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How to Browse Safely and Clear Your History:

Laptop On Purple

This guide is designed to be clear and quick to read. Since every second counts for someone in an unsafe situation,

​Incognito/Private Mode, which is the safest way to browse in the future.

If you are worried that someone is monitoring your computer or phone, following these steps can help hide your online activity.

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Important Note: Clearing your history may alert an abuser if they notice that all previous search data, saved passwords, or "autofill" information has suddenly disappeared. If possible, use Incognito or Private Mode for future browsing.

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1. Using Private Browsing (Recommended)

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This prevents the browser from saving your history, searches, or cookies in the first place.

  • On a Computer: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Chrome/Edge) or Ctrl + Shift + P (Firefox).

  • On an iPhone (Safari): Tap the Tabs icon (two squares) > Tap [Number] Tabs > Select Private.

  • On Android (Chrome): Tap the three dots in the corner > Select New Incognito tab.

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2. How to Clear Existing History

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On Google Chrome (Computer)

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  1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.

  2. Select History > History again.

  3. On the left, click Clear browsing data.

  4. Set the Time Range to All time.

  5. Check Browsing history, Cookies, and Cached images.

  6. Click Clear data.

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On Safari (iPhone/iPad)

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  1. Open your Settings app.

  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.

  3. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.

  4. Choose the time frame (e.g., All History) and tap Clear History.

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On Microsoft Edge

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  1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.

  2. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.

  3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

  4. Select All time and click Clear now.

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3. Safety Tips for Searching

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  • Clear your "Recently Deleted" photos: If you took screenshots of resources, remember to delete them from your "Photos" app and your "Recently Deleted" folder.

  • Use a Public Computer: If possible, use a computer at a local library, community center, or a trusted friend's house.

disclaimer:  Note: A safety plan is most effective when tailored to your specific situation.

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