Want to reclaim your Amazon Prime Video viewing history? While you can’t permanently delete watched movies, you can easily remove them from your “Continue Watching” row and hide them from your viewing history to maintain your privacy and keep your recommendations tailored. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Understanding Amazon Prime Video’s Viewing History System
Amazon Prime Video doesn’t offer a straightforward “delete” button for watched content. Instead, it uses a system of tracking viewing history to personalize your recommendations and provide features like “Continue Watching.” Removing content from your viewing history primarily involves hiding it, thus preventing it from influencing your future viewing suggestions. Understanding this distinction is key to effectively managing your Prime Video experience.
Why Can’t I Permanently Delete My Viewing History?
The primary reason you cannot completely erase your viewing history stems from Amazon’s commitment to personalization and data analytics. They use your viewing habits to recommend similar content, track popular trends, and improve the overall user experience. While concerning for privacy advocates, Amazon argues this data is crucial for providing a tailored service. Understanding the technical limitations and design choices helps temper frustrations and focus on available solutions.
The Difference Between “Continue Watching” and Viewing History
It’s crucial to understand that your “Continue Watching” row and your general viewing history are related but distinct. “Continue Watching” lists items you haven’t finished, allowing you to pick up where you left off. Your viewing history, on the other hand, includes everything you’ve watched, even if you completed it. Removing an item from “Continue Watching” might not necessarily remove it from your viewing history.
Removing Movies from Your “Continue Watching” Row
The “Continue Watching” row is a prominent feature, and getting rid of movies you’ve finished or no longer want to see is a priority for many users. Here’s how:
On the Amazon Prime Video Website (Desktop)
- Navigate to the Amazon Prime Video website.
- Locate the “Continue Watching” row on the homepage.
- Hover over the movie you want to remove.
- Click the “Watch Options” button (usually a speech bubble icon).
- Select “Remove from Watchlist.” This will remove the movie from the “Continue Watching” row.
On the Amazon Prime Video App (Mobile and Tablet)
- Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your device.
- Find the “Continue Watching” section.
- Press and hold the movie you want to remove.
- A menu will appear. Select “Remove from Watchlist.”
On Amazon Prime Video via Your Smart TV
Smart TV interfaces vary, but the process is generally similar:
- Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your Smart TV.
- Navigate to the “Continue Watching” row.
- Highlight the movie you want to remove.
- Press the “Options” or “Menu” button on your remote. The exact label will depend on your TV model.
- Choose “Remove from Watchlist.”
Hiding Movies From Your Viewing History
Completely removing content is impossible, but hiding movies from your viewing history prevents them from influencing your future recommendations.
Accessing and Editing Your Viewing History
- Go to Amazon.com (not PrimeVideo.com).
- Hover over “Account & Lists” in the top right corner.
- Click “Your Account.”
- Under “Video Settings”, select “Prime Video Settings“.
- Click “Watch History“.
- Locate the movie you want to hide.
- Click “Hide this” next to the movie title.
What “Hiding” Actually Does
When you “hide” a movie, it removes it from your browsing history that is used to make viewing recommendations. While the movie might still exist within Amazon’s internal databases, it won’t appear in your watch history or influence suggestions moving forward. This provides a semblance of privacy without fully deleting the data.
The Impact on Future Recommendations
Hiding content from your viewing history directly affects the algorithm that generates your recommendations. By curating your history, you can steer the algorithm towards content that aligns with your current interests and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding deleting or hiding watched movies on Amazon Prime Video:
FAQ 1: Can I permanently delete my viewing history on Amazon Prime Video?
No, you cannot permanently delete your viewing history. You can, however, hide individual titles from your viewing history to prevent them from influencing future recommendations.
FAQ 2: How long does it take for a movie to be removed from my “Continue Watching” list?
Typically, the removal is instantaneous. If you don’t see the movie disappear immediately, try refreshing the page or restarting the app.
FAQ 3: Does hiding a movie affect my download history?
No, hiding a movie only affects your viewing history and recommendations. It does not remove any downloaded content from your device.
FAQ 4: Can I remove an entire series from my viewing history at once?
Unfortunately, Amazon Prime Video doesn’t offer a feature to remove an entire series from your viewing history simultaneously. You must hide each episode individually.
FAQ 5: Is it possible to hide watched content from other profiles on my Amazon Prime account?
Yes, each profile has its own viewing history and recommendations. Hiding content from one profile will not affect the viewing history of other profiles.
FAQ 6: I hid a movie, but it reappeared in my viewing history. Why?
This can sometimes happen due to technical glitches or delays in Amazon’s system. Try hiding the movie again. If the issue persists, consider contacting Amazon Prime Video customer support.
FAQ 7: Does deleting cookies and cache affect my Amazon Prime Video viewing history?
No, deleting cookies and cache will not delete your viewing history. Your viewing history is tied to your Amazon account, not your browser.
FAQ 8: Will hiding a movie prevent it from being suggested to me again?
While hiding a movie significantly reduces the chances of it being suggested, the algorithm is complex. It’s possible that similar content might still be recommended.
FAQ 9: Can I access my viewing history on all devices, or is it device-specific?
Your viewing history is linked to your Amazon account, meaning it’s accessible across all devices where you’re logged in.
FAQ 10: Is there a limit to the number of movies I can hide from my viewing history?
There is no known limit to the number of movies you can hide from your viewing history.
FAQ 11: If I clear my “Continue Watching” list, will it clear the viewed status on the Movie?
No, clearing items from “Continue Watching” doesn’t mark the movie as un-viewed in Amazon’s system. It is merely cleared from that section.
FAQ 12: Are there any third-party tools to better manage Prime Video History?
Currently, there are no officially endorsed or reliable third-party tools designed to completely manage or delete Prime Video history beyond Amazon’s built-in functionalities. Exercise extreme caution if you encounter such tools, as they may pose security risks. Focus on utilizing Amazon’s native hiding features for the safest and most effective experience.
By following these steps and understanding the limitations of Amazon Prime Video’s viewing history system, you can effectively manage your viewing experience and maintain your desired level of privacy.