ByClearing your LinkedIn search history can help LinkedIn’s algorithm suggest more relevant connections and content based on your current interests.
Not only that, there might be times when you prefer to clear your search history for privacy reasons or Organization. A long search history can become cluttered and make it difficult to find what you’re looking for.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of clearing your LinkedIn search history on both desktop and mobile devices.
2 Ways to Clear Your LinkedIn Search History (Desktop & Mobile)
Method A: Clear Search History from the Search Bar
- Click in the search bar at the top of the LinkedIn homepage.
- You will see the “See All” button on the top right. Click on it.
- After that, You will see a “Clear” option, simply click on it.
- Now, LinkedIn will ask you for confirmation.
- Click on the clear button to clear the search history.
That’s how easy it is to clear your LinkedIn search history. However, there is another way to do the exact same thing. Let me show you that so that you can choose any option you want.
Method B: Clear Search History from Data Privacy Settings
- Go to LinkedIn Settings & Privacy and click on Data Privacy.
- After that click on Search History.
- Within the “Search History” page, you will find an option to “Clear search history”.
- Now, click on the Clear search history button to clear all past searches.
So, this is how you can clear your search history by choosing any of the methods we mentioned.
But before you go ahead and clear your LinkedIn search history, there are a few important things to keep in mind to avoid any surprises.
2 Things to Know Before You Clear LinkedIn Search History:
1. There is No Option to Clear A Specific Search History:
Unlike Instagram, where you get an “X” icon beside each search history to clear it, LinkedIn does not offer such a feature yet. This means you can not clear a specific search history on LinkedIn.
If you want to clear, you have to clear all the search history. So, be careful about it.
2. No Undo:
Once you clear your LinkedIn search history, it’s gone. There’s no way to retrieve it.
Frequently Asked Questions About LinkedIn Search History
1. How often should I clear my LinkedIn search history?
There isn’t a one‐size‐fits‐all schedule—it really depends on your privacy preferences and how you use LinkedIn. If you’re concerned that old searches might influence the suggestions you receive or if you simply prefer a cleaner interface, consider clearing your history every few days or weekly.
On the other hand, if you value the convenience of having frequently visited pages readily available, you might only clear it once a month or less frequently.
2. Can others see my LinkedIn search history?
No. Your search history on LinkedIn is private and can only be viewed by you when you click on the search bar. Other users have no access to this list.
3. Can someone see if I’ve searched them on LinkedIn?
No, LinkedIn does not reveal your search history to others. However, if you view someone’s profile, your visit may appear in their “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” section unless you switch to private mode.
The key distinction is that while your search history is entirely private, profile visit notifications depend on your privacy settings.
4. How long does LinkedIn save search history?
LinkedIn retains your search history until you choose to clear it manually. There is no automatic expiration date; however, the visible list is limited. This means that as you perform new searches, older ones may eventually drop off from the drop-down list.
The exact retention beyond what’s visible is not clearly documented.
5. Can I search LinkedIn anonymously?
Yes, LinkedIn allows you to browse in “private mode.” When activated, private mode conceals your identity, meaning that when you view other profiles, your name and details won’t be displayed to the profile owner. Go to Settings & Privacy > Visibility > Profile viewing options and select Private mode.
However, using private mode comes with a trade-off: you may lose the ability to see who has viewed your profile.
Final Thoughts
Clearing your LinkedIn search history is a simple way to manage your privacy and keep your search bar organized.
Whether you’re concerned about others seeing your searches or just want a fresh start, the steps outlined in this guide will help you clear your search history on both desktop and mobile.
Remember to consider using private browsing mode and other privacy best practices for increased privacy.
Furthermore, it’s equally important is manage the personal details you share and how you receive updates from the platform. If you’re looking to further safeguard your profile, consider exploring our guide on adjusting your personal visibility settings and notification preferences.
This resource offers practical tips on concealing sensitive information (like your birthday) and fine-tuning alerts to keep your account both secure and efficient.
