How do I get my Safari browser history back?

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How do I get my Safari browser history back?

I bought this device earlier this year as a late festive treat for myself, and I use the Safari application a lot but someone stole my device in spring, possibly entered my passcode (?) and deliberately deleted my history after I got it back.

Aside from being concerned that the person/people may have also read through my emails, gone into my online social media accounts and read my private messages, tried to get into my banking applications, health applications, travel applications and other applications I use on a daily basis that contain my *personal information* that I do not share with others unless I consent but that is not really important (or is it?), the point of this question is...

I was signed in with Apple ID, and iCloud so I am not sure if there is a data storage that I do not know about where I can retrieve my history?

Posted on Jun 16, 2021 10:10 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ronasara

Level 6

15,519 points

Jun 16, 2021 11:13 AM in response to littlelioness

If I understand your question correctly, I will say this. If they erased your browser history, you likely can not get it back unless you have a Time Machine backup to go to. As for iCloud, it is designed to mirror the changes it detects in the "connected" computer, so it should only have the current data that is in your computer. Note: iCloud is not a back up service. It is designed for cross platform sharing.

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Answer 2

Jun 27, 2021 8:17 AM in response to Ronasara

Hi Ronsara,

> Thank god you understood my question - I'm linguistically very verbose and gifted - sometimes people (most people) have difficulty understanding my over-complicated questions.

> Yes, simplified my Safari History got deleted "after" someone stole my device, how do I get it back?

> They stole my device, accessed it without my permission, then went through the information I didn't give permission to go through and then deleted that data as well! Four things in such a small act! How terribly abhorrent and pathetic! Surely, it should have some consequences? Unless my device was replaced without the original one.

In response to your reply, when you state iCloud is designed to mirror the changes it detects in the connected computer, I'm slightly unsure if by computer you mean a mobile device or a tablet as well. As far as I am aware with the device I have been using, iPad back-up (iCloud data only, not software) has always been completed without a desktop... is that possible?

Since the purchase of this device, I have not a) connected it a desktop or laptop to upgrade any software or mirror the desktop applications installed or b) connected it to a desktop or laptop to backup any downloaded applications on my device.

When you think iCloud is not a back-up service, I assume you are re-instating it is not a place to guarantee full safety and security of your data and one should not put "all data in one iCloud basket." But then again, that is dependent on the data itself which in my context was important to keep for academic and professional premises hence why I am seeking to get it back.

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Answer 3

Ronasara

Level 6

15,519 points

Jun 27, 2021 10:26 AM in response to littlelioness

Above, you said " I'm slightly unsure if by computer you mean a mobile device or a tablet as well." The way iCloud works, as I understand it is this - With your Apple device(s) you gained an iCloud account. Presumably you have activated it and now use it. You may then register any or all of your devices (Mac, iPad, iPhone) and each one which is registered will mirror its contents to iCloud. This makes everything on iCloud available to each device. What your device "sees" depends on what you have designated to be mirrored. I can not say whether your Safari history is stored on iCloud. You can check to see what is there.

Sometimes certain files can be brought from iCloud to a device, IF the file is in iCloud, to copy it to the device. In that sense, it functions as a back up. May I suggest that you set up a back up process if you have not already done so. Remember, at some point all computers die. Without a backup, your data will be lost. I would purchase a new external drive to be used for backup. These days they are inexpensive, very compact, easy to install with a provided USB cable and most do not require any external power. You may have to reformat it though. Then you can set up an automatic backup program using the Time Machine app. Time Machine will enable you to keep full backups of all files, settings and applications. Problem solved going forward.

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How do I get my Safari browser history back?

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