Anyone who’s spent significant time practicing coding on LeetCode knows how essential it is to revisit previously solved problems. Whether it’s brushing up on techniques or preparing for an interview, having easy access to your past solutions is key. Yet many users report a frustrating issue—the default LeetCode settings don’t actually show your solved code when you revisit a problem. Why is this, and how can you fix it quickly? Read on to uncover the solution and optimize your LeetCode experience.
TL;DR:
By default, LeetCode doesn’t always display your previously solved code when you revisit a problem. This can be due to session mismatches, saved settings, or language preferences. Fortunately, the fix is straightforward—either navigate to your submission history, adjust default code settings, or configure the preferred language in your profile. Read further to learn how to implement these changes efficiently.
Why LeetCode Doesn’t Show Solved Code by Default
First, it’s important to understand that LeetCode is designed to cater to thousands of users with different preferences. The platform tries to load the environment in a way that aligns with your current settings—or it just picks the default.
There are a few main reasons why this happens:
- Language change: If you solved a problem in Python but your default language is now set to Java, LeetCode might load a blank Java template instead of your saved Python solution.
- Browser session or cache issues: Sometimes, your session history doesn’t carry over if you log in from a different device or have recently cleared your cache.
- LeetCode behavior: LeetCode prioritizes presenting a fresh environment for you to attempt again rather than auto-loading your past submission.
This behavior might be helpful when practicing, but it’s frustrating if you’re trying to review or improve past solutions.
How to Fix It
There are a few reliable ways to solve this issue. Below are step-by-step instructions you can follow:
1. Access Submissions Directly
The most direct way to retrieve your previous code is to access your submission history:
- Open the problem you’re interested in.
- Click on the “Submissions” tab located at the top right of the screen.
- Browse through the list and click on any past submission to review the exact code you submitted.
You can even click “Copy” and paste it into the coding area if you want to work on it again. However, this approach can become tedious if you’re hopping between multiple problems.
2. Set a Default Language
Another likely culprit is a language mismatch. Here’s how to align your current sessions to your preferred language:
- Go to your profile icon on the top right and click “Settings.”
- Navigate to the Code Preferences section.
- Set your default language to the one you most commonly use (e.g., Python, JavaScript).
- Save changes.
This won’t restore past code per se, but it makes LeetCode more likely to load submissions in that language going forward. It reduces the number of mismatched sessions where your solution simply doesn’t appear.
3. Use the “Picked Language” Option in Editor
Within the coding editor itself, there’s an option to “Reset to Picked Language.” If you’re currently seeing an empty editor, try doing this and check if your saved code reappears. If not, this still helps by reloading the environment properly so you can paste your code back in from a submission.
4. Bookmark Completed Problems or Add Tags
Another helpful workflow improvement is tagging or bookmarking problems:
- Tag problems you’ve completed successfully with custom labels like “Revisit”, “Syntax Practice”, or “Optimize”.
- Bookmark them by clicking the star icon.
- You can then access all saved problems from your profile under “Bookmarks.”
This doesn’t reload your code automatically, but it makes navigating between known problems quicker and more structured.
Using Browser Extensions
Some users have taken matters into their own hands by creating browser extensions or scripts that enhance LeetCode behavior. For example, Chrome extensions like “LeetCode Enhancer” allow you to:
- Auto-reload last solution on opening a problem
- Change fonts and themes
- Add timers to track problem-solving speed
These tools are unofficial but can be incredibly beneficial if you’re a power user. Just be cautious in choosing well-reviewed and updated extensions to avoid security risks.
How to Keep Tracking Your Own Progress Better
Besides relying on LeetCode’s built-in systems, there are a few habits you can build for longer-term efficiency:
1. Maintain an External Notes Repository
Create a GitHub repository or use service like Notion or Google Docs to record your solutions.
- Benefit: You’re not dependent on LeetCode’s interface to view past work.
- Bonus: Add explanations to each solution to deepen understanding.
This is especially helpful if your goal is mastering algorithms rather than merely solving as many problems as possible.
2. Screenshot or Record Your Best Submissions
A quick screenshot or video recording using tools like Loom or OBS can help you retain a more detailed visual log of what you’ve done. You might even consider uploading this content to a private channel for personal review.
Common Questions (And Quick Fixes)
Here are a few frequently asked questions, followed by brief answers:
- Q: LeetCode used to show my past code. Why doesn’t it anymore?
A: Your browser settings, cache, or default language might have changed. Review those first. - Q: Can I reset LeetCode to remember my last submission?
A: You can’t force it permanently, but bookmarking and saving preferred language helps maintain consistency. - Q: Are there any plans by LeetCode to support this feature natively?
A: There’s no official roadmap, but user feedback has prompted periodic updates. Community discussion may push this higher on their list.
Conclusion
The fact that LeetCode doesn’t always display your previously solved code by default isn’t a bug—it’s more of a UX choice. Although initially frustrating, it’s relatively easy to work around with a few smart tweaks like setting your language, using bookmarks, or keeping your own records.
With these tools, you’ll no longer feel like you’re starting from scratch every time you revisit a problem. Continued practice, combined with better solution management, will help you unlock faster learning and better retention.
So, don’t let a blank coding screen throw you off. Equip yourself with these strategies, and turn LeetCode into a highly efficient coding hub that works for you, not against you.
