Deleting your browser history
If you're worried about someone finding out you've been on mygov.scot or another website, there are ways to stop them.
It can sometimes be better to browse in private (incognito mode)
If you browse in private, after you close the browser no internet search history is saved. This can be better if you're worried about someone seeing what you've searched for.
To browse privately, choose:
- InPrivate on Microsoft Edge
- Private Browsing on Mozilla Firefox or Opera
- Incognito on Google Chrome
- Private Window on Safari
Just remember that anything you download and save will not be private. Also, if you do not close your private browser, someone can use the 'back' arrow to see any websites you've visited.
You can use private browsing on a desktop, tablet or smartphone like an iPhone or Android.
If you have not used private browsing
You can improve your safety by clearing your history.
You can remove what you do not want someone to see. Here's how you can clear something in your history in:
If someone walks in
Click the 'Hide this page' button, or press the ‘Esc’ key, if you want to quickly get away from a page on this site. You can use it wherever you see it. When you press the button it will take you to the mygov.scot homepage.
Remember, using this button will not clear your history. If you're using private browsing, you'll stay in a private browser. This might make someone suspicious.
It might be better to have a non-private window open and close your private browser if someone walks in. Or think about getting some time alone if you do not think you can do this safely.
If you're worried you will not be able to browse alone, think about using a public computer. Your local library will often have computers for you to use.
Log out of Gmail or Google accounts
If you are not private browsing and stay signed into a Google account like Gmail, autocomplete can show what you've recently searched.
This happens if you've visited a page on mygov.scot by typing a search into Google, like 'reporting a crime'. If someone else types 'r' into Google or the beginning of the phrase, like 'rep', Google will show options from recent searches in that browser.
You can log out of your account to stop this. You can also type the start of the phrase into Google to be offered the option to remove the phrase.
Find my iPhone or apps like it
While these apps can be useful, they can also be used to track where you are. If you stay signed in to your account on a device that someone else can access, they can check where you are.
Sign out when you use apps like 'Find my iPhone' on another device and keep your account details private.