I remember back in 2007 when the service was first introduced, it was automatically enabled. While this may not be true for newer accounts, if you are an old-school Gmail’r like me, then Google might be keeping tabs on your account’s web history without you even knowing it. Though, even back then Google provided a nice and easy way to opt out of the “feature.” Ready to permanently clear your history and disable further tracking? Let’s do it.
Step 1
In your favorite web browser, sign in to your Google account and go to your Google Account Management page; also known as the account settings page. You can also get here by clicking on your user icon and selecting Account.
Step 2
Click the link titled Go to web history. It should be located on the Account tab near the bottom of the page.
Step 3
Google has simplified the removal process. Now on the web history page just Click Remove Web History.
Step 4
Click the OK button. All you are doing is clearing your accounts web history, and pausing the web history service so that it is no longer running on your account. You can easily turn it on again afterwards if you really want to.
Done!
Your past Google Web History should now be completely cleared out, and the Web History “feature” should now be stopped. Personally, I don’t think my workplace likes the idea of Google tracking company employees’ web usage, and I don’t like the idea of them tracking me either. Of course, even if you turn off Web History, “Google also maintains a separate log system for auditing purposes and to help us improve the quality of our services for users.” So, your search history might still be available to Google, but it will be more difficult for a 3rd party to access it. Comment Name * Email *
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