How to Stop Google Searches Appearing on Other Devices

Google searches appearing on other devices is a common consequence of device sharing among friends and family. Unbeknownst to you, every time someone logs into a Google account on your device, or you log into another device, you expose yourself to this issue.

Accessing your emails on a shared computer can cause your Google searches to appear on that device. Fortunately, this issue is simple to resolve. By following the steps below, you can limit your Google search history to your preferred devices.

Step 1: Delete Previous History

If you’re worried about others viewing your Google search history, begin by erasing it. Afterward, set up protective measures to prevent future sharing of history between your devices.

To remove your Google search history from all devices, simply delete the history from the accounts on one device. For instance, by clearing your history on your smartphone, your changes sync to the cloud, eliminating searches from your account entirely. Follow the steps below to correctly purge your search history.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Tap the menu button in the top right corner.
3. Tap History.
4. Select Clear Browsing Data at the bottom of the page.
5. Check the boxes for browsing history, cookies, site data, and cached images and files.
6. Select ‘beginning of time’ from the ‘past week’ dropdown box.
7. Tap the blue ‘Clear Data’ button.

You have now deleted your history. Consider repeating these steps on shared devices like family computers or tablets.

Step 2: Remove Accounts from Your Devices

You’ve now deleted past Google searches, but to prevent future searches from appearing, you must follow two additional steps. The next step is the first towards stopping Google searches from appearing on other devices in the future.

1. Visit the settings app on your smartphone.
2. Scroll down and tap ‘Accounts’.
3. Tap Google.

Review the available accounts, noting any that don’t belong to you. Follow the subsequent steps for each identified account.

1. Select the account that isn’t yours.
2. On the next screen, tap the top right corner’s menu button.
3. Tap ‘Remove Account’.
4. Repeat for all accounts that aren’t your personal one.

Step 3: Disable Sync

At this point, only your Google account is on your device. Since other users may log into their Google accounts on this device, you need to modify your device settings to prevent sharing of Google searches in the future.

Follow the steps below to disable account syncing and prevent your Google account from appearing elsewhere.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Tap the menu button in the top right corner.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Select your Google account.
5. Tap ‘Sync’.
6. Tap to turn off the ‘Sync’ button.

This is how your sync button should appear when it’s off.

From now on, your device will neither send Google searches to, nor receive them from, other devices.