How to Turn Off Your Link History on Facebook | A Step-by-Step Guide
At Technewztop, we are committed to providing our readers with accurate and actionable tech guides. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of turning off Link History on Facebook, a feature introduced by Meta that tracks the links you click within the Facebook app. While this feature may seem convenient, it raises significant privacy concerns. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to safeguard your online privacy.
What is Link History on Facebook?
Before we discuss how to disable Link History, it’s essential to understand what it is and why it matters. Link History is a feature that records all the links you click within the Facebook app on Android and iOS devices. When you tap on a link, it opens in Facebook’s in-app browser, and the feature stores this data for future reference.
According to Meta, this feature is designed to help users revisit links they’ve previously accessed. However, there’s a catch: Meta also uses this data to improve ad targeting across its platforms. This means that your browsing activity within the Facebook app can be used to serve you more personalized ads.
Why Should You Link History on Facebook?
Privacy Concerns
One of the primary reasons to disable Link History is to protect your privacy. By tracking the links you click, Facebook gains insight into your online behavior, which can be used for targeted advertising. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of Facebook monitoring your activity, turning off this feature is a wise decision.
Lack of Transparency
During our research at Technewztop, we discovered that Link History was enabled by default in some cases, despite Meta’s claim that it’s disabled by default. This lack of transparency raises questions about user consent and control over personal data.
Delayed Data Deletion
Even after you turn off Link History, it may take up to 90 days for your data to be completely deleted. This means that your browsing history could still be accessible to Meta during this period.
How to Check if Link History on Facebook is Enabled
Before you disable Link History, you may want to check if it’s already active on your account. Here’s how you can do that:
- Open the Facebook app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap on the menu icon (your profile picture) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
- Scroll down and expand the Settings & Privacy section.
- Look for the Link History option.
- If you see a list of visited links, the feature is active.
- If you see an option to enable it, the feature is currently turned off.
How to Turn Off Link History on Facebook
If you’ve decided to disable Link History, follow these step-by-step instructions. At Technewztop, we’ve tested these methods to ensure they work seamlessly.
Method 1: Disable Link History on Facebook Settings
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the menu icon (your profile picture) in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
- Scroll down and expand the Settings & Privacy section.
- Tap on Settings.
- Navigate to the Browser section under the Preferences tab.
- Toggle off the Allow Link History setting.
- Confirm your action by tapping Don’t Allow in the pop-up window.
Method 2: Disable Link History via In-App Browser
- Open a link within the Facebook app. This will open the link in Facebook’s in-app browser.
- Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner (Android) or bottom right corner (iOS).
- Select Go to Settings from the options.
- Toggle off the Allow Link History setting.
- Confirm by tapping Don’t Allow in the pop-up window.
What Happens After You Link History on Facebook?
Once you disable Link History, Facebook will stop collecting data about the links you click within the app. However, it’s important to note that any existing data may take up to 90 days to be deleted. During this period, your link history will still be accessible to Meta.
At Technewztop, we recommend regularly reviewing your privacy settings to ensure that no new features are enabled without your knowledge.
FAQs | Link History on Facebook
Does turning off Link History delete my data immediately?
No, turning off Link History stops further data collection, but it may take up to 90 days for your existing data to be deleted.
Can I view my Link History on a desktop?
No, Link History is only available on the Facebook app for Android and iOS devices.
Are external links stored in Link History?
No, only links clicked within the Facebook app are stored in Link History.
How long are links stored in Link History?
Links are stored for 30 days unless you disable the feature. After disabling, it may take up to 90 days for the data to be deleted.
How do I check if Link History is turned on?
Go to Settings & Privacy > Link History in the Facebook app. If you see a list of links, the feature is active.
Final Thoughts (Link History on Facebook)
At Technewztop, we believe that staying informed is the first step toward protecting your online privacy. While Facebook’s Link History feature may offer convenience, it comes at the cost of your personal data. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your privacy and ensure that your browsing activity remains your own.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your friends and family to help them safeguard their privacy too. For more tech tips and updates, stay tuned to Technewztop – your trusted source for legit and reliable tech content.
