How to Stop Google Searches Appearing on Other Devices

When Google searches from one device show up on another, it’s often because Google Sync is on. This feature shares search history across all devices using the same Google account. This happens frequently with multiple devices or shared accounts, making search histories available on each device.

The main reason is Google Sync, which automatically shares data like browsing history, bookmarks, and searches. Other possible reasons include using multiple accounts on shared devices or iCloud’s Safari syncing for Apple users, which can also mix browsing histories between devices.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this issue.

1. Remove Accounts from Your Devices

Removing extra Google accounts from your device prevents shared devices from accessing your search activity. This ensures your Google activity stays private and limited to your own devices.

1. Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
   
2. Scroll down and tap Accounts.
   
3. Select Google, choose the account, and tap Remove Account.
   

2. Disable Sync

Sometimes, syncing across devices can unintentionally share your search activity with devices you didn’t intend. Disabling sync stops this automatic sharing, keeping your browsing history isolated to the device you are using. This prevents search data from being mirrored across multiple devices linked to the same Google account, allowing you better control over your personal data.

1. Open Google Chrome and access Settings directly from the menu.
2. Select your Google account and go to Sync.
3. Disable the Sync option.

3. Turn Off Safari History Sharing

When Safari history sharing is enabled, your browsing history syncs via your Apple ID. Disabling it keeps your searches private and separate across devices, which is useful for shared devices.

1. Open Settings and click on iCloud.
   
2. Click on iCloud.
   
3. Click on See All under Apps using iCloud.
   
4. Turn off Safari.
   
5. Click on Keep on My iPhone.