Netflix, with thousands of new titles updated every month, your recently watched content can fill up fast. Whether you want to keep your viewing activity private or want to stream on a family member's account without being detected, we'll show you how to delete your recently watched shows.
How to Delete Recently Watched Shows from Netflix on PC and Mac
If you're using a PC, Mac, or web browser on a mobile device, you can follow the steps below to delete your viewing activity. If you have more than one profile, you will need to delete viewing activity for each profile.
Visit the Netflix website and follow these instructions:
- Sign in to your Netflix account, hover over your profile icon, then click Account.
- Now click on the arrow icon to the right of your profile.
- Then under the Profile and parental control section, click View to the right of Activity View.
- If you want to delete a single episode, just click on the circle and select Hide from your story.
- You can also hide the whole series by clicking Hide series? This appears after you delete an item from a set in your watch history.
- You can also hide your entire history by scrolling down and clicking the Hide all option.
That's it, you're done! You've removed all that dodgy content from your Netflix and can watch your shows knowing you can easily remove them again.
Deleting Viewing History on iOS Mobile App
Unfortunately, Netflix has removed account access options for the streaming service's app version. If you want to delete your viewing history from your mobile device, use a web browser and sign in to Netflix.
- Click on the browser's menu option and choose "Desktop Site", then follow the steps above to delete your recently watched history.
How to Delete Recently Watched Shows from Netflix on Android
Android users still have an account option in their Netflix app. This will automatically take you to a web browser, but it is visible in the mobile version of the website, which makes it much easier to use.
- Open the Netflix app and tap on the profile you want to edit.
- Now tap on the three vertical lines in the lower right corner.
Notes: You may be prompted to select a web browser and sign in. - Then press Account.
- Tap the down arrow next to your profile.
- Then press Activity display.
- Similar to the instructions above, you can click the circle with the line to delete a show, or click Hide all.
Hiding your viewing history is very simple once you understand the layout. You'll need to use a web browser, but Safari, Chrome, and even Samsung Internet are all capable of performing the task.
How to Delete Recently Watched Shows from Netflix on a Roku Device
- Open the Netflix app located on the Roku homepage.
- Click on a title you want to remove from your Keep watching list and scroll down in the context menu until you see Remove from my list, select it to delete it.
- You will need to repeat the above step with all titles you wish to remove from your Keep watching listing.
Other Netflix Features for a Better Experience
Netflix offers several ways to personalize your content. This means there are a lot of features and options in the settings. Besides just deleting your recently watched content, you can also manage video playback settings and recommended shows.
Using the same navigation instructions above, you can click the down arrow next to your profile to access some pretty cool features.
For example, you can turn off the autoplay feature. If you're the type to fall asleep watching the latest episodes of Stranger Things, turn off the autoplay feature to avoid missing episodes.
If you want Netflix to give you better recommendations, be sure to rate the shows you've watched in the past. Next to each title (you can access it from the viewing activity section above) has a thumbs up or thumbs down option. If you really like a show, approve it and Netflix will recommend similar content with similar ratings.
Finally, you can upgrade your summer subscription to watch content in 4k. Giving you four streams at once with better quality is definitely a feature worth mentioning for the serious watcher.
To have problems?
Deleting your Netflix viewing history is pretty straightforward for the most part. But, there are a few things you need to know in case you run into any issues.
Sure, you probably signed in to the right account to delete your watch history, but if you went through the process and it didn't work, check that you're signed in correctly. Next, Netflix says it can take up to 24 hours to delete your viewing history across all devices. If it doesn't disappear immediately, wait or sign in on another device.
Finally, a child's profile will not offer the option to delete the watch history. For some reason, Netflix prevents minors from deleting their history, so try another profile instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is a recent viewing that I haven't watched, is that a problem?
If you see content in your recently viewed section, it's probably because someone else is using your Netflix profile. Under account settings, you can view login activity.
First, find devices that don't belong to you (or locations that aren't near you). You can click on the “Sign out from all devices” option and change your password to secure your account.
Can I just delete an entire Netflix profile?
Yes, if you have a profile that you want to delete (other than the one the account was created with), you can click on the edit option from within the app and delete the profile along with all of its stored content.
If I delete my account, will my viewing history be deleted?
When you delete your Netflix account, it takes about ten months for all the data that comes with it to disappear with it. This means you can recover your account with your watch history intact for up to 10 months after you cancel your subscription.
After this cooldown period is over, you can create a new account without the watch or search history.
How do I recover my Continue Watching content?
If you deleted your viewing history, you also deleted your Continue Watching content. Shows and movies you haven't finished yet will no longer appear in the section of Netflix that lets you pick up where you left off. Honestly, there doesn't seem to be a way to get the content back if you deleted it, but you can always start watching the show again.
Many users have complained about their Continuing Watching content disappearing. Assuming you didn't delete it, but it's gone, you can contact Netflix support for help. There is a problem that causes this content to be deleted, then returned, and possibly deleted again. Because the feature makes the platform much easier to use, it's worth reaching out to Netflix support for help with this one.
Can you clear Netflix search history?
Netflix doesn't really keep track of the shows and movies you've searched for, so there's no reason to delete them and therefore there's no option to do so. Deleting your viewing history should be enough for privacy.
If you want to completely clear your Netflix search history, we have an article here to help you do that. Once permanently cancelled, you can open a new account or use another username to create a new account.
Can I delete the main profile from my account?
No. But you can make some changes and delete the viewing history. If you originally set up the account for someone else and now want to update it for yourself, the original profile will need to remain.
Click on the edit option to update the profile name and photo. Then delete all viewing activity to start fresh. Not only will this remove content that has been watched, but it will also remove streaming content and biased recommendations based on previously streamed genres.
Latest Thoughts
Netflix viewing history also controls your continued viewing of content and suggested content, so be aware of this when making changes. Of course, cleaning up your Netflix account after years of bingeing is always a good thing most of the time.
Are you clearing your recent Netflix show binge? The content is no longer available? Share your opinion in the comments below.
