Clear Your Router History: Step-by-Step Guide

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Remove your browsing history from your Wi-Fi router

Co-authored by Mitch Harris and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: December 9, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using the Router Webpage

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Doing a Factory Reset

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Other Privacy Tips

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FAQ

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Expert Q&A

Are you concerned about keeping your browsing history private? While clearing your browser history is a good start, your router also keeps a log of which websites you’ve visited. Luckily, it’s easy to clear your router logs and delete your Wi-Fi history by logging into your router’s settings page. In some cases, you can also delete your router history by doing a factory reset. In this article, we’ll explain how to clear your router logs and offer additional tips about how to keep your online activity private.

How to Delete Router Logs & History

Visit your router’s IP address in a web browser and log in. Find the section called “System Logs” or something similar, and click the Delete or Clear button.
You might also be able to clear your router history by doing a factory reset.
Prevent your router from tracking your online activity by using a VPN or a private browser.

Section 1 of 4:

Using the Router Webpage

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1
Find your router’s IP address. This is an address that you can visit in any web browser to access your router’s settings. There are a few common IP addresses that most routers use (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), but it’s best to look yours up so you don’t have to guess. Typically, your router’s IP address is printed on the router itself. You can also find it on any computer or mobile device connected to your router’s Wi-Fi network. For example, to find it on your computer:
- In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Wi-Fi > View additional properties. You’ll find your router’s address next to the IPv4 address header.
- On a Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi. Click Details next to your network’s name. Scroll down and find your router’s IP address next to the Router header.
You can use any browser, such as Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge.

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Click the address bar at the top of your browser, and type your router’s default IP address. Press Enter or Return (or tap the → button in your mobile browser) to navigate to your router’s page.
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Enter your router’s admin username and password. When you open your router page, you’ll be prompted to log in. This will allow you to log in to your router’s admin interface. If you’ve never changed your router’s default login information, you can typically use the username and password printed on the router itself. You can also look up the default login credentials for your model of router online.
- The default username for many routers is admin, while the default password might be admin, password, or blank.
Every router page is different, so you might need to explore a little to find what you’re looking for. Your logs might be in a general “Settings” area or in a section called “Advanced.”
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Click System Logs, Security Logs, or something similar. Depending on your router model, you might see an option called “Logs,” “System Logs,” “Security Logs,” or “Admin-Event Logs.”
- This might be located in a subsection called “Security” or “Administration.” You’ll need to explore a bit to find what you’re looking for!
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Click the Clear Log button. This button will clear your router's system log history.^{[1]
X
Research source} It might also be called something like “Delete Log,” “Clear History,” or “Clear All.”
- If you’re prompted to confirm your action in a pop-up, click OK or Yes.

Section 2 of 4:

Doing a Factory Reset

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1
Locate the “Reset” button on your router. This is a tiny button, usually located on the back of your router. It’s often set into a small hole so you can’t accidentally press the button. It will likely be labeled “Reset,” “Restore Factory Settings,” or something similar.
- Your router should be powered on during this process.
- Resetting your router will remove any custom settings, such as a custom Wi-Fi network name and password you might have set up. It may also delete your router history, although this method is less reliable than deleting the logs from the settings page.
You can also use a similar tool, such as a SIM card ejector key. Push it into the hole to depress the button.
Depending on your router model, you might need to hold the button for anywhere from 7 to 30 seconds. Check your router’s manual to be sure.^{[2]
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Research source}
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Wait for your router to reboot. You might see the lights on your router go off. After you release the reset button, wait a few moments for the lights to come back on and stop blinking.
- You should now be able to reconnect to the internet. If you changed your Wi-Fi password, you’ll need to log back in with the original default password printed on your router.
- Log into your router’s page to reconfigure your network the way you want it.

Section 3 of 4:

Other Ways to Protect Your Privacy

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Use a VPN. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) redirects your traffic through an encrypted server. This makes it harder for your ISP (Internet Service Provider), other people on your Wi-Fi network, or anyone else to track what you’re doing online. Most VPNs require a subscription, but they typically only cost a few dollars a month.
- Some of the most popular VPNs include ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Mullvad VPN.
- Most modern VPNs are extremely user-friendly. You’ll need to download the app, create an account, and follow the directions to connect to your preferred server.
When you use incognito or private mode in your web browser, your browsing history won’t be saved. Most browsers have an option to let you browse privately. Just keep in mind that this method won’t necessarily prevent your ISP, network administrator, or the owners of websites you visit from seeing your browsing activity.
Browsers like Tor, Brave, and DuckDuckGo are designed to let you browse the internet anonymously. They block trackers and route your web traffic through secure servers. This is a more secure option than using incognito or private mode in a regular web browser.
If using a VPN or private browser isn’t an option, you can get a little more privacy by browsing logged out. For example, if you’re doing a Google search or using YouTube, make sure you’re logged out of your Google account. This will make it harder for Google to track what you’re searching for or watching.

Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does a Wi-Fi router keep your browsing history? It depends on the model of router, but most routers only keep your history for a few weeks before they begin automatically deleting or overwriting the logs. Check your router manual for information about how long data is retained.
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Does unplugging your router clear the history? Typically, no. Just like your computer or phone, your router can still “remember” data and settings even when it is powered off. To erase your router’s logs, you’ll need to do so manually from the router page or by resetting the router.
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How can you hide your browsing history from your router? Using a VPN is one of the best ways to keep your browsing history private. Your router won’t be able to log which websites you visit while the VPN is active. Using a private browser, like Tor or DuckDuckGo, will also limit how much of your online activity your router can track.
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What kind of information is in my router logs? Your router may track information such as which websites you’ve visited, what devices are connected to your network, and security events, such as login attempts. It may also save information about system events, such as firmware updates and changes to your router settings.
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How often should I clear my router logs? It depends on your internet browsing habits and privacy needs, but some online security experts recommend clearing your logs once a month. Regularly clearing your logs can also boost your network speed and help it run smoothly.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Does your WiFi router record history?

Mitch Harris
IT Expert
Mitch Harris is an IT Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.

Mitch Harris

IT Expert

Expert Answer

The only history your router keeps is a list of devices that have connected to it. It doesn’t maintain any history of the web pages you’ve visited or traffic aside from overall statistics. Nevertheless, any settings can be reached or erased by logging into the device itself or using the service provider’s application.

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Question

Could I do this without my parents knowing?

AnIdiotWaffle

Community Answer

Yes. As long as they don't check the history themselves and notice anything missing, you should be good.

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