If someone is monitoring your device or knows how to read your computer’s history, they may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the internet.

Exit site button

By pressing this button you'll leave this website and be taken to the Stuff NZ website immediately. areyouok.org.nz will remain in your browser history

When it is safe to do so, delete this site and any similar sites from your browser history following the relevant instructions below.

Cover your tracks

Deleting browser history

Web browsers can store a lot of personal information. You can increase your privacy by clearing your browsing history.

• Chrome
  1. Click on the browser menu (3 vertical dots), then select Settings, then Clear browsing data.
  2. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
  3. From Settings click Privacy and Security.
  4. Choose the time range from the Time range drop-down menu.
  5. Select the types of data you want to clear.
  6. Select the Clear data button.

  The following link may also be helpful: Google Chrome Help

• Safari
  1. In the menu bar, select History, then Clear History at the bottom of the menu.
  2. Choose a time range from the drop-down menu.
  3. Select the Clear History button.

  The following link may also be helpful: Apple Safari Support

• Internet Explorer
  1. Click on the browser menu (3 horizontal dots), then select the Tools button, then Safety, and then Delete browsing history.
  2. Select the types of data or files you want to remove
  3. Select the Delete button.

  The following link may also be helpful: Microsoft Internet Explorer Help

• Edge
  1. Click on the browser menu (3 horizontal dots), then select Settings then Privacy, search, and services.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.
  3. Choose a time range from the Time range drop-down menu.
  4. Select the types of data you want to clear.
  5. Select the Clear now button.

  The following links may also be helpful: Microsoft Edge Support, Microsoft Edge Insider

• Firefox
  1. Click on the browser menu (3 horizontal bars), then select History, then Clear Recent History.
  2. Choose the time range from the Time range to clear drop-down menu.
  3. Select the types of data you want to clear.
  4. Select the OK button.

  The following link may also be helpful: Mozilla Firefox Support

Private browsing (also called incognito browsing)

All major web browsers offer a feature that provides a private browsing window and deletes the browsing history on your computer after you close it. Depending on what browser you’re using, it may be called Incognito Mode, Private Browsing or InPrivate Browsing.

If you are worried that someone can access your private computer it might be better for you to use another one at a library, a friend's house, or work.

• Chrome
  1. When Incognito Mode is activated on Google Chrome, the browser won’t save your browsing history, cookies, site data or any information submitted on forms. However, it will keep any files you’ve downloaded and your bookmarks.
  2. To enable Incognito on Google Chrome, click the menu in the top right corner of the browser window. Click New Incognito Window and start browsing.
  3. Alternatively, in the browser window, press Ctrl + Shift + N.

  The following link may also be helpful: Google Chrome Help

• Safari
  • Safari’s “Private” window removes browsing history, form data, cookies, and also deletes temporary files. To enable Private browsing, choose File, New Private Window, or switch to a Safari window that’s already using Private Browsing.

  The following link may also be helpful: Apple Safari Support

• Internet Explorer
  1. Microsoft’s InPrivate browsing window provides similar protection to Chrome but will also disable toolbars and extensions. To enable InPrivate browsing on Microsoft Internet Explorer, click on Settings- Safety- InPrivate Browsing.
  2. Select the types of data or files you want to remove
  3. Alternatively, in the browser window, press Ctrl + Shift + P.

  The following link may also be helpful: Microsoft Internet Explorer Help

• Edge
  1. To enable InPrivate browsing on Microsoft Edge, click the menu in the top right corner of the window and select New InPrivate window. You can right-click on the Edge taskbar icon and select New InPrivate window.
  2. Alternatively, in the browser window, press Ctrl+ Shift + N.

  The following links may also be helpful: Microsoft Edge Support, Microsoft Edge Insider

• Firefox
  1. Mozilla’s “Private Browsing” mode is similar to the other browsers but offers additional tracking protection. To launch private browsing in Firefox, click on the three lines at the top right and select New Private Window.
  2. Alternatively, you in the browser window, press Ctrl + Shift + P.

  The following link may also be helpful: Mozilla Firefox Support

If you are worried that someone can access your private computer, it might be better for you to use another one at a library, a friend's house, or work.