Applied AI Tools

In this tutorial, we will show you exactly how to locate your past searches in Perplexity. Learn to organize them into “Collections” for big projects. You can also browse privately so nothing gets saved at all.

We have all been there – had a brilliant conversation with an AI. Then, you closed the tab, and realized you forgot to save the answer!

Perplexity AI is an amazing tool for research. But unlike a standard Google search, your “threads” (conversations) are saved in a powerful Library. If you are wondering where to find history in Perplexity or how to access history in Perplexity AI, keep reading.

Method 1: How to Find Perplexity History on Desktop

If you are using Perplexity on a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) on your laptop, finding your past chats is very simple.

On Desktop (Web)

1. Log In: Make sure you are signed into your account. Guest searches are not saved.
2. Look Left: On the left-hand sidebar, look for the icon labeled History. It often looks like a clock or a simple list. Double-click on History. You will now see a list of every question you have ever asked.

Note: If your sidebar is collapsed, click the small “Menu” icon. It looks like three lines in the top left corner. Click it to open the sidebar.

3. Scroll or Search:

• You will see a list of your threads titled by their topic (e.g., “Best Pizza Recipes”).
• Use the Search Bar at the top of the History panel to find specific keywords inside old chats.

On Mobile (App)

1. Open the App: Launch Perplexity on iOS or Android.
2. Tap “History”: Look at the bottom navigation bar. Tap the icon that looks like a clock or file box.

Troubleshooting: If you don’t see it at the bottom, tap your Profile Picture in the top left corner. You will often find the “History” or “Threads” button inside that menu..

Method 2: How to Find History in ‘Spaces’ (Organized Projects)

Is “Spaces” related to history?

Yes!

If you can’t find a thread in your main History list, you might have saved it into a Space. Spaces are the new “Folders” where you can group related searches (like “Thesis Research” or “Vacation Ideas”).

Why check here?

Sometimes, if you start a thread inside a Space, it stays categorized there.

How to Access Spaces in Perplexity

1. Locate the Tab: On the left sidebar (Desktop) or Space Menu (Mobile), look for the tab labeled Spaces.

2. Open a Space: Click on a specific Space name (e.g., “Coding Help”).

3. View Threads: Inside, you will see the specific Perplexity AI history that belongs to that project.

How to Delete Perplexity History?

You might want to remove a single embarrassing question. Or, you may want to wipe your entire account for privacy. Here is how to delete your Perplexity history.

Deleting a Single Thread

1. Go to your History tab.
2. Hover over the thread you want to remove.
3. Click the three dots (…) icon on the right side of the thread title.
4. Select Delete Thread.

Warning: Can you delete chats in Perplexity? Yes, but once you click delete, it is gone forever. There is no “Trash Can” to recover it.

Deleting All History (Bulk Clear) in Perplexity

1. In same History tab you will find three dots (…) icon on the right side of the corner.

2. Confirm your choice to wipe your entire history clean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on finding Perplexity History

1. Does Perplexity keep history?
   
   Yes, Perplexity automatically saves your history to your “History” if you are logged in. This allows the AI to remember context and lets you return to old research.
   
2. Where can I find the history in Perplexity AI?
   
   Click the “History” button. On desktop, it is in the left sidebar. On mobile, it is in the bottom navigation bar.
   
3. How do I delete my Perplexity history?
   
   Go to your History, click the three dots (…) on any thread, and select “Delete.” To delete everything, use the “Delete all threads” option in the Settings menu.
   
4. What is the history of Perplexity AI?
   
   Perplexity AI was founded in 2022 to challenge Google by using Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide direct answers. It keeps a “History” of your threads rather than a list of blue links.
   
5. Can you delete chats in Perplexity?
   
   Yes. You can delete entire threads from your History. However, you currently cannot delete individual messages inside a thread without deleting the whole conversation.
   
6. Why has my Perplexity history disappeared?
   
   You are likely logged into the wrong Google/Apple account, or you accidentally turned on Incognito Mode. Check your profile settings to switch accounts or disable Incognito.
   
7. How to access history in Perplexity AI as a guest?
   
   You cannot. If you search without logging in (Guest Mode), your history is temporary. Once you close the browser tab, that data is permanently lost.
   
8. What is the difference between History and Spaces?
   
   History is a chronological list of everything you have ever searched. Spaces are folders you create to organize specific searches (like “Work” or “School”). Your threads can exist in both.
   
9. Can I recover deleted history?
   
   No. Once you click “Delete Thread,” it is permanently removed from Perplexity’s servers to protect your privacy. There is no “Trash Can” or recovery option.
   
10. How does Perplexity use data from history?
    
    Your history provides “context” so the AI remembers what you asked previously. Perplexity may also use anonymized data to train its models, unless you disable “AI Data Retention” in your Account Settings.

Check out more Perplexity Hacks on AppliedAI Tools

Make the most of ChatGPT for your personal or workplace productivity:

• How to Use Perplexity for Math? + Example Prompts

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