In our digital age, privacy is paramount. Every action we take on our mobile devices can leave a trace, from the websites we visit to the photos we snap. The Samsung S20, a powerful smartphone, provides robust features but also stores a considerable amount of data. If you’re looking to manage your digital footprint, learning how to delete history on your Samsung S20 is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of clearing your browsing history, app history, and more.
Understanding the Importance of Deleting History
Before diving into the how-to’s, it’s important to understand why managing your history is crucial.
- Privacy Protection: Regularly deleting your history helps maintain your privacy and prevents third parties from tracking your online activities.
- Better Performance: Clearing unnecessary data can free up storage space, making your device run smoother and faster.
Your Samsung S20 is more than just a communication tool; it’s a vault of personal information. Hence, managing its history should be a top priority for all users.
The Different Types of History on Your Samsung S20
Before we proceed to the deletion process, let’s clarify the different types of history on your Samsung S20:
1. Browsing History
This comprises all the websites you have visited using your web browser, whether it’s Google Chrome, Samsung Internet, or any other browser app.
2. Search History
Search history records all the terms and phrases you have searched for in both the browser and various apps.
3. App Activity History
Many apps, especially social media and streaming services, record your activities, which can also be cleared.
4. Call Logs and Messaging History
Every call made or received and messages sent or received are stored in your phone’s logs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Browsing History on Samsung S20
Let’s begin with one of the most significant types of history—the browsing history. This step-by-step guide will help you thoroughly remove your browsing data.
How to Clear Browsing History in Google Chrome
- Open the Google Chrome app on your Samsung S20.
- Tap the three vertically aligned dots at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select History from the dropdown menu.
- Here, you can see all your visited websites. Tap on Clear Browsing Data at the top of the page.
- You will be presented with options to select the data types you want to delete, including:
- Browsing history
- Downloaded files
- Cookies and site data
-
Cached images and files
-
Choose the time range from the dropdown menu (Last hour, Last 24 hours, All time, etc.).
- Tick the items you want to delete, then tap Clear Data.
How to Clear Browsing History in Samsung Internet
- Open the Samsung Internet app.
- Tap on the Menu button (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right corner.
- Select History to see a list of the sites you’ve visited.
- Tap on the Trash Bin icon at the bottom of the history list.
- You can choose to delete individual items or select Clear browsing data at the top.
- Similar to Chrome, select the data types you wish to remove and tap Delete.
Deleting Your Search History
Search history can often reflect sensitive information. Here’s how to delete it:
In Google Search
- Open your Google app or any browser and go to Google.com.
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Manage Your Google Account.
- Navigate to the Data & Personalization tab.
- Scroll down to Activity controls and select Web & App Activity.
- Tap on Manage Activity. From here, you have options to delete activity by date or the entire history.
In Samsung Search
- Open the Samsung Internet app.
- Tap on the Menu button (three horizontal lines).
- Tap on Settings.
- Under the Privacy and security section, tap Delete browsing data, which will include your search history.
Clearing App Activity History
Apps save your activity for functionality, but you can delete this history if you wish to reset preferences.
For Individual Apps
- Go to Settings on your Samsung S20.
- Scroll down and choose Apps.
- Find the app you want to clear the history for, and tap on it.
- Navigate to Storage.
- Tap on Clear Data or Clear Cache. This action might reset your preferences in that app.
Managing Call Logs and Messaging History
Our communication history can also contain personal information. Here’s how to manage this:
Deleting Call Logs
- Open the Phone app on your S20.
- Tap on the Recents tab to see your call history.
- Tap and hold on a specific call entry to delete it.
- Select Delete or the trash icon to remove it.
Deleting Messaging History
- Open the Messages app.
- Long-press on a specific conversation you’d like to delete.
- Select Delete from the menu that appears.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Now that you know how to delete various kinds of history, it’s essential to incorporate these practices into your regular smartphone maintenance routine. Consider scheduling a monthly session to clear out unnecessary data, ensuring your device remains efficient, and your personal information stays private.
Understanding Cached Data and Its Importance
What Is Cached Data?
Cached data consists of temporary files stored by apps and the browser to speed up processes. While it can improve performance, excessive cached data can take up valuable storage space.
How to Clear Cached Data on Samsung S20
- Go to Settings on your Samsung S20.
- Tap on Battery and device care.
- Select Storage.
- Tap on Cached data.
- Confirm to delete cached data.
Additional Privacy Settings
After clearing your history, consider enhancing your privacy further. Here are some additional settings to look into:
Using Private Browsing Mode
Both Google Chrome and Samsung Internet offer a private mode that doesn’t save your browsing history. Activate this by selecting the Incognito Mode option in Chrome or Secret mode in Samsung Internet.
Review App Permissions
Occasionally review permissions granted to apps. Go to Settings > Apps and inspect what data and features apps have access to. Limit or revoke permissions as needed.
Conclusion
Regularly clearing your history on your Samsung S20 is not just about maintaining a clean device; it’s about protecting your privacy and ensuring a seamless user experience. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate your smartphone while keeping your personal data secure.
Embrace the power of digital housekeeping, and remember that managing your digital footprint is part of responsible device ownership. Implement these practices into your routine and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your privacy is in your hands.
What is the process to delete browsing history on a Samsung S20?
To delete your browsing history on a Samsung S20, start by opening the Google Chrome app. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, then select “History.” Here, you’ll see a list of your recent browsing activities. To clear all history, tap the “Clear browsing data” option found at the top.
Once you choose “Clear browsing data,” a new menu will appear. You can select the time range from which you want to delete the data, such as the last hour, last 24 hours, or all time. Ensure that “Browsing history” is checked, and then tap “Clear data” to complete the process.
How can I delete my app usage history on a Samsung S20?
To delete your app usage history, go to the “Settings” menu on your Samsung S20 and scroll down to find “Apps” or “Applications.” Tap on this option to view all the installed apps on your device. Select the app for which you want to clear usage history.
From the app’s info page, you’ll see options to manage storage. Tap on “Storage” and then select “Clear Data” or “Clear Cache.” This action will delete the app’s usage history, including any cached data, which helps in not only clearing your history but also freeing up space on your device.
Can I delete call history on my Samsung S20?
Yes, you can delete call history on your Samsung S20 with ease. Open the Phone app, and you will be presented with your call log. Locate the call entry that you wish to delete, then tap on it to view more options. Alternatively, you can press and hold on the specific entry for additional actions.
After selecting the call entry, look for the “Delete” option, which usually appears in the menu or as a trash can icon. Confirm your choice when prompted, and the selected call record will be permanently removed from your call history.
Is it possible to delete location history on Samsung S20?
Yes, you can delete your location history on a Samsung S20 by accessing your Google Maps app. Open the app and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner to access “Your data in Maps.” From there, navigate to “Location History,” where you can see the places your device has recorded.
To delete your location history, look for the option to “Delete all Location History” or specify a certain date range. Confirm your selection, and the location data will be removed from your Google account, ensuring that your privacy is preserved.
How do I clear cookies on Samsung S20?
To clear cookies on your Samsung S20, open the Google Chrome app, and access the menu by tapping the three-dot icon in the upper right corner. From the dropdown, select “Settings,” then scroll to find and tap on “Privacy and security.” Here, you will see the option to “Clear browsing data.”
In the “Clear browsing data” menu, ensure that “Cookies and site data” is checked. You can choose the time range for which you want to delete the cookies, ranging from the last hour to all time. Finally, tap “Clear data” to remove the cookies and improve your browsing experience.
What should I do if the history deletion doesn’t seem to work?
If the history deletion doesn’t work as expected, ensure that you’re following the correct steps for each application or section. Sometimes, device glitches can also hinder these actions. Restarting the Samsung S20 might help refresh the system, allowing the changes to take effect.
If the issue persists, consider checking for software updates. Sometimes, having outdated software can lead to performance issues, including problems with accessing or deleting history. Navigate to “Settings,” then go to “Software update” to check if any updates are available for your device.
Will deleting my history affect my saved passwords and autofill information?
When you delete your browsing history on Samsung S20, it typically does not affect your saved passwords and autofill information. This separation allows you to maintain quick access to your online accounts and save time entering data. However, always ensure that you are not unintentionally selecting options that would remove such data during the deletion process.
To preserve saved passwords while clearing history, be careful to uncheck options that mention passwords or other autofill data while in the “Clear browsing data” menu. If you’re uncertain, reviewing your settings for saved passwords can give you peace of mind before proceeding with the deletion.