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How to delete your Facebook search history

Facebook keeps a record of everything you search for on its Web site. Check out this How To guide for cleaning up the list, or just limiting what information Facebook is storing about you.

Nicole Cozma
Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
Nicole Cozma
2 min read

Watch this: Delete your Facebook search history

Each time you look for a friend, business, or personality on Facebook, it gets saved to your search history. Supposedly, this makes it easier for you to find what you were looking for later without much work. Unfortunately, the search history might be cluttered with queries that don't require quick access -- like someone you've already become friends with, a brand you're already following.

If you want to limit some of the information Facebook is keeping about you, or just tidy up the list, it's just a few clicks away. Here's how to get started:

The Facebook menu. Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 1: Click on the Settings cog in the top-right corner. Choose the Activity Log option from the menu.

Expand the menu to reveal the Search option. Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: You will see all of your recent Facebook activity. Under Photos, Likes, and Comments in the left side menu bar, click More, then choose Search.

Facebook search history. Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 3: All of your search history, provided you haven't deleted it before, will appear. Individual searches can be removed by clicking the block icon and then Remove. If you want to clear all of it, click on the Clear Searches link at the top.

What do you think about the Search history feature? Do you think Facebook should save all of your search queries? Have you ever found the search history helpful to revisit something you were looking for in the past? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Editors' note, December 1, 2014: This How To post was originally published on February 21, 2014, and has been updated to include new information.