Deleting your browser history

Deleting your browser history before you depart can offer a degree of privacy and control over your digital legacy. It prevents unintended exposure of personal information, browsing habits, and potentially sensitive data to others who may access your devices after your passing.

5/8/20241 min read

First and foremost, it's important to know that browser history is typically saved locally on your device and is not always accessible to others unless they have physical access to it or know your login credentials.

However, planning ahead for such scenarios can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help ensure your browser history is securely managed:

Steps to Delete Browser History

Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome.
- Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner.
- Select History, then History again.
- Click Clear browsing data on the left-hand side.
- Choose the time range and types of data you want to delete (e.g., browsing history, cookies, cached images).
- Click Clear data.
Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Firefox.
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner.
- Select Library, then History, then Clear Recent History.
- Choose the time range and types of data to delete.
- Click OK.
Microsoft Edge:
- Open Edge.
- Click on the three horizontal dots in the upper-right corner.
- Select History, then Clear history.
- Choose what you want to clear and the time range.
- Click Clear now.
Safari (Mac):
- Open Safari.
- Click on History in the menu bar.
- Select Clear History.
- Choose the time range and confirm.

Other Considerations

Password Management: Ensure that passwords are securely stored and accessible to a trusted person if necessary. Tools like LastPass or 1Password can help manage this.
Device Security: Consider setting up a trusted person with access to your devices in case of emergencies.
Digital Legacy Planning: Many major services like Google and Facebook offer options to manage your account posthumously. Look into setting these up for peace of mind.

Preparing these steps in advance can save your loved ones unnecessary stress and protect your privacy even after you're no longer here. If you need more tailored advice, feel free to ask!