# How to use the SSH history command

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-history-command/ · Last modified: 2026-08-20T06:50:01+00:00

The SSH `history` command displays the commands you have previously run in your current shell session. In particular, it's useful for server monitoring, admin auditing, and recalling a long or complex command you used earlier. Furthermore, bash stores your history in `~/.bash_history`, so you can also inspect that file directly. The history command works in bash and other common shells on Linux servers via SSH.

## Display the last commands run

To see your command history:

```
history
```

This lists all commands from the current session plus those loaded from `~/.bash_history`. Each line is numbered so you can reference or re-run a command. To show only the last 20 entries, use `history 20`.

## Clear your command history

To clear the history in your current session:

```
history -c
```

This removes the in-memory history. Note that `history -c` does not erase `~/.bash_history`—that file is updated when you exit the shell. To wipe the file as well, run `history -c` and then `echo "" > ~/.bash_history` before logging out.

## Search for a command with grep

To find a specific command in your history, pipe history into grep:

```
history | grep tar
```

Replace "tar" with any term you want to search for—for example, `history | grep mysql` or `history | grep wp-config`. See our guide on the [SSH grep command](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-grep-command/) for more filtering options.

## Re-run a command by number

You can re-execute a command from history using its number. Type `!123` to run command number 123, or `!-1` to run the last command again. Use `!!` as a shortcut for the previous command.

## Common use cases

Typical uses for SSH `history` command on a [Linux hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) account:

- Recalling a long tar, grep, or SSH command you ran earlier
- Auditing what commands were executed on a server
- Finding the exact syntax of a command that worked
- Cleaning sensitive commands from history before sharing a session

For viewing and editing files, see the [SSH cat command](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-cat-command/). For listing files, see the [SSH ls command](https://jethost.com/kb/how-to-use-the-ssh-ls-command/).

## Need more help?

Explore more SSH and hosting guides in our [knowledgebase](https://jethost.com/help/). JetHost [web hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) includes SSH access for managing your server directly.