Netflix stores everything you watch, and you can remove it

Netflix keeps a record of every show and movie you start watching, whether you finish it or not. This history appears on your account so Netflix can recommend similar content and remember where you stopped. You can delete individual titles from your history, clear your entire watch history, or remove a single viewing session — the method depends on what you want to erase and which device you are using.

The steps differ slightly between Netflix on a web browser, phone app, or smart TV, but the core process is the same: find the title in your history, select the remove option, and confirm. Netflix does not ask you to verify your identity or give a reason — the deletion happens when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You can delete individual titles from your Netflix history through your account settings on any device, and the change appears across all your devices within minutes.
  • Removing a title from your history does not delete the show or movie from Netflix itself — it only removes your viewing record.
  • If you want to hide what you are watching from other people on your account, you can create a separate profile instead of deleting history after the fact.
  • Netflix does not offer a button to delete your entire watch history at once; you must remove titles one at a time or use your browser's developer tools on a computer.

Delete a single title from your watch history on a phone or tablet

Open the Netflix app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select Account, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Viewing activity. You will see a list of everything you have watched, with the most recent at the top.

Find the title you want to remove and tap the circle with an X next to it. Netflix will ask you to confirm — tap Remove again. The title disappears from your history when ready. If you have multiple profiles on your account, you are only removing it from the profile you are currently signed into.

Delete a title from your watch history on a web browser

Go to netflix.com and sign in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Account. Under the Profile & Parental Controls section, click the profile name you want to edit. Click Viewing activity.

You will see your entire watch history listed. Hover over any title and a circle with an X will appear on the right side. Click it, and Netflix removes that title from your history without asking for confirmation. The change takes effect when ready on all your devices.

Delete history on a smart TV or streaming device

On most smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, you cannot access the viewing activity page directly from the Netflix app. Instead, use a phone, tablet, or computer to delete the history — the removal will sync to your TV within a few minutes.

If you want to prevent a specific viewing session from being recorded on your TV, you can sign out of Netflix after watching instead of letting it stay signed in. The next time someone signs in, Netflix will not have recorded what the previous person watched.

Why Netflix keeps your watch history and what it is used for

Netflix uses your watch history to power its recommendation system — the rows of suggested shows and movies that appear when you open the app. The more Netflix knows about what you watch, the more accurate those suggestions become. Your history also helps Netflix remember where you stopped in a series so you can resume from that point.

Netflix also uses viewing data in aggregate (combined with millions of other users, not tied to your name) to decide which shows to renew and which to cancel. Your individual watch history is not shared with third parties, but Netflix does use it internally to understand viewing trends.

Create a separate profile if you want to hide what you are watching

If you share your Netflix account with family members or roommates and want to keep your viewing private, the better solution is to create a separate profile rather than delete history after the fact. Each profile has its own watch history, recommendations, and resume points.

To create a profile, click your profile icon and select Manage profiles. Click Add profile, give it a name, and choose whether to restrict content by age rating. You can switch between profiles by clicking the profile icon and selecting a different name. Only you will see what appears in your new profile's history.

What happens when you delete a title from your history

Deleting a title removes it only from your viewing record — it does not affect the show or movie itself, and it does not change Netflix's library. The title will no longer appear in your watch history or influence your recommendations going forward. If you watched multiple episodes of a series, deleting the series from your history removes all episodes at once.

If you resume watching that show later, Netflix will treat it as a new viewing and add it back to your history. Deleting history does not prevent Netflix from recommending that title to you in the future based on other shows you have watched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my entire watch history at once?

Netflix does not have a single button to clear all history. You must remove titles one at a time through your viewing activity page. If you have a large history, this takes time. Some users have written scripts using browser developer tools to automate the process, but this requires technical knowledge and is not an official Netflix feature.

If I delete a title from my history, can other people on my account still see it?

No. Each profile has its own separate watch history. When you delete a title from your profile's history, it only disappears from that profile. Other people using different profiles on the same account will not see any change to their histories.

Does deleting my watch history affect my recommendations?

Yes. Netflix uses your watch history to generate personalized recommendations. When you delete a title, it stops influencing what Netflix suggests to you. If you delete many titles, your recommendations may become less accurate until you build up new viewing history.

Will Netflix remember where I stopped if I delete a show from my history?

No. Deleting a title from your history also removes Netflix's record of where you stopped watching. If you start watching that show again later, it will begin from the beginning rather than resuming from your previous stopping point.

Can I see a list of everything I have ever watched on Netflix?

Your viewing activity page shows your complete watch history going back to when you created your profile. Netflix does not limit how far back the history goes, so you can scroll through years of viewing if your account is old. The list is organized with the most recent at the top.