How Do You Delete Words From a Google Search Box?

By C. Taylor

Your webcam can fill in when your digital camera isn't available.
i Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

When you perform a search on Google from a registered account, a search history is created detailing the search terms or phrases you entered. These search terms are offered as suggestions when you begin typing similar terms in the Google search bar. Although helpful for rediscovering past searches, this potentially offers others an opportunity to see your search patterns. To protect your privacy, you can delete one or all of your search terms.

Step 1

Go to the Google home page, and log into your account by clicking "Sign in" at the top-right side and entering your account details. If you are already signed in, you will see your name instead of "Sign in," so you can skip this step.

Step 2

Enter the search phrase in the Google search box. When you see the suggested search appear, click "Remove" to delete the word or phrase. If you have trouble finding the term, you can also locate it directly from your "Web History" settings by continuing the procedure.

Step 3

Click the "gear" icon on the top-right side, and select "Web History."

Step 4

Click "Remove items" on the left-hand menu. If you are asked to login again, enter your login details.

Step 5

Click the box next to a search term to place a checkmark in it. Clicking "Remove" will delete any checked items. You can also click "All" at the top of the list to select all items on that page.

Step 6

Click "Clear entire Web History" if you want to remove your entire search history. Enter your login details again, if asked.

Step 7

Click "Clear History" to clear your entire Web history.

×