If you’ve been searching for videos, sounds, hashtags, or creators on TikTok, you may want to delete your search history for privacy reasons. TikTok saves your recent searches so it can recommend content based on your interests. However, keeping a long history of searches may not be ideal if others use your device or account. Fortunately, clearing your TikTok search history is easy to do.
View Your TikTok Search History
Before deleting your search history, you may want to review it. Here’s how to find your recent searches on TikTok:
- Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
- Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the three horizontal lines icon in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Tap “Content and activity.”
- Under “Watch history,” select “Search history.”
This will display your recent searches. You’ll see searches for videos, sounds, hashtags, and creators. TikTok stores up to last 500 searches.
Delete Entire TikTok Search History
If you want to delete your entire TikTok search history, follow these simple steps:
- Open your TikTok search history as explained above.
- Tap “Delete all” at the top right.
- Confirm deleting your entire history.
That’s all there is to it! TikTok will immediately erase your full search history. You can repeat this process anytime to clear your history.
Delete Individual Searches
Instead of deleting your full history, you can also remove individual searches one by one:
- Open your search history in the TikTok app.
- Swipe left on any search term you want to delete.
- Tap “Delete” to remove that search.
Use this selective method if you just want to remove certain sensitive or embarrassing searches. Leaving other searches intact will allow TikTok to continue recommending relevant content.
Turn Off Search History
In addition to deleting your past searches, you can stop TikTok from tracking your searches going forward. Here’s how to disable search history:
- Go to your profile and tap the three lines menu.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Tap “Content and activity.”
- Turn off “Enable search history.”
With search history disabled, TikTok will no longer store your searches. However, this means you won’t get personalized recommendations based on searches.
Clear Cache to Delete Search History
Deleting the TikTok app’s cache can also erase your search history. Here are the steps:
- Go to your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap “Apps” or “Application manager.”
- Select “TikTok.”
- Tap “Storage” or “Cache.”
- Tap “Clear cache” or “Delete cache.”
This will wipe the TikTok cache, removing temporary data including your search history. However, the cache will begin rebuilding as you continue using TikTok.
Clear Cookies and Data to Erase Searches
As another option, you can reset the TikTok app by clearing all stored data and cookies:
- Go to your phone’s Settings menu.
- Select “Apps” or “Application manager.”
- Tap “TikTok.”
- Tap “Storage” or “Data and cache.”
- Tap “Clear data” or “Delete data.”
This will delete your TikTok data and cookies, removing your search history. However, it will also reset all your TikTok settings and preferences.
Use Incognito Mode to Avoid Tracking Searches
You can browse TikTok without additions to your search history using Incognito mode:
- Open the TikTok app.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Enable “Incognito mode.”
Searches done in Incognito mode won’t be saved in your history. Turn off Incognito when you’re done to resume search tracking.
Search Privately Using a Browser
Instead of the mobile app, you can search on TikTok from a web browser. This will keep searches separate from the app. Use a private browsing window for extra privacy:
- Safari: Tap File > New Private Window
- Chrome: Tap New Incognito Window
- Firefox: Tap New Private Window
Searches done in a private window won’t be linked to your TikTok account. Close the window when finished to eliminate history.
Use a Different TikTok Account
Consider creating a secondary TikTok account if you want to search privately. Use the new account when searching for content you don’t want tied to your main profile. Log out when done to keep that search history separate.
Be Careful with Linked Accounts
If you’ve linked services like Facebook or Instagram to your TikTok account, your search history may be tied across platforms. Avoid linking accounts if you wish to compartmentalize your search history.
Activate Restricted Mode
Turning on Restricted Mode in TikTok’s settings can block certain mature content from appearing in search results. This can be useful for avoiding explicit videos in your search history:
- Go to your TikTok profile.
- Tap the three lines menu.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Tap “Digital wellbeing.”
- Turn on “Restricted mode.”
However, Restricted Mode is not foolproof. Furthermore, it may block some non-mature LGBTQ content.
Be Cautious When Syncing Contacts
If you allow TikTok to access your device contacts, it may suggest accounts to follow based on who you know. Avoid syncing contacts if you want to keep your searches more private.
- Go to your TikTok profile.
- Tap the three lines menu.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Tap “Privacy.”
- Toggle off “Sync contacts.”
This will prevent TikTok from accessing your contacts list to inform recommendations.
Avoid Saving Content to Favorites
If you save videos, sounds, hashtags, or creators to your Favorites list, it gives TikTok information about your interests to tailor recommendations. Consider not using Favorites if you want a more private experience.
Be Wary of Recommended/Following Lists
Pay attention to the recommended users, sounds, and hashtags that TikTok suggests based on your engagement. This can reveal interests and searches associated with your account.
Don’t Click Suspicious Links
Exercise caution before tapping links in TikTok comments, bios, or messages. These could be scams attempting to steal personal information. Stick to content within the app for a safer experience.
Monitor Your Ad Preferences
TikTok uses your watch history and account activity to customize the ads you see. For privacy, periodically check your ad preferences and reset them if desired:
- Go to your TikTok profile.
- Tap the three lines menu.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Tap “Ads.”
- Tap “Ad interests” to see your profile.
- Tap “Reset ad profile” to clear it.
Consider TikTok Alternatives
If you’re concerned about TikTok’s data collection, consider using alternative short-form video apps with different privacy settings and controls. Some options include YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat Spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TikTok search history really deleted?
Yes, when you delete your TikTok search history in the app or by clearing app data, the searches are permanently erased from TikTok’s servers. However, deleting cache only removes the local copy of your history temporarily.
Can you see someone else’s TikTok search history?
No, your TikTok search history is private and not viewable by other users. The only way someone could access your searches is by physically using your device when logged into your account.
Does TikTok save your browser history?
No, TikTok does not track or store your general web browsing history. It only saves searches and activity within the TikTok app to personalize your experience.
Can you see who views your TikTok profile?
No, TikTok does not show users who views their profiles. However, there are some third-party apps claiming to reveal profile visitors, but most are scams designed to steal personal data.
Is it better to delete or disable TikTok history?
Deleting your search history completely erases it from TikTok’s records. Disabling history prevents further tracking but retains your past searches. So deleting is better for privacy, but disabling allows for personalized recommendations.
Does TikTok tracking impact children’s privacy?
Yes, TikTok’s data collection raises particular concerns about privacy for younger users. Parents should monitor children’s settings, searches, and interactions to ensure they have a safe experience.
Can you get a virus from TikTok?
While unlikely, it is possible for malware to spread via fake TikTok links. Avoid tapping questionable links and stick to in-app activities to reduce risk. Install mobile security software as an extra precaution.
Is Incognito mode really private on TikTok?
Incognito mode prevents additions to your personal search history. However, TikTok still collects some usage analytics while Incognito is active. Your internet provider can also see web activity.
Are TikTok recommendations safe to follow?
Most recommendations based on watch history and interests are safe, but always exercise some caution. Avoid interacting with accounts posting inappropriate content or trying to sell products.
Can you get hacked by searching on TikTok?
Searching and browsing within the TikTok app is generally safe and does not pose a hacking risk. But tapped malicious outside links could potentially compromise device security in rare cases.
Does TikTok store search history forever?
No, TikTok will eventually delete old searches from inactive accounts after a prolonged period of time. But for active users, searches are retained indefinitely until manually cleared.
