Facebook’s predictive search feature attempts to suggest results as you type based on your previous searches. While this can be convenient, some users may wish to clear this predictive search history for privacy reasons. Fortunately, Facebook provides relatively simple options to clear or limit predictive searches.
Why Would I Want to Clear My Predictive Search History?
Here are some common reasons you may want to clear your Facebook predictive search history:
- Privacy – You don’t want Facebook memorizing your search habits and using that data for ad targeting or other purposes.
- Accurate suggestions – Your search habits may have changed, so clearing old results can help surface more relevant predictions.
- Embarrassing searches – You may have searched for something embarrassing and don’t want old results suggesting those terms again.
- Shared devices – If using a shared or public device, clearing search can prevent your results from appearing for the next user.
Overall, clearing your search history gives you more control over privacy and the search experience. It’s a good idea to clear it periodically or any time your searching needs change.
How to Clear Search History on Facebook Website
You can clear your Facebook predictive search history directly from the Facebook website. Here’s how:
- Click the down arrow in the top right of any Facebook page.
- Select “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
- Click “Settings” in the left column.
- Select “Your Facebook Information” from the menu at the top.
- Click “View next to “Activity Log.”
- Click “Search” in the left column.
- You will see your recent searches. Click “Clear Searches” at the top right.
This will instantly clear your predictive search history and remove those terms from being suggested in the future. You can also view and delete individual searches from this page if you only want to remove specific items.
How to Clear Search History on Facebook Mobile App
You can also clear your Facebook predictive search history right from the Facebook mobile app for iOS or Android. Here are the steps:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the three-line Menu icon.
- Scroll down and choose “Settings & Privacy.”
- Select “Settings.”
- Tap “Your Facebook Information.”
- Tap “Off-Facebook Activity.”
- Tap “Clear History.”
This will instantly erase your predictive search history within the Facebook app. As on the desktop website, you can also view and delete individual search terms from this page if preferred.
How to Disable Future Predictive Searches
In addition to clearing your past search history, you can tells Facebook not to provide any predictive search suggestions going forward. To do this:
- Go to “Settings & Privacy” then “Settings” as above.
- Select “Privacy.”
- Go to “Your ad preferences.”
- Toggle off “Future searches.”
With predictive searches disabled here, your Facebook search box will no longer display suggested results as you type. This prevents any new searches from being added to your history.
Considerations When Clearing Search History
Here are a few important notes about managing your Facebook predictive search history:
- Clearing history removes terms from future suggestions, but does not erase the past searches from Facebook’s records entirely. They may remain stored internally.
- Disabling future predictions means you’ll lose out on that search convenience going forward.
- You can clear and disable search predictions on both mobile and desktop separately. Manage each as desired.
- Facebook may continue showing recent searches even with predictions turned off until you clear history.
- Facebook has faced allegations around collecting private data. Carefully consider how much you rely on its apps.
Other Facebook Privacy Settings
In addition to managing your predictive search history, Facebook provides many other privacy controls you can adjust. Some other settings to consider include:
- Limiting ad targeting in your Facebook ad preferences.
- Disabling Location Services for the Facebook app in your device settings.
- Turning off facial recognition for photos.
- Restricting profile visibility and searchability.
- Pruning your friend list and page likes.
- Choosing strict privacy options for posts and stories.
Combining thoughtful privacy settings with occasional clearing of your search history can help you protect your data on Facebook and retain control over your information.
Conclusion
Clearing your Facebook predictive search history is simple – just visit the search settings under “Your Facebook Information” and click “Clear Searches.” You can also disable future predictions in your ad preferences. Regularly cleaning your search history and tweaking privacy settings helps safeguard your data and maintains your privacy when using Facebook.