To clear YouTube history on an iPhone 13, open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture (the You tab), tap the Settings gear, then choose Manage all history and tap Delete to remove today, a custom range or all time. In some app versions the option is under Settings > History & privacy > Clear watch history. History is saved to your Google account, so clearing it on the iPhone clears it everywhere you’re signed in.
Quick Answer
YouTube app > You > Settings (gear) > Manage all history > Delete > Delete all time > Delete.
Steps to Clear Watch and Search History
- Open the YouTube app and make sure you’re signed in to the right account.
- Tap You (your profile picture) at the bottom right.
- Tap the Settings gear at the top right.
- Tap Manage all history. Your YouTube activity page opens.
- Tap Delete and choose Delete today, Delete custom range or Delete all time, then confirm.
Remove a Single Video
Tap You, then View all next to History. Swipe left on a video or tap the three-dot menu and choose Remove from watch history.
Stop YouTube Saving History
On the Manage all history page, tap Saving your YouTube history and turn it off, or set Auto-delete to remove activity older than 3, 18 or 36 months. Pausing history also makes recommendations less personal.
Options Compared
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Remove one video | Deletes a single entry |
| Delete range or all time | Clears watch and search activity for that period |
| Turn off history | Stops new videos being saved |
| Auto-delete | Clears older activity automatically |
Troubleshooting
- History comes back: Check you cleared the same account you’re signed in with, and that another device isn’t adding to it.
- Can’t find Manage all history: Update the app from the App Store; menu names change between versions.
- Want to see history first? See viewing YouTube history on iPhone.
- Using YouTube in Safari? Clear browser data too. See closing all Safari tabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting history affect recommendations?
Yes. Recommendations rely on your history, so they become more general for a while.
Does clearing search history also clear watch history?
Deleting from Manage all history can remove both. Choose the range carefully.
Can I undo it?
No. Deleted history can’t be restored.
Summary
- Open YouTube > You > Settings.
- Tap Manage all history.
- Delete a range or all time.
- Turn off or auto-delete history if you want it gone for good.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.