How to Delete Recent on iPhone with Simple Steps? [Can't Miss]

During the use of an iPhone, we often encounter categories like "Recents", such as "Recent Calls", "Recent Photos", "Recent Files", or "Recent Messages". While these records make it easier to quickly access frequently used content, they can sometimes expose private information or make the device feel cluttered. So, how to delete recents on iPhone? Below, we will provide detailed methods for clearing these records in different scenarios.

Part 1. How to Delete All Recent Calls on iPhone

Call history is one of the most common "recent records" on the iPhone. The system keeps track of all incoming, outgoing, and missed calls. While this is convenient for making quick callbacks, if someone else looks at your phone, they can easily view your call history. Therefore, regularly clearing these records can better protect your privacy.

Here's how to remove recent contacts on iPhone:

Step 1. Open the "Phone" app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap "Recents" at the bottom of the screen.

Step 3. To delete a single call, swipe left on the entry and tap "Delete".

Step 4. To remove all call history, tap "Edit" in the upper-right corner.

Step 5. Then choose "Clear" > "Clear All Recents".

Once cleared, no one will be able to view your call history from the Phone app.

Part 2. How to Delete Recent Photos from iPhone

The Recently Added or Recents album in the Photos app stores all new photos and videos you've captured or saved. While this helps you quickly access recent files, some users may prefer to delete them for privacy or storage reasons.

Here is how to delete recent photos on iPhone:

Step 1. Launch the Photos app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap the "Albums" tab and open the "Recents" album.

Step 3. Tap "Select" in the upper-right corner.

Step 4. Choose the photos or videos you want to delete.

Step 5. Tap the "trash bin" icon and confirm "Delete Photos".

In addition, the iPhone's "Photos" app temporarily stores deleted photos in the "Recently Deleted" album for 30 days. If you want to free up space immediately or permanently delete the photos, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open the Photos app.

Step 2. Tap "Albums" at the bottom.

Step 3. Scroll to the bottom and select "Recently Deleted".

Step 4. Tap "Select" in the top right corner.

Step 5. To delete all, choose "Delete All"; if you only want to delete some, manually select them and tap "Delete".

Part 3. How to Clear Recent Files in the Files App

The Files app keeps a list of all recently opened, downloaded, or edited documents. This is useful for quick access but can expose sensitive files if someone else uses your iPhone.

Here's how to clear the "Recent" folder in the "Files" app on iPhone:

Step 1. Open the Files app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Tap "Browse" > "Recents".

Step 3. To remove an individual file, long-press it and select "Delete" or "Remove".

Step 4. To delete multiple files, tap "Select", choose several items, then tap "Delete".

Step 5. Finally, open the "Recently Deleted" folder and select "Delete All" to permanently clear them.

Part 4. How to Clear Recent Searches on iPhone in Safari

If you frequently use Safari to browse the web, your browsing history will be automatically saved. Clearing these "Recents" can effectively protect your privacy.

Here's how to delete recent searches on iPhone in Safari:

Step 1. Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.

Step 2. Scroll down and tap "Safari".

Step 3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select "Clear History and Website Data".

Step 4. In the pop-up prompt, tap "Clear History and Data" to confirm.

Part 5. How to Remove Recent Search History in the Maps App

Apple Maps keeps track of your recent searches and visited places for convenience. However, you might want to clear these records to protect your location privacy.

Here is how to delete recent searches on iPhone in the Maps app:

Step 1. Open the Maps app.

Step 2. Tap the "Search bar" to view recent locations.

Step 3. Swipe left on a location and tap "Delete".

Step 4. To clear all your recent searches at once, tap the "More" option in the top-right corner, then select "Clear". This will delete your recent searches without asking for confirmation.

Part 6. How to Delete All Recents on iPhone in One Click

If you want to clear all "recent records" on your iPhone at once (including system caches, Safari data, call history, app temporary files, etc.), you can use a professional iOS cleaning tool, such as Coolmuster iOS Cleaner.

What can Coolmuster iOS Cleaner do for you?

• Easily remove junk files like app caches, cookies, crash logs, temporary downloaded files, photo caches, user storage files, and more.
• Preview all junk and private data on your iOS device before deletion, so you can select exactly what to remove.
• Fully compatible with the latest iOS 26 versions.
• A completely safe, read-only cleaning tool that doesn't require jailbreaking.
• No risk of damaging your device or altering any data without your permission.

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to delete recent on iPhone in 1 click:

Be sure that you do not disconnect your iPhone during the process. When the process is finished, you can see how many files have been deleted and how much space has been spared on your device.

The Bottom Line

Whether it's recent calls, photos, files, or contact records, this "recent" data can be convenient but may also pose privacy risks. With the methods mentioned above, you can easily clear different types of "recent records". If you want to thoroughly delete all traces and free up storage space, using a tool like Coolmuster iOS Cleaner will be more efficient and secure.

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