5 Easy Methods to Retrieve Deleted Search History in Browser

Clara Prescott Published on September 05, 2025Recover Data3-min reading

We have all deleted our search history at some point, sometimes by choice, other times by accident. Only later do we realize a site, article, or detail we need was part of that history. What seems like a small action can turn into a real hassle when you want that information back. The good news is your browsing history is not always gone for good. In this guide, we will break down what browser history actually includes and walk you through simple methods on how to retrieve deleted search history in both Safari and Chrome.

Part 1. What Does Search History from a Browser Include

Search history is not only a list of websites you visited. It often includes page titles, site URLs, cached data, cookies, and even the exact time you opened each page. Some browsers also keep records of your search terms from the address bar or search engines. This stored data makes it easier to revisit pages and improve browsing speed. When learning how to see deleted search history, it helps to know what information your browser keeps. With this understanding, you can better recognize what can be recovered and which methods may work best for your device.

Part 2. How to See Deleted Safari History

Safari is the pre-built browser for iPhone users, and it often stores more browsing data than you might expect. Even if you have cleared your history, there are still ways to check if some records remain. In this part, we will go through different methods on how to see deleted Safari history, starting with built-in iPhone settings and moving on to backup and with the best recovery tool on iPhone.

1. imyPass iPhone Data Recovery

While the iPhone settings offer a quick way to check for hidden records, they may not always show everything you need. To have a more comprehensive answer to how to recover deleted search history, you may find it easier to use a special tool to assist you in the task. A safe way out is using imyPass iPhone Data Recovery, a program that retrieves various data on your gadget and recovers Safari history, among others. With this tool, you can go beyond what iPhone settings display and recover browsing records that may otherwise seem lost.

2. iPhone Settings

If you use Safari on iPhone, the quickest way to check past browsing activity is through the built-in settings. Even if you cleared history, iOS sometimes keeps traces of it in the advanced menu. This makes it a handy first step when learning how to find deleted search history without installing extra tools. Simply follow these steps to see what data is still stored:

3. iTunes Backup

The last safe bet for viewing old browsing history is based on a backup in iTunes. By syncing your iPhone with iTunes or Finder, you not only back up photos and messages, but also can save information recorded by Safari, including your browsing history. Restoring from one of these backups is a practical way to learn how to see deleted search history on Safari, especially if the built-in settings did not show enough information.

Do you want to protect your iTunes backup files from unwanted access? One effective way is to use an iTunes backup password. By encrypting your backup with a password you set, no one else will be able to open or view the data without it.

Part 3. How to Retrieve Deleted Search History on Chrome

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers, and with its sync features, your browsing data is often stored beyond just your device. This means that even if you clear your history, there are still ways to bring it back. In this part, we will explore practical methods on how to retrieve deleted search history on Chrome, from checking your Google account activity to reviewing cookies and using recovery tools for a deeper scan.

1. Google My Activity

If you use Chrome on Android, your browsing history may still be available through your Google account, even after it has been cleared from the browser itself. This makes My Google Activity a useful option when trying to recover deleted search history. Instead of digging through your device, you can view records directly linked to your Google account. Follow these steps to check:

2. Cookies

Clearing Chrome history may seem like it erases everything, but in many cases, your browsing activity is still stored in different places. Chrome often syncs data with your Google account, meaning traces of your activity can still be found. Some users even ask, Can police see your deleted search history? The answer is yes, deleted records can sometimes be retrieved through synced data, cookies, or backups, making them recoverable by advanced tools. The good news is that you can also access this data yourself.

Conclusion

If you have ever asked yourself how to find deleted search history on an iPhone, you now know there are several ways to do it. This can also go on Android and even Chrome, where something might be built in to help you track previous activity using backups or recover tools. Although deleted history appears to be lost forever, there are numerous clues in the accounts, cookies or backup that you can restore it using the correct measures. Given patience, the correct technique, you stand a good possibility of gaining the browsing records desired.