list, and history. It’s usually found in the bottom row of icons when you have Safari open.

Step 3: Select the Clock Icon

Then, select the clock icon to view your browsing history. The clock icon represents your history tab. Once selected, it will display a list of websites you’ve visited in chronological order.

Step 4: Browse Through Your History

Finally, browse through your history to find the website you’re looking for. Your browsing history is organized by date, making it easier to find a specific website if you remember when you visited it.

Additional Information

While the steps above cover the basics of viewing your Safari history on an iPhone 11, there are a few more tips and tricks that can enhance your experience. For instance, if you’re looking for a specific site but can’t remember the date you visited it, you can use the search bar at the top of the history page to search for keywords.

Additionally, if you want to delete specific sites from your history for privacy reasons, you can do so by swiping left on the entry and tapping ‘Delete’. Remember, once you clear your history, it’s gone for good, so make sure you really want to erase that information before doing so. It’s also worth mentioning that if you’re using iCloud, your Safari history may be synced across all your devices, so keep that in mind when managing your browsing data.

• Open the Safari app.
• Tap on the book icon.
• Select the clock icon.
• Browse through your history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does safari history go on iphone 11.

Safari typically stores history for at least a month but this can vary based on your settings and available storage.

Can I recover deleted Safari history on iPhone 11?

Once deleted, Safari history cannot be recovered. It’s important to be certain before clearing your history.

Is Safari history stored if I browse in Private mode?

No, any browsing done in Private mode is not saved in your Safari history.

Can I delete individual websites from my Safari history?

Yes, you can swipe left on any entry and tap ‘Delete’ to remove individual websites from your history.

Does clearing Safari history also clear cookies and website data?

Yes, clearing your history will also remove cookies and website data unless you specify otherwise in your settings.

Understanding how to view your Safari history on an iPhone 11 is a simple yet essential skill for managing your online presence. Whether you’re revisiting a forgotten website, monitoring online activity, or safeguarding your privacy, these steps will ensure you have control over your browsing history.

As we become increasingly dependent on our mobile devices for accessing information, being aware of and managing our digital footprints is more important than ever. Keep in mind the pros and cons of accessing your browsing history and use the additional tips provided to navigate your Safari experience with confidence. Happy browsing!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.

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How to clear browsing history on Safari on iPhone or Mac

You can clear your Safari browsing history on both iOS and Mac

As tracking goes, Safari keeping your browsing history is less about privacy-busting security and more about just being useful. It's your history that means Safari remembers where to go to when you choose forward and back within a site, for instance.

It's also how Safari is able to offer you a list of sites that you regularly go to, on account of how handy it is to be able to back to them with a click. History also does keep things you may not expect, though, such as a list of items you've downloaded.

If you don't want that, though, or you're just fed up of Safari going to site addresses you haven't looked at in years, you can wipe the whole browsing history.

On a Mac, you can also wipe, for instance, just the last hour's browsing history. So if you share Safari and it's someone's special birthday coming up, you can avoid them inadvertently finding out you plan to surprise them with dance lessons.

How to clear search history on Safari on Mac

• In Safari, choose the History menu
• Select Clear History from the very bottom of the menu
• In the dialog box that appears, choose from clearing the last hour , today , today and yesterday , or all history
• Click on Clear History

Alternatively, within Safari you can press Command-Y and the current page will be replaced by a history list. There's a Clear History... button toward the top right.

Clicking on that gives you exactly the same dialog about choosing how far back you want to clear your browsing history. But this page does also give you one extra option — the ability to delete one specific item.

How to clear one item from Safari search history on Mac

• In Safari, press Command-Y
• From the long list, click once on a history item to select it
• Right-click to bring up a menu, then choose Delete

Alternatively, if you select one, two, or more items in the history list, you can then press the Delete key to remove them all.

That kind of precision removal is only possible on your Mac, not on iOS . However, whether it's precision or wholesale clearing of your history, though, there is a way to replicate it on iOS.

If you have set iCloud to share your Safari history, then just doing this on your Mac also removes the history from your iPhone, and iPad.

Otherwise, you're stuck with going to your iOS device. And then with clearing the entire history.

How to clear search history on iPhone

• Go to Settings on your iOS device
• Tap on Safari
• Scroll down to Clear History and Website Data
• Tap that, then tap Clear History and Data to confirm

One important thing to note is that you can't selectively remove, say, today's browsing history on the iPhone or iPad . It's all or nothing, with iOS.

What you leave behind

Clearing your history like this does remove the list of sites and pages you've visited. It does mean you can't go back to that site you read last Tuesday, not without remembering what it was and going there yourself.

What it doesn't remove, though, is the information that gets used by something like AutoFill. If you have your address, for instance, and you're used to online forms being filled out with it, you've still got that feature.

You've also still got anything you downloaded. It's purely that Safari won't keep the list of downloads.

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How To Check Safari History on iPhone and Mac [2024]

Recently a man in the EU discovered that his Safari browsing history was included in his Apple data download. After I discussed the issue with him and compared my data download, it turns out he received a lot more information than I did.

After this experience, I decided to research and learn different ways to manage your Safari browser history on your Mac and iPhone. But before we dive into this, what exactly is the Safari Browsing History and why is it so important?

How To Check Safari Search History on iPhone?

1.  Open Safari .

2.  In the Menu bar, look at the lower right corner of the screen and tap the History icon.

A Pop-up window showing the list of all the websites you have visited in Safari will appear. Also, If you want to, you can search the history for particular websites, and do this:

3. Enter a phrase into the search bar at the top of the screen.

This filters just the websites with that particular keyword or phrase. It is also important to know how to clear your Safari Browsing History.

To do this, follow these simple steps below.

How To Check Safari Search History on Mac?

There are a number of ways you can manage your browser history for Safari on both your macOS and iOS. Here are different techniques and how you can do it. First, let´s consider how to view your browsing history.

Time needed:  1 minute

View Your Safari Browsing History on Mac

Follow the simple steps below to view your browsing history on your iPhone as well.

Delete Your Safari Browsing History on your Mac

To clear your browser history on Mac, follow these straightforward steps:

1.  Open Safari.

2. Open the  History Bar  at the top of the screen.

3.  Click the Show All History tab in the Menu bar or press Command (⌘) + Y in Safari, which will take you to the history view.

4.  Select Clear History .

A pop-up menu will come up and it will allow you to choose how far back you want to clear the existing history. This option lets you choose if you want to clear your history from the last hour, day, week, two weeks, a month, or even for all time.

5.  Choose your preferred option and click Clear History .

Great! You have successfully cleared your Safari browsing history on Mac. Now, Let´s see how we can do this for iPhone as well.

Delete Your Safari Browsing History on iPhone

Clearing your browsing history on your iPhone is also easy. Follow these simple steps too:

1.  Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2.  Scroll through the options and click on Safari .

3.  Again, scroll and find the Clear History and Website Data option.

4. Tap Clear History and Data .

Yes! You have successfully cleared all Browsing History on Mac and iPhone.

Following these next easy steps to remove all the records of the web pages or sites you have visited over the selected period.

You can also prevent Safari from tracking your browsing history. Let us quickly dive into this too.

Prevent Safari From Tracking Your Browsing History on Mac

Suppose you prevent Safari from tracking the history of the websites you visited. In that case, it means that Safari cannot save any record of the searches you perform or the websites you visit. How can you do this?

2.  Navigate to click Safari in the Menu Ba r .

3.  Select Preferences from the Menu Ba r .

4.  Next, Click on the Privacy tab.

5. You´ll see a box that is next to Prevent cross-site tracking, Check the box.

Let me also walk you through how to do this on your iPhone.

Prevent Safari From Tracking Your Browsing History on iPhone

1.  Open the Settings  app.

2.  Scroll down to the bottom and tap Safari .

3.  On this page as well, scroll down to the Privacy and Security section .

4.  Toggle on the switch that is next to the Prevent Cross-Site Tracking .

You have successfully prevented Safari from tracking your browsing history both on your Mac and iPhone!

If you prefer additional protection for your browsing activity and for your iPhone and Mac overall, we recommend a dedicated antivirus like Intego Internet Security that can block malicious websites from accessing your data.

That is not all. Sometimes, you might not want your Safari Browser to save your browsing history, website data, or even cookies. Using the private browsing mode is the solution to this.

Keep Your Browsing History Private on Mac

To keep your browsing history private on Mac, you need to use the private browsing mode. Follow these very easy and straightforward steps to do this:

2. Look at the top of your screen, select File , and click New Private Window .

A new window will be opened and this will disallow Safari from saving your Browsing or search history.

This would also restrict Safari from sending auto-fill information to any website you visit while using the window. You can also do the same on your iPhone.

Keep Your Browsing History Private on iPhone

2.  Tap the Page tab in the bottom right corner of the Safari screen.

3. Switch the page option to Private .

4. Finally, Click the ‘+’ sign at the bottom left corner to open a new private browser.

Keeping your browsing history private is very important, but in some situations, you may have visited a website by mistake or you don´t want another person to see that you visited the website. In this situation, the best thing you should do is delete the individual website from your Browsing history. Let me quickly show you how to do this:

Delete Individual Websites From Your Browsing History for Mac

To delete individual items or websites from your Safari Browsing history, follow these very easy steps:

1.  Open your Safari Browser .

2.  Click on the History tab in the Menu bar

3.  Select the Show All History tab

4.  Find the website you want to remove and Right-click   on it.

5.  Select the Delete from History option.

Let me quickly walk you through how to do this on iPhone as well.

Delete Individual Websites From Your Browsing History for iPhone

1.  Open the Safari app.

2.  Click the history tab at the bottom right corner of the screen of the browser.

3.  Look for the website you want to delete from your history and swipe left on it.

4.  Finally, Tap the Delete  option.

Yeah! You have successfully deleted individual websites from your browsing history. But if you use Safari on multiple devices of yours such as iPhone, Mac, and maybe your iPad, iCloud sync can help you to keep all your history synchronized across all the devices you own. This means that you can start browsing on your iPhone and continue later on your Mac. Let me quickly show you how to set this up.

Manage Your Safari Browsing History Across Multiple Devices Using iCloud Sync

To use the iCloud sync feature, you must have iCloud enabled on all the devices you own and they all need to be signed in to the iCloud with the same Apple ID.

If you have Safari iCloud syncing turned on and you clear your history, it will also be cleared from all of your other Apple devices with iCloud sync enabled. How can you enable and disable iCloud sync for your Safari browsing history on your Mac and iPhone?

Manage Your Safari Browsing History Across Multiple Devices Using iCloud Sync on Mac

2. Select Safari > Preferences > iCloud Option

4. Check the checkbox next to Safari to make sure that it syncs across all your devices

To sync your browsing history across certain devices, do this:

5. Click on the Manage Devices Button and select the devices you want to sync with.

6. Click Done  

Manage Your Safari Browsing History Across Multiple Devices Using iCloud Sync on iPhone

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2.  Click on your name at the top of the settings screen.

3.  Tap the iCloud option.

4.  Under Apps Using iCloud , select Safari.

5.  Finally, toggle on the switch next to Safari.

Great! You have successfully enabled iCloud sync for Safari browsing history and it will be updated on all your devices using the same Apple ID when you visit new websites or close an existing Safari tab.

Suppose you’ve carefully followed the methods and steps I’ve provided in this step-by-step guide. In that case, you will have a great edge over efficiently managing your Safari browsing history on one or even multiple devices.

Which of these methods worked for you?  Feel free to share your thoughts here in the comment section. Also, if you are having problems with iCloud syncing on your devices, check out our guide for effective solutions.

One thought on “ How To Check Safari History on iPhone and Mac [2024] ”

I like to use imymac——Browser Cleaner to clean up browser traces, historical records, etc.Browser Cleanup lets you clean up junk files, cookies, and history, eliminate deceleration reasons, clear privacy traces to protect your confidential data and more. It is performed on Mac OS and Mac OS X.

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How to Check Your Safari History on iPhone 12: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking your Safari history on an iPhone 12 is a breeze. In less than a minute, you can find what websites you’ve visited, when you visited them, and how often. All you need to do is open Safari, tap the book icon, and voilà – your browsing history is at your fingertips.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Check Your Safari History on iPhone 12

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that checking your Safari history can help you find that website you forgot to bookmark or even help you keep tabs on your browsing habits. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Open Safari

Open the Safari app on your iPhone 12.

Opening Safari is as simple as tapping on the Safari icon on your home screen. It’s the one that looks like a blue compass. If you can’t find it, swipe down on your home screen and use the search bar to locate it.

Step 2: Tap the Book Icon

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a book icon. Go ahead and tap it.

The book icon is your gateway to your bookmarks, reading list, and, most importantly, your history. It’s typically located on the bottom bar of your Safari screen. If you don’t see it, make sure you’re on the main Safari page and not in a new tab.

Step 3: Select the Clock Icon

Once you’re in the bookmarks menu, you’ll see a clock icon at the top. That’s your history tab.

The clock icon represents your browsing history. It’s where Safari keeps a record of every website you’ve visited, organized by date. Tapping on this icon will show you a list of all the sites you’ve been to on your iPhone 12.

Step 4: Browse Your History

Now, you can scroll through your history to find the websites you’ve visited.

Your browsing history will be displayed in reverse chronological order, meaning the most recent sites you’ve visited will be at the top. You can scroll down to see older entries. Tapping on any entry will take you directly to that webpage.

After completing the steps, you’ll have successfully accessed your Safari browsing history on your iPhone 12. From here, you can revisit old sites, clear your history, or keep it as a record of your browsing habits.

Tips for Checking Your Safari History on iPhone 12

• If you want to clear your history, there’s an option at the bottom of the history page. Remember, once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
• You can also search your history if you’re looking for something specific. Just pull down on the history list to reveal the search bar.
• If you’re concerned about privacy, consider using Private Browsing mode in the future, which doesn’t save your history.
• Keep in mind that if you’re signed into iCloud, your history may be synced across your devices.
• If you can’t find your history, it’s possible that the settings have been changed to clear history automatically, or someone else with access to your iPhone may have cleared it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i recover deleted safari history on iphone 12.

Once you’ve cleared your Safari history, it’s permanently deleted from your iPhone and cannot be recovered.

Can I check my Safari history from another device?

Yes, if you’re signed into the same iCloud account, your Safari history is synced across all your Apple devices.

How far back does Safari history go?

Safari keeps a record of your browsing history for at least one month. However, it may store history for up to a year depending on your settings and available space.

Does Safari history show websites visited in Private Browsing mode?

No, Private Browsing mode does not save any history, so those websites will not appear in your history.

Can I stop my Safari history from syncing across my devices?

Yes, you can stop syncing by going to your iCloud settings and turning off Safari syncing.

• Open Safari.
• Tap the Book Icon.
• Select the Clock Icon.
• Browse Your History.

Knowing how to check your Safari history on your iPhone 12 is a handy skill that allows you to keep track of your digital footprint. Whether you need to find that one website you forgot to bookmark or you’re just curious about your browsing patterns, your history can tell you a lot. Remember, your browsing history can also be a privacy concern, so make sure to manage it according to your needs, whether that’s clearing it regularly or using Private Browsing mode. Stay savvy with your browsing, and you’ll be a pro at navigating your digital world. And that’s how you check your Safari history on iPhone 12!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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How to Access Your Safari Browsing History on Your iPhone

If you’re an iPhone user, you know the importance of being able to access the websites you visit. Whether it’s for research or entertainment, having quick and easy access to your browsing history can be invaluable.

Unfortunately, with Safari for iOS there’s no straightforward way to view your browsing history. But don’t worry! We’re here to show you how to access it quickly and easily on your iPhone or iPad.

To begin, open Safari for iOS on your device. Next, press and hold the back arrow button on the far left hand side of the bottom tool bar. This will bring up a menu that contains all of your recent web activity. From here, you can tap on any link to pull up that page again.

If you want to search through your browser history quickly and easily, use the Search field at the top-right corner of the window in Safari on your Mac. This will allow you to type in specific keywords or phrases which will help narrow down your results.

It’s also important to note that when browsing with Safari for iOS, data such as history, cache, and cookies are stored on your device as well. This data helps deliver faster load times while also providing records of all searches performed while using Safari from an iPhone or iPad. Additionally, this data is what allows web forums to automatically populate when visited again and tailors advertisements specifically for each user based off their past browsing habits.

if you’re looking for a way to access information such as websites visited from within Safari for iOS on an iPhone or iPad then press and hold the back arrow button at the bottom of the screen and look thrugh your browser history menu that appears afterwards! And don’t forget about searching through it with keywords from within Safari on Mac too!

Viewing Full History on Safari for iPhone

You can view the full history of your web browser activity in Safari on your iPhone or iPad by following these steps:

1. Open Safari and tap the bookmarks icon (the open book icon) at the bottom of the screen. 2. Tap the clock icon at the top of the screen to access your browsing history. 3. Here, you will see a list of all websites that you have visited for that session, organized by date and time. You can scroll through this list to view all of your browsing history for today or any other date listed in the sidebar. 4. If you wuld like to view more detailed information about a specific website, tap on it to open up its page info window. This window will provide details such as when you visited it, how many times you’ve visited it, and other related data points. 5. To clear your browsing history in Safari on an iPhone or iPad, simply tap “Clear” at the bottom of the page info window and confirm this action with “Clear History” when prompted.

Viewing Browser History in Safari

To view your browser history in Safari, open the Safari app on your Mac and go to History > Show All History. This will open a window showing all of your recent browsing activity. You can search for specific websites by typing in the Search field at the top-right corner of the window. You can also use this window to view how long ago you visited a certin website, or to quickly jump back to a page you recently visited.

Does Browsing History Get Stored on iPhones?

Yes, browsing history is stored on iPhone. It is stored as part of the data that your iPhone collects when you use its web browser. This includes information such as which websites you have visited, when you visited them, and how long you spent on each site. Additionally, your web browser may store details about the webpages you visited such as images, text and oter elements of the page. This information is stored in a cache and may be used to speed up loading times for returning visitors or to tailor ads to your preferences. Finally, cookies are also stored on your device and can contain data about website visits or preferences.

Recovering iPhone Safari History

Yes, you can recover iPhone Safari history. If you have an iTunes backup of your phone, you can restore that backup to get your deleted Safari history back. To do this, open iTunes and click on your iPhone icon. Then select the ‘Restore Backup’ option and choose the file that contains your deleted Safari history. You can also use third-party data recovery software to recover your lost data from an iOS device.

Deleting Safari History on an iPhone

Yes, iPhones can delete Safari history. To do this, go to Settings > Safari and tap Clear History and Website Data. This will remove all of your browsing history, cookies, and other website data from the Safari app. It won’t affect any of your AutoFill inforation though, so if you’ve saved details like credit cards or passwords for websites in the past, they’ll still be there.

Viewing My iPhone History

Your history on your iPhone is located in the Safari app. To find it, open the Safari app and tap the book icon at the bottom of your screen. This will bring up a menu showing your recent browsing history. Pull down on this History menu to reveal a bar at the top labeled “Search History” with a magnifying glass to the left of it. You can use this search bar to search for specific sites that you have visited in the past. You can also scroll throgh your full history by selecting “Show All History” from the bottom of this menu.

How Long Does iPhone Browsing History Remain Accessible?

Browsing history on an iPhone typically stays visible for the last 30 days. Unfortunately, thre is currently no way to change this behaviour in Safari on iOS, so if you need to view a longer period of time, you’ll need to use a third-party app or use Safari on Mac OS. On Mac OS Safari, you can choose to Show All History and also set when history is deleted (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, manually).

Retention Period of Safari History on iCloud

Apple’s iCloud stores your Safari browsing history for up to two weeks. This includes all the webpages you have visited, even if you have cleared your browser history manually. It is important to note that this data is stored in iCloud, not on your device itself. After two weeks, it may be deleted or made invisible to tools like Phone Breaker – however, it is important to remain aware that this data may still be stored in iCloud even if it is not visible on your device.

In conclusion, Safari for iPhone and iPad offers a convenient way to view your browsing history. By pressing and holding the back arrow button on the bottom toolbar, you can view all the websites you have visited in an easy-to-access menu. Additionally, search functions allow you to quickly find websites you visited in the past. Data such as history, cache, and cookies are stored on your device, which can make loading webpages faster and more tailored to your needs. Keeping track of your browsing history is a great way to stay organized and protect your privacy.

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How To View History in Safari on a PC, Tablet, or Mobile Device

Lee Stanton Lee Stanton is a versatile writer with a concentration on the software landscape, covering both mobile and desktop applications as well as online technologies. Read more July 19, 2022

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Safari for iOS provides a convenient way to keep track of your browsing history. You can use it to call up web pages quickly you’ve visited. You can easily go down the rabbit hole when performing searches online. This makes it difficult to remember exactly where you found a valuable piece of information. Reviewing your browsing history can retrace your steps, saving you the arduous task of finding the data from scratch. This article covers how to see your history in Safari. Check out how to do that below.

How to View History in Safari on an iPhone

Safari stores your browser activity, making it possible to revisit sites at a later date. You could either view your most recent history or check out the entire list of previously visited websites. This is how to do that.

You have now accessed your recent history on Safari.

If you would like to view your complete Safari browsing history, here’s how to do that.

You’ve now accessed your Safari browsing history.

How to View History in Safari on an iPad

Safari allows users to keep track of their browsing history. This feature can then be used to revisit sites that might be of interest. You could either view recent history or peruse all your browsing data. The steps listed here detail how to do that.

You have now viewed the recent history on your iPad.

To view your complete browsing data, follow the steps outlined here.

How to View History in Safari on a Mac

Your Safari browsing history allows you to revisit sites you viewed in the past. You can even use the search tool so that you don’t have to scroll through the entire list of results to find what you are looking for. Here’s how to view your browsing history on an iPhone.

• Click on it to open the page in your browser.

You can now see your history in Safari. If you signed in to your device using the same Apple ID that you use on your other Apple devices, that history would also be displayed on your Mac.

Can You View History From Private Browsing?

Private Browsing is a feature that prevents Safari from storing information on sites you have visited. It ensures there’s no record of your online activity, including passwords or autofill information. It also prevents iCloud from storing data on any tabs that you open. To provide an additional layer of privacy, Safari prevents sites and content providers from tracking you. Any cookies you might have picked up are deleted once you close the tab.

This means that Safari doesn’t store your browsing history when you activate Private Browsing. You will therefore be unable to view it in the future.

How to Clear History in Safari

If your Apple device is lagging or otherwise misbehaving, you might consider clearing your browsing data. This is how to do that.

Your browsing data will now be removed from your device.

Retracing Your Steps

Like many web browsers, Safari stores information on websites you’ve visited. This data can come in handy when you want to go back to a particular site. This guide shows you how to retrieve the browsing history stored on your Apple devices.

Have you viewed your browsing history on Safari? What did you think of the process? Let us know in the comments below.

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How to Clear Search History on iPhone

Clear selected Safari entries or your entire browsing history

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Clear History Via Safari
• Clear History Via the Settings App
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Safari web browser on your iPhone keeps a log of web pages that you visit. If you want to clear your search history, you can do so through Safari or your iPhone's Settings app.

These procedures work for all recent versions of iOS.

Clear Browsing History Using the Safari App

Here's how to delete your browsing history through the Safari app on your iOS device.

Open the Safari app and tap Bookmarks (the icon that looks like an open book) at the bottom.

Tap History (clock icon).

Select Clear , and then select All time to erase your browsing history completely. Alternatively, choose The last hour , Today , or Today and yesterday .

Depending on the setting you chose, you've deleted your browsing history.

To delete individual entries, instead of tapping Clear , swipe from right to left over the website you want to remove, and then choose Delete .

Clear Browsing History Using the Settings App

You also can delete your browsing history through your iOS device's Settings app.

Tap Settings and then scroll down and tap Safari .

Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data .

In the confirmation box, tap Clear History and Data . You've deleted your Safari browsing history.

This method clears your entire browsing history, with no option to delete items selectively.

Open the Safari app and tap the book icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap the History icon (clock) and pull down on the screen to reveal the Search History field. Enter a search term .

You can't, but neither can anyone else. When you enter Safari's Private Browsing mode , the iPhone doesn't store your browsing history. To browse without recording the history, tap the Safari app > Tabs icon > [number] button > Private .

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Clear the history, cache and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

Find out how to delete your history, cookies and cache in Settings.

Delete your history, cache and cookies

Clear your cookies and the cache, but keep your history

Delete a website from your history, block cookies, use content blockers, delete history, cache and cookies.

Go to Settings > Safari.

Tap Clear History and Website Data.

Clearing your history, cookies and browsing data from Safari won't change your AutoFill information.

When there’s no history or website data to be cleared, the button to clear it will turn grey. The button may also be grey if you have web content restrictions set up under Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time .

To visit sites without leaving history, turn Private Browsing on .

Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.

Tap Remove All Website Data.

When there’s no website data to be cleared, the button to clear it will turn grey. The button may also be grey if you have web content restrictions set up under Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time .

Open the Safari app.

Tap the Edit button, then select the website(s) that you want to delete from your history.

Tap the Delete button.

A cookie is a piece of data that a site puts on your device so that site can remember you when you visit again.

To block cookies:

Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced.

Turn on Block All Cookies.

If you block cookies, some web pages may not work. Here are some examples:

You'll likely not be able to sign in to a site even when using your correct user name and password.

You may see a message that cookies are required or that your browser's cookies are turned off.

Some features on a site may not work.

Content blockers are third-party apps and extensions that let Safari block cookies, images, resources, pop-ups and other content.

To get a content blocker:

Download a content blocking app from the App Store.

Tap Settings > Safari > Extensions.

Tap to turn on a listed content blocker.

You can use more than one content blocker. If you need help, contact the app developer .

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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Your Guide to Private Browsing in Safari

Private browsing is often misunderstood, but it can be a helpful feature if you know what’s what.

Quick Links

What private browsing does in safari, how to use safari private browsing on iphone and ipad, how to use safari private browsing on a mac, how to disable safari private browsing on iphone and ipad, how to disable safari private browsing on a mac, key takeaways.

• Private Browsing in Safari hides browsing history, autofill details, downloads, and locks tabs after inactivity.
• Safari on Mac groups private and non-private tabs, while on iPhone it shows all tabs regardless of mode.
• To use Private Browsing in Safari, identify it by a dark address bar, "Private" indicator, or "Private" next to the site URL.

Most browsers offer a private browsing mode that aims to keep the websites you view off the record. But what exactly does it do in Safari and how do you get the best out of it?

First and foremost, Private Browsing keeps the website pages you visit out of your History . The aim is to prevent someone else from seeing which pages you have visited if they have access to your phone or computer.

In Safari, Private Browsing does a lot more than just hide URLs. It also:

• Prevents recent searches from showing up in your history.
• Stops remembering details you enter in forms for autofill.
• Keeps downloaded items from appearing in your Downloads list.
• Locks private tabs after a period of inactivity.
• Adds tracking and fingerprinting protection.

However, it’s important to note that Private Browsing does not stop you from being tracked altogether. Websites you visit will still be able to use various methods to track you, and will still have access to all data that you send them.

On macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, Safari groups private tabs together, and separates them from non-private tabs. On Mac, each Safari window is either private or non-private, and can have as many tabs as you want.

On iPhone, you can switch between private and non-private modes, each of which shows all tabs belonging to that mode.

You can spot when you’re viewing a private tab with these signs:

• The address bar has a dark background. This may be less noticeable if you’re using Dark Mode .
• On Mac, you’ll see a prominent Private indicator in the title bar.
• On iPhone, you’ll see Private alongside the site URL at the bottom of your screen.

The steps to enter Private Browsing mode are nearly identical on an iPhone and iPad. The only difference is that the tab icon is at the bottom of the screen on iOS and the top on iPadOS.

• Long-press the tab icon (two overlapping pages) on the bottom-right (iPhone) or top-right (iPad) of your screen.
• Tap the New Private Tab menu item.
• If locked, enter your passcode to unlock Private Browsing.

You can enter Private Browsing mode on macOS using either a menu item or a keyboard shortcut:

• Open the File menu and choose New Private Window .
• Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Cmd + n .
• Use the browser as you normally would. Any tabs you open from this window will open in the same window, in private mode.

You may want to prevent users of an iPhone or iPad from using Private Browsing mode at all. To do so:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap on Screen Time .
• Under RESTRICTIONS , click on Content & Privacy Restrictions .
• If not already enabled, press the toggle next to Content & Privacy Restrictions to enable.
• Tap Content Restrictions .
• Change the Web Content setting to Limit Adult Websites .

The option to enter private mode will now be gone.

On macOS, the wording of certain options differs slightly, but the overall process is near-identical to iOS:

• Open System Settings via the Apple menu.
• Click on Screen Time in the left panel.
• Under the Restrictions section, click on Content & Privacy .
• Click Content Restrictions .
• Change the Access to Web Content setting to Limit Adult Websites .

Private Browsing will now be unavailable in Safari, although any existing private windows will stay open.

Of course, anyone can re-enable Private Browsing using the same process, in reverse. However, you can use Screen Time’s Lock Screen Time Settings option to set a passcode and enforce the setting permanently.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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Why Apple’s iPhone Browser-Choice Option Sucks

You just bought a new iPhone in Europe and finished setting it up. You’re excited to start planning a much-needed vacation, so you tap on the Safari browser to search for upcoming flights. Oh, you suddenly see a pop-up asking you to choose a default browser. You quickly scan the list of options, only recognizing one or two, then decide to keep Safari and move on with your hunt for travel deals.

With the iOS 17.4 update , Apple now includes a default browser selection pop-up screen for European iPhone users. It’s part of the company’s response to the Digital Markets Act , which EU lawmakers enacted earlier this year to encourage competition on the internet. (The browser choice screen is not currently rolling out to iPhones in the United States.) While browser choice screens are, in theory, meant to level the playing field in markets dominated by a handful of gatekeepers , their effectiveness is determined by the quality of the user experience.

Many of the competitors appearing on Apple’s browser choice screen are dissatisfied with how it’s been implemented in European markets. Brendan Eich, CEO and cofounder of Brave , compared powerful companies that control the defaults on smartphones to street magicians who fan out cards to pick from but hustle you by forcing a specific card to the top of the deck.

An Apple spokesperson requested to speak off the record about browser choice screens. When WIRED declined and asked for an on-the-record comment, all further requests for an interview went unanswered.

Whenever someone updates their software to iOS 17.4 in Europe, they may see the browser choice pop-up the first time they tap on the Safari browser. After a short introductory screen about the default browser choice, a list of 12 browser options are displayed in a random order. The browsers that appear on the list vary slightly by country. Safari is automatically included, and the 11 other picks are browsers with the most iPhone downloads in a particular country that also adhere to Apple’s configuration requirements for defaults.

“It starts from you clicking Safari,” says Jon von Tetzchner, CEO and cofounder of Vivaldi . “Which, I think all of us agree, that’s the wrong spot.” Tetzchner said he prefers Google’s implementation of its new browser choice screen that guides Android users to select a default while setting up their phone.

Google actually has some experience implementing a choice screen to appease European regulators. When it was forced to add a search engine default selector to Android in 2019, many of the developers behind alternative options initially criticized the design and denounced Google’s practice of selling slots on the screen through auctions. The company responded by rolling out an updated pop-up without slot auctions in 2021. Google did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story.

The slow speed of enforcement from European regulation means any changes mandated by lawmakers only arrive after a drawn-out process. “Google had implicit permission to implement a bad version of it and run out the clock. In the process, it makes the entire remedy of a choice screen look bad,” says Kamyl Bazbaz, a vice president of public affairs for DuckDuckGo . “If you can only judge the effectiveness of a thing based on a bad version of it, you're gonna think it sucks.”

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A few representatives from smaller browser companies also expressed that they wanted more information included with Apple’s choice process, like definitions of what a browser is for less tech-savvy users and descriptions of the different browsers’ specialties. “Giving people information about the choice, and also information about what they're choosing is really, really important,” says Kush Amlani, a global competition and regulatory counsel at Mozilla , which makes the Firefox browser.

Sophie Dembinski, a head of public policy and climate action at Ecosia , mentioned how Apple’s pop-up appears for all iPhone users even if they’ve already gone into their phone’s settings and set an alternative browser as their default. In comparison, Google’s browser choice screen for Android users won’t show up if you’ve already gone through the steps of setting a preference for a third-party option.

While many developers are unhappy with Apple’s implementation, not every company with a browser on the choice screen expressed frustration. “We believe that Apple's approach to presenting the browser choice screen is fair and acceptable,” says Andrew Moroz Frost, the Aloha Browser founder. He pointed out the randomized order of the browsers shown on the pop-up as one example of Apple designing it in a fair manner.

Richard Socher, the founder and CEO of You.com , seemed more encouraged by there being a browser choice screen that includes the search-focused startup rather than frustrated by Apple’s implementation. “I think it’s great that there’s not the default already preselected,” he says. Socher highlighted the randomized order as a positive sign as well.

Is this choice screen a true turning point for alternative browsers to grow their user base? “We’re expecting to have a clear picture on user uplift within months, not weeks,” says Dembinski. While some browsers reported initial upticks in downloads , it still seems too soon to make sweeping generalizations about the long-term efficacy of Apple’s choice screen.

“We would like to encourage platform providers to also level out the playing field for app developers around the world, not just in the EU,” says Jan Standal, a vice president of product marketing at Opera . Some of the companies WIRED spoke with remain hopeful that the precedent of browser choice screens set by the DMA will inspire international software changes.

Shortly after Apple’s choice screen launched, the European Commision announced that the screen would be part of its wider investigation into how Apple, Google, and Meta might be breaking these updated regulations: “The Commission is concerned that Apple's measures, including the design of the web browser choice screen, may be preventing users from truly exercising their choice of services within the Apple ecosystem, in contravention of Article 6(3) of the DMA.” In keeping with its slow-moving tradition, this investigation may take up to a year to complete.

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New AI Features Reportedly Coming to Safari in iOS 18

Safari will gain a series of AI-powered features and UI enhancements in iOS 18 , AppleInsider reports .

• An "Intelligent Search" browser assistant tool that leverages Apple's on-device AI technology to identify key topics and phrases on webpages for summarization purposes.
• A "Web Eraser" tool that allows users to remove unwanted portions of webpages easily. Erasure is persistent, remaining even when revisiting a site unless changes are reverted.
• A new, quick-access menu emerging from the address bar that consolidates page tools, bringing over some functions that currently sit in the Share Sheet and placing them alongside the new tools.

The iPadOS and macOS versions of Safari are also expected to align further. These new features are purportedly undergoing evaluation alongside internal builds of ‌iOS 18‌ and macOS 15 ahead of their unveiling at Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) in June. Earlier this month, backend code on Apple's servers suggested that a new Safari browsing assistant is in the works, corroborating this report.

Farther in the future, Apple is said to be working on a more powerful version of Visual Look Up that allows users to obtain information on products when browsing through images. The feature is expected to be released sometime in 2025.

Last week, Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman said that ‌iOS 18‌ will "overhaul" many of Apple's built-in apps , including Notes, Mail, Photos , and Fitness. Apple's next-generation operating systems are almost certain to be previewed during Apple's WWDC keynote on June 10, and the updates should be widely released in the fall.

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How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should)

How many tabs are open on your mobile browser right now? Go ahead, check -- you might be surprised by what you find.

Americans spend over five hours a day on their smartphones. That's over five hours of your phone potentially accessing, retrieving, and saving cache and cookies, which can negatively impact your iPhone's storage space .

What is cache?

Cache is the temporary storage of some data, like parts of a website from the last time you visited it, for example. Browser cache is content from a website that is stored on your phone during a browser session to help the browser execute faster the next time you visit that page.

Also:  How to clear Google search cache on Android

Cache data can slow down your phone's overall browsing performance, however, since it takes up storage space on your device, so it's good to clear it out regularly. In this article, we mainly focus on clearing web browser cache on an iPhone, but you should know that other types of cache include mobile app cache and CPU cache.

How to clear cache on iPhone

What you'll need: Everything you need to clear your browser cache is within the iPhone's settings app or the Safari app, so grab your iPhone to get started.

Keep in mind that clearing the cache can clear private data, which can close all open tabs in Safari. This is also likely to log you out of all your websites, prompting you to sign in again the next time you open them. 

How do I clear the cache from Chrome on iPhone?

If Google Chrome is your preferred browser, it may have a substantial amount of data stored on your device, which could also slow down performance. 

To clear the cache in Chrome, open the Google Chrome app and follow these steps:

• Tap  Settings .
• Go to  Privacy and Security .
• Select  Clear Browsing Data .
• Select the time from which to delete the data (if you want to delete all your browsing history, choose All Time ).
• Go through the items you'd like to delete, like your Browsing History, Cookies and Site Data, Cached Images and Files, Saved Passwords , and Autofill Data.
• Confirm by tapping  Clear Browsing Data  at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap Done when you've deleted the Chrome cache.

Also: Apple releases iOS 17.4 with podcast transcripts, new emojis, and EU app store changes

Clearing the browsing and cache data in Google Chrome doesn't close all open tabs, but it will refresh each tab and log you out of websites. Once you tap on one of the tabs you want to access, you'll have to log back in.

How can I browse on Safari without history?

If you're learning how to clear cache on an iPhone, you may also be wondering if there's a way to use Safari without saving any browsing history. You can turn on Private Browsing by following these steps:

• Open  Safari .
• Tap on  Tabs .
• Choose Private .

You can also enable private browsing by going to your iPhone Settings, finding Safari, and toggling on the private option. 

How do I clear my app cache on my iPhone?

To clear the app cache from your iPhone Settings app, you can either delete the app and reinstall it, offload it, or try to clear the cache from within the app. Unfortunately, iOS apps don't have consistent settings across the board that would allow you to clear the cache of every app.

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Apps like TikTok and CapCut, for example, have options to Clear Cache within their respective settings. Amazon lets users delete their browsing history, while the Reddit app can clear local history. It all depends on what the app's settings let you do. 

Is "clear cache" the same as offloading?

Not exactly, though app offloading can help if your phone is slowed down by low storage. To offload an app  means to uninstall an app without deleting any documents or data associated with it. 

Also: Apple secures iMessage against threats from the future

To offload an app, go to  Settings , then  General , choose  iPhone Storage  and select the app to offload, then tap  Offload App . If you ever download it again, you'll pick up where you left off for that app.

Are cookies and cache the same thing?

Cookies and cache are not the same. Cookies are data files that websites send to your phone, including things like saved passwords to keep you logged into an account or even the website preferences from the previous time you visited. 

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Though they do sound harmless, cookies can also track how you browse the internet. They monitor patterns in your browsing and search history, even seeing what you clicked on or what your mouse hovered over. Ever made an innocuous search on Amazon only to find ads for it on all the apps you use? Cookies likely made that possible.

Can I block cookies on my iPhone?

While you can block cookies on Safari, the ranks are divided on whether you should. Blocking cookies entirely means that websites won't be able to get information from you, but it also means that some websites may not even work correctly on your browser. A lot of users actually enjoy a more personalized browsing experience, so cookies are a good thing for them.

 If you'd like to block cookies in Safari, follow these steps:

• Go to  Settings  and select  Safari .
• Tap on the toggle next to  Block All Cookies .

There are also third-party extensions that help you block cookies and trackers in Google Chrome, like Ghostery and Disconnect .

How do I check iPhone storage?

On an iPhone, Settings can show you what's taking up most of your media storage, like photos, videos, and music. You can also see what each particular app's storage consumption is, which includes temporary data. To view the details of your iPhone's storage space, follow these steps:

• Go to the iPhone Settings .
• Tap on General .
• Select iPhone Storage .
• Scroll through to find the app you're looking for.
• Tap on the app to view storage status and options.

Unfortunately, you can't clear your iPhone cache for third-party apps by going into your Settings app, but this gives you a visual of your iPhone's storage and the option to delete or offload apps.

Also: Here's the fastest way to declutter your iPhone and free up Gigabytes of space

When you look at your device's storage space, you'll probably see recommended steps you can take to optimize your iPhone's storage, like offloading unused apps.

• How to better organize text messages on your iPhone, thanks to iOS 17
• How to transfer data from Android to an iPhone: 2 simple and fast ways
• How to turn on 80% charging limit on the iPhone 15 to save battery health
• How to leave a FaceTime voice or video message when your call goes unanswered

Staying Safe and Clearing Browsing History

AVP is committed to your safety. This website provides a quick exit button to leave the site and visit weather.com .

Depending on your circumstances, keeping your browsing history clear helps to anonymize your activity on the Internet. Different web browsers have their own way of clearing history:

Chrome for Android

Safari for ios, chrome for ios, microsoft edge, internet explorer 11.

• Safari 8 and later (macOS)
• Private Browsing (Firefox)
• Browse in private with Incognito mode (Chrome desktop and Android)
• Browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge
• Browse privately (Safari)
• Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Mobile browsers

The steps to clear your cache, cookies, and history may differ depending on the model of your Android device and your preferred browser, but you should be able to clear your cache and data from your application management settings menu:

• Go to Settings and choose Apps or Application Manager .
• Swipe to the All tab.
• In the list of installed apps, find and tap your web browser. Tap Clear Data and then Clear Cache .
• Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
• Tap Chrome menu > Settings .
• Tap (Advanced) Privacy .
• From the "Time Range" drop-down menu, select All Time .
• Check Cookies and Site data and Cached Images and Files .
• Tap Clear data .
• Open your Settings app.
• Tap Safari .
• Tap Clear History and Website Data and confirm.
• Tap Privacy .
• Tap Clear Browsing Data .
• Choose the data type you want to clear.

Desktop browsers

• In the browser bar, enter: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
• At the top of the "Clear browsing data" window, click Advanced .
• Browsing history
• Download history
• Cookies and other site data
• Cached images and files

From the "Time range" drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select All time .

• Click CLEAR DATA .

If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.

• From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything .
• Next to "Details", click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear; to clear your entire cache, select all items.
• Click Clear Now .
• In the top right, click the Hub icon (looks like star with three horizontal lines).
• Click the History icon (looks like a clock), and then select Clear all history .
• Select Browsing history , then Cookies and saved website data , and then Cached data and files . Click Clear .
• After the "All Clear!" message appears, exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Note: On January 12, 2016, Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer versions prior to version 11 . We strongly recommend that you upgrade to a new operating system if your current system does not support Internet Explorer 11. If you experience difficulty with Internet Explorer, make sure compatibility mode is turned off.

• Temporary Internet files or Temporary Internet files and website files
• Cookies or Cookies and website data
• Click Delete . You will see a confirmation at the bottom of the window when the process is complete.
• From the Opera menu, select Settings , then Privacy & Security , and then Clear browsing data... .
• In the dialog box that opens, from the "Obliterate the following items from:" drop-down menu, select The beginning of time .
• Click Clear browsing data .

Safari 8 and later

• From the Safari menu, select Clear History... or Clear History and Website Data... .
• Select the desired time range, and then click Clear History .
• Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.

Statement from the Board of Directors

The New York City Anti-Violence Project Board of Directors values the input, support, and concern shared by everyone in the community. Contrary to inaccurate information that has been shared, the Board remains committed to keeping AVP alive and its programs operational. AVP was born of fierce advocates fighting for survival. We have seen a rise in unthinkable violence perpetrated against our community, and the Trans community has specifically been targeted by hate and physical attacks. It is vital we do everything in our power to keep our programs solvent and keep our doors open for our clients who depend on AVP for life saving services.

In recent weeks, it had become apparent that the Board needed to implement measures to ensure AVP’s financial viability. Over the past two years, AVP’s expenses have significantly outstripped income, having lost $1.2 million in fiscal year 22-23, and another $700k+ this fiscal year (year to date). The reserve funds of the organization have been largely drained, and soon, AVP will no longer have the money in the bank to make payroll. We understand that nonprofit operations can be tenuous, however, this is not an example of normal variations in cash-flow – AVP is facing an existential crisis.

Looking to the future, the budget proposed by management for 2024 is not realistic: even if all funds committed by government grants were received immediately, at current expense levels AVP is still operating at a loss. This proposed plan is not sustainable. To continue ‘business as usual’ would result in bankruptcy. This would abandon people in need, and after a 40-year legacy in NYC, this would be an unthinkable outcome for our community. To keep the hotline responding, legal services supporting victims, and client services assisting survivors, AVP must operate with sound business practices so that its expenses fall in line with actual income and cash flow.

In an attempt to ensure the long-term viability of AVP, we have engaged a consultant who will act as interim executive director for AVP with the explicit goal of saving the organization. This will require a restructure of operations in a way that not only allows the organization to survive, but to eventually thrive once again.

We, the volunteer Board, did not reach these decisions easily or quickly, but rather after exhaustive efforts to remedy these issues for many months. We hope and ask for your support as we navigate this difficult process, alongside our community partners, with the goal of creating a stronger AVP that can continue to serve the LGBTQ+ community of New York City for generations to come.

Moving forward, the Board will be sharing regular updates through AVP’s blog on its progress.

Subscribe to AVP Alerts

Be the first to receive AVP alerts and learn about community events and actions.

Arc Search iPhone App Now Syncs Arc Sidebar Tabs

Although the new Arc browser has transformed how I use my Mac (see “ Arc Will Change the Way You Work on the Web ,” 1 May 2023), its iPhone story was a little weak, with an app initially called Arc Mobile Companion and then renamed to Arc Sidebar Sync. Two months ago, The Browser Company introduced a new iPhone app focused on searching (“ Arc Gains Instant Links, Tab Grouping, and Arc Search iPhone App ,” 15 February 2024), but it had no connection to Arc on the Mac or Arc Sidebar Sync on the iPhone. Frankly, it was all a bit confusing.

However, Arc’s cross-platform situation has improved with recent updates and announcements from The Browser Company. Most importantly, the Arc Search iPhone app can now access your sidebar tabs thanks to the Arc Sync technology that replaced iCloud-based syncing earlier this year. (The previous Arc Sidebar Sync iPhone app is being deprecated.) Arc Sync also syncs your tabs with the betas of Arc for Windows , which is now available to Windows 11 users already using Arc on the Mac (alas, it doesn’t yet run under Windows 11 for ARM for those virtualizing Windows on Macs with Apple silicon). The company also said it is starting work on Arc Search for Android . The glaring hole remains the iPad, where Arc Search runs only as an iPhone app, even though the iPad needs a full-fledged desktop version.

Enabling Arc Sync in the Arc Search app provides two key capabilities:

• You can access all your sidebar tabs—both pinned and Today tabs—from Arc on the Mac. That’s huge because nearly anything you can get to on the Mac, you can load on your iPhone with a couple of taps.
• You can create a pinned tab for any page you’re viewing in Arc Search, making it available in the sidebar for all your versions of Arc.

Enabling Arc Sync in Arc Search

Setting up Arc Sync in Arc Search is easy. Tap the tabs button in the lower-left corner of the screen, tap it again after that button turns into a monitor, tap Sign in with Arc on the next screen, and provide your Arc account credentials when prompted.

Creating Pinned Tabs in Arc Search

Arc Search encourages you to make sure you can easily access its icon in the iPhone’s share sheet. If you haven’t rearranged share sheet items before, it’s easy. Tap the share button to open a share sheet, and in the list of apps, swipe left and tap More at the end. Tap Edit at the top, tap the green ⨁ button to add Arc Search to the favorites at the top, and drag the hamburger control at the right to move Arc Search to the desired position. Tap Done twice to return to the share sheet.

When you find a page you want to save, tap the caret in the lower-right corner of Arc Search’s screen, tap the Share button, and tap Arc Search in the share sheet. Arc Search remembers the last location you saved a tab, so you can just tap Done if that’s correct. If not, tap the menu and choose a different space or a specific folder.

If you change your mind about saving the tab, swipe down on the Saved screen to dismiss it. Tabs saved to a workspace appear at the bottom of the pinned tabs section of the sidebar with a little icon to their right that indicates they came from Arc Search.

Using Sidebar Tabs in Arc Search

As its name suggests, Arc Search is focused on searching. When you open the app, it usually displays a sheet with a search field and a few pinned or suggested sites. That’s great for quick searching, but if you want to get to your sidebar tabs, you have to swipe that sheet down, tap the tabs button in the lower-left corner to display the tab history, and tap the monitor button that replaces it in the lower-left corner. Only then does Arc Search display your sidebar, and if you have multiple spaces, you may need to swipe left or right to see the desired one. Tapping any tab in the sidebar opens it.

This approach works, but it’s clumsier and slower than it should be. I’d like to see The Browser Company let us view our sidebar tabs with a single tap from that initial search sheet rather than requiring three taps. The best design, I think, would be a set of buttons under the search field, one for each space.

Interface quibbles aside, the addition of Arc Sync to the Arc Search iPhone app is extremely welcome. Internally, Arc Search is just WebKit like Safari, so it works well with most websites. I’ve noticed a couple of hiccups with sites that wanted to hand off to other apps, but such rough edges will be sanded down over time.

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Comments About Arc Search iPhone App Now Syncs Arc Sidebar Tabs

Notable replies.

I still have Arc installed on my Mac, but after a bit of initial tests I haven’t returned to it. I found it sort of “slippery and sliding” to use. I have been meaning to try again.

One question I had was about tab groups. I find them very useful in Chrome and was wondering if they are “better” in some way in Arc. Like less cluttering maybe?

I’m not sure I could easily get used to tabs on the side though. Is there a reason for that? That’s just the default, right?

Yes, @douglerner , very apt: ‘I found it sort of “slippery and sliding” to use’. Far worse than some things in Apple Mail, Arc has too many things that act, or move, or turn into something else, just because I moused over them. I really dislike that type of UI. Just give me an auto-help title or an indicative cursor, no more, when all I do is move the mouse over something. Arc has little chance with me for regular use, much less work, due to this too-clever pseudo-helpful interface.

I haven’t used tab groups in Chrome, but Arc lets you collect tabs in folders. Because Arc eliminates the awkward split between tabs and bookmarks, it’s much easier to understand. If you want to keep track of a page in the future, you make it a pinned tab, and if you want to collect a set of similar pinned tabs, you put them in a folder.

No, it’s the only place tabs appear in Arc, and it’s much easier to use and more sensible because each tab’s title remains readable no matter how many you have, and you can easily scroll if they don’t fit. That’s why nearly every Mac app that lists an arbitrary number of something has a vertical sidebar, like the Finder, Mail, Notes, Reminders, Contacts, etc. Top-mounted tabs don’t scale, so they only work when there is a small (and preferably fixed) number of tabs.

Menus use essentially the same information architecture. You have a small and relatively fixed number of menus horizontally in the menu bar, but each one can contain a lot of commands vertically.

I tried Arc when it first went publicly available and found the ideas interesting but overwhelming. I went back to Safari and decided to try multiple profiles, browsing with the sidebar on, etc. to mimic Arc. It was painful because everything is just so much more cluttered in Safari.

This update completely changes the way I browse on desktop and mobile. Mobile tabs being disposable unless I want to keep them makes a ton of sense. I used to use Safari for my main browsing and something simple like DuckDuckGo for quick one off searches. Now Arc handles everything for me. The desktop sidebar with vertical tabs is game changing for keeping this organized. Everything about Arc is just so much more visibly and interactively simpler than Safari and I love it.

The only thing I miss is some of the Apple exclusives: keychain integration, integration with delivered login codes via Messages, etc. But I’m willing to give those up because Arc is so much better in everything else. I can’t wait to see this thing evolve.

What is “pinning” a tab then in this case?

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