Hide Your Visits

Web browsers like Google Chrome and Safari keep a record of the web pages you visit online.

There is no sure way to delete all this information but there are steps you can take to reduce the chances someone can look through your computer and find out what you’ve been reading.

Use a safer computer

If you’re concerned about someone monitoring what you do on a computer (e.g. spyware, camera in the room), it’s best to use a computer this person won't have access to, such as a friend's computer or a computer at work.

Or you could use a computer that has many other users, like at a public library. This way your online use is combined with other people's online activities.

Clearing your browser and private browsing

All web browsers keep track of your online activities, which includes history and some other data to make your browsing experience more convenient. In general, you want to erase your browser history and your cache (storage of page content like words and images).

Remember: When you clear the cache and history, you erase ALL information that had been previously stored there. If your partner notices the cache and history have been deleted, they may realize you know how to delete your tracks as well as possibly think you have something to hide.

A way to avoid suspicion after clearing the cache and history is to spend some time visiting sites you think your partner wouldn’t object to. This way, the cache and history start to get filled up and your partner may be less likely to notice information is missing.

If you don’t want your browser to record history and cache, you can use private browsing. Private browsing is a function that enables you to visit webpages without your browsing information (like history and cache) being saved. How to enable private browsing depends on your browser. Find out more below.

If you are not sure what browser you are using, click here to find your browser.

Hide Your Visits

Use a safer computer

Clearing your browser and private browsing

Chrome

Firefox

Safari

Edge

Opera

Samsung Internet

Learn more ways to enhance safety on technology in this Guide by the BC Society of Transition Houses.