How to Delete/Clear Your Instagram Search History Plus Other Privacy Actions You Can Take
The social media industry views privacy as an irritation rather than a fundamental human right. Users must take issues into their own hands in order to maintain a certain level of privacy. Even with the inclusion of the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA ACT), and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the user must still approve, correct, or opt out in writing or online. Options vary by location, and the United States currently has no laws comparable to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation or the United Kingdom’s Data Protection Act.
Controlling internet privacy requires more effort for U.S. residents than for EU citizens, including those in the UK. Many companies offer privacy controls in the United States, just as they do in the European Union, making it easier to manage your private data. Deleting/clearing Instagram’s search history is simply one of several tasks you must complete manually.
What is Instagram Search History?
The Instagram search history is a compilation of all the searches you’ve conducted, whether for real names, profile names, topics, or specific subjects like Star Wars, Nascar, etc. The Instagram search history is not visible to other users, but the company uses it to recommend new people/profiles you can follow. The information may also be used for other (unspecified) purposes, but you can control what Instagram stores by manually deleting your search history from an Android, iOS, or PC browser.
The more you use Instagram, similar to other social networks, the more complete their dossier on you becomes, and this is legal. Perhaps it’s time to return some of that, which is legal in the United States and the European Union. You can begin by erasing your search history and then proceed to other Instagram privacy settings. Here is the procedure.
Clear Instagram Search History on Android and iOS Devices
Android and iOS have identical processes, locations, and appearances for each step, with the exception that some iOS icons are line art and Android has additional menu options. Nevertheless, the additional menu items are irrelevant to this procedure. Here’s how to delete your Instagram search history on iOS and Android.
- Launch Instagram and tap on your profile icon in the bottom right section of the screen. On iOS, the profile icon appears as line art that inverts after selecting it.
- Select the hamburger icon (triple lined-icon) in the top-right section.
- Choose Your activity from the list of options.
- Tap on Recent searches.
- In the Recent Searches page, tap on Clear All to bulk-delete all Instagram history or tap on the X next to entries you want deleted.
- In the confirmation window that appears, select Clear All.
Your search history has been cleared, and nothing appears in the search bar unless you deleted specific searches. Your suggested individuals are also reset.
How to Delete Your Instagram Search History using a Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, etc.)
Using a browser to delete Instagram searches is comparable to Android/iPhone, but navigation is slightly different. Given the slight change to using Instagram on a computer in April 2022, here is how to clear your Instagram search history using your preferred web browser.
- Launch Instagram in your browser and click on Explore in the left-side menu.
- Now, click on Search at the top.
- From here, you can click X to delete them one at a time or click on Clear all in the top right.
Make Your Instagram Account Private
The term “social network” contains a hint. They are designed to be social and to promote connection and sharing. You can make your Instagram account private if you wish to remain anonymous or if you do not wish to be followed by anyone. This maintains the privacy of your postings and requires users to request to follow you.
- Log into Instagram and select your account.
- Select the Hamburger menu icon then tap on Settings.
- Tap on Privacy.
- Select Private Account and toggle it to on.