Netflix lets you remove individual titles from your watch history, or clear your entire history at once
Netflix keeps a record of everything you watch so it can recommend shows and remember where you stopped. You can delete specific titles one at a time, or wipe your entire history clean. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on phones, tablets, computers, and the Netflix app.
Your watch history is stored on your Netflix account, not on your device. Clearing it on one device clears it everywhere you use Netflix. If you share your account with family members, deleting your history removes only your viewing record, not theirs — unless you clear the entire account history, which affects everyone.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove individual shows or movies from your history by clicking the X next to the title in your profile's watch history section.
- To clear all history at once, go to Account settings, find Viewing activity, and select "Clear all" at the bottom of the page.
- Deleting history on one device removes it from your entire Netflix account across all devices.
- If you share your account, removing your own history does not affect what other profiles see, but clearing account-wide history affects everyone on that account.
- Netflix may take a few minutes to update recommendations after you clear your history.
Delete individual titles from your watch history
The fastest way to hide a single show or movie is to remove it directly from your profile. On a computer or phone, go to your profile menu and select "Your profile" or "Account". Look for "Viewing activity" or "Watch history" — the exact name depends on whether you are using the website or the app.
Scroll through the list until you find the title you want to remove. Hover your mouse over it (on a computer) or tap it (on a phone), and an X button will appear on the right side. Click or tap the X. The title disappears from your history immediately, and Netflix stops using it to make recommendations.
You can remove as many titles as you want this way, one at a time. This method is useful if you watched something you do not want Netflix to remember, or if someone else used your account and you want to clean up their viewing record without erasing your own.
Clear your entire watch history at once
If you want to start fresh, you can delete everything at once instead of removing titles one by one. On a computer, sign in to Netflix, click your profile icon in the top right, and select "Account". Under "Settings", find "Viewing activity" and scroll to the bottom of the page. You will see a button that says "Clear all". Click it, and Netflix will ask you to confirm. Click "Clear all" again, and your entire history is gone.
On a phone or tablet, the steps are similar but the menu layout is slightly different. Open the Netflix app, tap your profile icon, go to "Account", then "Settings", then "Viewing activity". Scroll to the bottom and tap "Clear all". Confirm when Netflix asks you to verify.
Clearing your entire history removes all viewing records from your account. Netflix will no longer have data to base recommendations on, so your homepage will show only popular titles and new releases until you build up a new viewing history.
What happens to your recommendations after you delete history
When you clear your history, Netflix stops using those titles to suggest new shows and movies. Your recommendations page will look different — you may see more generic suggestions like "Trending Now" or "Popular on Netflix" instead of personalized picks. As you watch new content, Netflix learns your preferences again and recommendations become more tailored.
If you removed only a few titles, your recommendations will barely change. Netflix still remembers everything else you watched. If you cleared your entire history, it may take several hours or a day for the recommendation system to fully update, so do not be surprised if old suggestions linger for a bit.
Deleting history on shared accounts
If multiple people use the same Netflix account, each person can have their own profile. When you delete your own profile's history, it does not affect other profiles on that account. Each profile has its own watch history and recommendations.
However, if you use the "Clear all" option from the account settings (not from a specific profile), you are clearing the account-wide history, which affects everyone. To avoid this, always delete history from your individual profile, not from the main account settings. If you share an account and want to keep your viewing private, ask the account owner about creating a separate profile just for you.
Why Netflix keeps your watch history
Netflix uses your watch history to recommend new shows, to remember where you stopped watching a series, and to personalize your homepage. The more you watch, the better Netflix understands what you like. This is why your recommendations improve over time.
You can also pause your watch history without deleting it. Some Netflix accounts have a "Pause viewing activity" option that stops Netflix from recording what you watch, without erasing what it already knows. This is useful if you are sharing your account temporarily or if you want to watch something without affecting your recommendations. Check your account settings to see if this option is available on your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting my history delete the show or movie from Netflix?
No. Deleting your history only removes the title from your personal watch record. The show or movie stays on Netflix for everyone else. You can still search for it and watch it again anytime.
Can I undo a history deletion?
No. Once you delete a title or clear your entire history, Netflix does not keep a backup. You cannot restore it. If you clear your history by mistake, you will have to rebuild it by watching content again.
Will deleting my history speed up Netflix or free up storage?
No. Your watch history is stored on Netflix's servers, not on your device. Deleting it does not change how fast Netflix runs or how much space your phone or computer has. It only affects your recommendations and what Netflix remembers about what you watched.
If I delete my history, will other people know?
No. Deleting your history is private. Other people on your account cannot see that you deleted something unless they check your profile's watch history themselves. If you have a separate profile, they would not see your history at all.
How do I stop Netflix from recording my watch history in the future?
Some Netflix plans offer a "Pause viewing activity" setting in account settings that stops Netflix from recording new views without deleting past history. Not all plans have this feature. If it is not available, your only option is to delete history regularly or use a separate profile for private viewing.