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Clear clicked links history in Thunderbird

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Works with any Linux distroWorks with any Linux distribution that can run bash scripts.
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Linux onlyThis script improves your privacy on Linux
  • Impact: HighSystem Functionality Loss Risk: High
    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Bash (Shell script)These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

Thunderbird saves annotations, bookmarks, favorite icons, input history, keywords, and browsing history (a list of pages visited) 1.

Data is saved at persistent places.sqlite 1 and temporary places.sqlite-shm and places.sqlite.wal 2.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users.

This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

Consider creating a system backup before doing any changes.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help
  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 5 instructions

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help
  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
# places.sqlite: Global installation
rm -fv ~/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite
# places.sqlite: Flatpak installation
rm -fv ~/snap/thunderbird/common/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite
# places.sqlite: Snap installation
rm -fv ~/.var/app/org.mozilla.Thunderbird/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite
# places.sqlite-shm: Global installation
rm -fv ~/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite-shm
# places.sqlite-shm: Flatpak installation
rm -fv ~/snap/thunderbird/common/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite-shm
# places.sqlite-shm: Snap installation
rm -fv ~/.var/app/org.mozilla.Thunderbird/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite-shm
# places.sqlite.wal: Global installation
rm -fv ~/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite.wal
# places.sqlite.wal: Flatpak installation
rm -fv ~/snap/thunderbird/common/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite.wal
# places.sqlite.wal: Snap installation
rm -fv ~/.var/app/org.mozilla.Thunderbird/.thunderbird/*/places.sqlite.wal
Help
  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Terminal
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.
These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
Mozilla Thunderbird is a free and open-source cross-platform email client, personal information manager, news client, RSS and chat client developed by th...

— Clear Thunderbird data

Same Goal​

Other guides in Clear Thunderbird data See settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
Clear Thunderbird address book data
Clear Thunderbird cookies
Clear Thunderbird session restoration data (open windows and tabs)
Clear Thunderbird passwords
Clear Thunderbird download history

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process