How to Clear Your Instagram Search History

Remove unwanted searches from the app and/or your browser

By
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer
Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.
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Updated on February 24, 2022
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • In the app: Tap your profile icon > hamburger menu > Settings > Security > Clear Search History (iPhone) or Search History (Android).
  • In a browser: Tap your profile icon > Settings gear > Privacy and Security > View Account Data > View All > Clear Send History.

This article explains how to clear the search history on Instagram in the latest version of the Instagram app on Android and iOS as well as desktop and mobile browsers.

How to Remove Instagram Search History in the App

Instagram keeps a record of your search history so you can locate accounts or hashtags that you've looked for in the past. Past searches also influence which accounts Instagram suggests you follow. You can delete this history at any time in the app by following these steps:

  1. Launch and log in to the Instagram app.

  2. Tap the profile icon, which is either a tiny version of your profile picture or an outline of head and shoulders if you don't have one.

  3. Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines).

  4. Tap Settings > Security.

    Clearing Instagram search history in the app.

  5. Tap Clear Search History (iPhone) or Search History (Android).

  6. Tap Clear All.

  7. Tap Clear All again to confirm.

    Clearing Instagram search history in the app.

How to Delete Instagram Search History Using a Browser

You can also delete your Instagram search history from a web browser. The process is the same whether you're using a desktop or mobile browser.

  1. Go to instagram.com on your computer or mobile browser.

  2. Click or tap the profile icon and then then click or tap the settings gear. (Your profile icon will either be a tiny version of your profile image or an outline of head and shoulders if you don't have one.)

    Clearing Instagram search history in a browser.

  3. Click the settings gear to the right of your username.

    Clearing Instagram search history in a browser.

  4. Click Privacy and Security

    Clearing Instagram search history in a browser.

  5.  Scroll down and click View Account Data.

    Clearing Instagram search history in a browser.

  6. Click View all below your search history.

    Clearing Instagram search history in a browser.

  7. Click Clear Search History.

    Clearing Instagram search history in a browser.

  8. Click Yes, I'm sure to confirm.

    Clearing Instagram search history in a browser.
FAQ
  • How Do I Get Rid of Instagram Search Suggestions?

    You can remove suggested Instagram contacts from the app by going to the horizontal list labeled 'Suggestions for You'. Select the X in the top right corner of that list box and all suggestions will disappear for that session. If there is someone in particular on the list that you never want to see suggested again, select that user's profile picture or name and tap X.

  • Can I search Instagram without an account?

    Yes, you can. All you need is someone's Instagram link from within a web browser, then you can use the search bar from that profile to look for other people.

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