Shopee is a widely popular e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and beyond, known for its user-friendly interface, extensive product offerings, and attractive promotions like free shipping vouchers.
As you shop on the platform, every purchase you make is automatically recorded in your purchase or order history. This feature is beneficial for tracking orders, managing returns, or recalling past purchases, but you may wish to delete your Shopee purchase history for privacy reasons, to declutter your account, or simply to remove traces of specific transactions.
However, based on the official stance from Shopee, deleting purchase history directly within the app or website is not an option provided by the platform as of the date of writing this article. Below, I’ll outline everything I know about this topic, including why it’s not possible, potential workarounds, and related features like managing browsing history.
Why Can’t You Delete Shopee Purchase History?
Shopee’s purchase history is a core feature designed to benefit both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it serves as a record of transactions, aiding in order tracking, post-purchase support (like returns or refunds), and repeat purchases.
For sellers and Shopee, it’s a vital tool for managing sales data, resolving disputes, and analyzing consumer behaviour. According to Shopee, across various regions (e.g., Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia), no functionality within the app or website allows you to delete your purchase history. This has been explicitly stated in responses like, “No, you cannot delete your purchase history in the Shopee App,”
The lack of a delete option is likely intentional. E-commerce platforms retain order records for legal, operational, and customer service purposes. For instance, purchase history can be critical evidence in case of fraudulent transactions or disputes over deliveries.
Also, Shopee uses this data to personalize recommendations and promotions, enhancing the user experience. Unlike browsing or search history, which reflects temporary activity, purchase history represents completed transactions tied to financial and logistical records, making it a permanent fixture in your account.
Workarounds on How to Delete Purchase History in Shopee
Since Shopee doesn’t offer a direct deletion feature, users have devised alternative methods to manage or obscure their purchase history. Here are the most commonly suggested workarounds:
1. Create a New Shopee Account
The most straightforward way to “erase” your purchase history is to abandon your current account and start fresh with a new one. By registering a new account using a different email address or phone number, your order history will be reset to zero.
- Pros: Completely removes old purchase records from view.
- Cons: You lose access to account-specific benefits like loyalty points, vouchers, or saved payment methods. You’ll also need to update your contact details with sellers or delivery services if applicable.
2. Archive Orders
There is an “Archive Order” option under “Returns and Orders” on the Shopee website or app. This doesn’t delete the order but hides it from the main purchase history list, moving it to an “Archived Orders” section.
How to Check Shopee Order History
- Log in, go to “Me” > “View Purchase History” or “Returns and Orders,” select an order, and look for “View Order Details” followed by an “Archive Order” button.
- Beware: This feature isn’t universally available across all Shopee regions or app versions, and archived orders remain accessible in your account, just less visible.
3. Use a Separate Account for Sensitive Purchases
To avoid sensitive items appearing in your primary account’s history, create a secondary account specifically for such transactions. Use a different email or phone number and, if possible, a collection point or alternate address for delivery.
- Pros: Keeps your main account clean and private.
- Cons: Managing multiple accounts can be inconvenient, and you’ll need to log in and out frequently.
4. Delete the Entire Shopee Account
Shopee allows you to deactivate your account permanently, which effectively removes all associated data, including purchase history, from your access. To do this, go to “Me” > “Settings” > “Request Account Deletion” in the app, follow the prompts, and confirm.
- Pros: Completely wipes your purchase history.
- Cons: This is a step that also deletes your profile, payment info, and any unused vouchers or credits. You’ll need to create a new account if you want to continue using Shopee.
Difference Between Shopee Purchase History and Browsing/Search History
It’s worth clarifying that Shopee distinguishes between purchase history (completed transactions) and browsing/search history (items you’ve viewed or searched for). Unlike purchase history, you can manage your browsing and search history to some extent:
1. Deleting Recently Viewed Items on Shopee
Open the Shopee app, go to “Me” > “Recently Viewed” (or “My Footprints” depending on the version). Swipe left on individual items to delete them, or look for a “Clear All” option (usually three dots at the top right) to remove everything.
This clears the list of products you’ve looked at but doesn’t affect purchase records.
2. Clearing Search History on Shopee
- Tap the search bar on the Shopee app, then look for a clock icon labeled “Recent.” Swipe left on specific searches to delete them, or use “Clear All” if available.
- Alternatively, go to “Settings” > “Privacy Settings” and look for a “Clear Browsing History” option (availability varies by region).
These options help maintain privacy for your exploratory activity but won’t touch your purchase history.
Privacy Tips for Shopee Users
If your goal is privacy rather than deletion, consider these strategies:
Use Incognito Mode: Browse Shopee in your browser’s private mode to prevent local device history from being saved. This doesn’t affect Shopee’s internal records but keeps your activity off shared devices.
- Log Out After Use: On shared devices, always log out to prevent others from accessing your account.
- Request Discreet Packaging: For sensitive items, message sellers to request plain packaging, reducing embarrassment even if the purchase remains in your history.
Conclusion
In summary, you cannot delete your Shopee purchase history directly due to the platform’s design and policies. The best alternatives are creating a new account, archiving orders or deleting your account entirely. For those concerned about privacy, managing browsing/search history and using separate accounts for sensitive purchases can mitigate visibility.