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gregg keizer

How to go incognito in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

While incognito mode in any of the big four web browsers offers a measure of privacy, it doesn’t completely hide your tracks online. here’s how the feature works in each browser, and how to use it..

face superimposed on keyboard privacy hacker

Private browsing. Incognito . Privacy mode.

Web browser functions like those trace their roots back more than a decade, and the feature — first found in a top browser in 2005 — spread quickly as one copied another, made tweaks and minor improvements.

But privacy-promising labels can be treacherous. Simply put, going “ incognito ” is as effective in guarding online privacy as witchcraft is in warding off a common cold.

That’s because private browsing is intended to wipe local traces of where you’ve been, what you’ve searched for, the contents of forms you’ve filled. It’s meant to hide, and not always conclusively at that, your tracks from others with access to the personal computer. That’s it.

How to keep web browsing private

Google chrome’s incognito mode, microsoft edge’s private browsing, mozilla firefox’s private browsing mode, apple’s safari private windows.

At their most basic, these features promise that they won’t record visited sites to the browsing history, save cookies that show you’ve been to and logged into sites, or remember credentials like passwords used during sessions. But your traipses through the web are still traceable by Internet providers – and the authorities who serve subpoenas to those entities – employers who control the company network and advertisers who follow your every footstep.

To end that cognitive dissonance, most browsers have added more advanced privacy tools , generically known as “anti-trackers,” which block various kinds of bite-sized chunks of code that advertisers and websites use to trace where people go in attempts to compile digital dossiers or serve targeted advertisements.

Although it might seem reasonable that a browser’s end game would be to craft a system that blends incognito modes with anti-tracking, it’s highly unlikely. Using either private browsing or anti-tracking carries a cost: site passwords aren’t saved for the next visit or sites break under the tracker scrubbing. Nor are those costs equal. It’s much easier to turn on some level of anti-tracking by default than it would be to do the same for private sessions, as evidenced by the number of browsers that do the former without complaint while none do the latter.

Private browsing will, by necessity, always be a niche, as long as sites rely on cookies for mundane things like log-ins and cart contents.

But the mode remains a useful tool whenever the browser — and the computer it’s on — are shared. To prove that, we’ve assembled instructions and insights on using the incognito features — and anti-tracking tools — offered by the top four browsers: Google Chrome , Microsoft’s Chromium-based Edge , Mozilla’s Firefox and Apple’s Safari.

How to go incognito in Google Chrome

Although incognito may be a synonym to some users for any browser’s private mode, Google gets credit for grabbing the word as the feature’s snappiest name when it launched the tool in late 2008, just months after Chrome debuted.

The easiest way to open an Incognito window is with the keyboard shortcut combination Ctrl-Shift-N (Windows) or Command-Shift-N (macOS).

Another way is to click on the menu on the upper right – it’s the three vertical dots – and select New Incognito Window from the list.

incognito 1

Open a new Incognito window in Chrome using keyboard shortcuts or from the menu (1) by choosing New Incognito window (2).

The new Incognito window can be recognized by the dark background and the stylized “spy” icon just to the left of the three-dots menu. Chrome also reminds users of just what Incognito does and doesn’t do each time a new window is opened. The message may get tiresome for regular Incognito users, but it may also save a job or reputation; it’s important that users remember Incognito doesn’t prevent ISPs, businesses, schools and organizations from knowing where customers, workers, students, and others went on the web or what they searched for.

incognito 2

Each time a new Incognito window is opened, Chrome reminds users what Incognito doesn’t save. As of Chrome 83, it also puts a toggle on the screen for blocking third-party cookies.

Incognito’s introductory screen also displays a toggle — it’s on by default — along with text that states third-party cookies will be blocked while in the privacy mode. Although cookies are never saved locally as long as the user stays in Incognito, websites have been able to track user movements from site to site while within Incognito . Such tracking might be used, for example, to display ads to a user visiting multiple sites in Incognito. This third-party cookie blocking, which halts such behavior, debuted in Chrome 83 in May 2020.

Google has been experimenting with new language on Chrome’s Incognito introductory page, but it’s yet to make it to the desktop browser. In the Canary build of Chrome on Android, however, the intro now outlines “What Incognito does” and “What Incognito doesn’t do,” to make the mode’s capabilities somewhat clearer to the user. (Some have speculated that the changes were made in reaction to a still-ongoing class-action lawsuit file in 2020 that alleged Google continued to track users’ online behavior and movements in Incognito.)

Once a tab in Incognito has been filled with a website, Chrome continues to remind users that they’re in Incognito by the dark background of the address bar and window title.

A link on an existing page can be opened directly into Incognito by right-clicking the link, then choosing Open Link in Incognito Window from the resulting menu.

incognito 3

What Incognito looks like after pulling up a website. Note the “spy” icon at the right of the address bar.

To close an Incognito window, shutter it like any other Chrome window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or the red dot in the upper left (macOS).

Pro tip: Google has been working on locking Incognito mode tabs on mobile devices — the tabs unlocked with built-in biometric features — so that others can’t get a look at the privacy mode’s content simply by picking up another’s phone or tablet. Google is currently rolling out this feature in Chrome 92 on iOS, and still testing it in preview builds of Chrome for Android. No word on whether desktop Chrome will get something similar.

How to privately browse in Microsoft Edge

borrowed the name of its private browsing mode, InPrivate, from Internet Explorer (IE), the finally-being-retired legacy browser. InPrivate appeared in IE in March 2009, about three months after Chrome’s Incognito and three months before Firefox’s privacy mode. When Edge was first released in 2015 and then relaunched as a clone of Chrome in January 2020, InPrivate was part of the package, too.

At the keyboard, the combination of Ctrl-Shift-N (Windows) or Command-Shift-N (macOS) opens an InPrivate window.

A slower way to get there is to click on the menu at the upper right — it’s three dots arranged horizontally — and choose New InPrivate Window from the menu.

incognito 10

Like other browser, Edge will take you incognito from the menu (1) when you pick New InPrivate window (2).

Edge does a more thorough job of explaining what its private browsing mode does and doesn’t do than any of its rivals, with on-screen paragraphs dedicated to describing what data the browser collects in InPrivate and how the strictest additional anti-tracking setting can be called on from within the mode. In addition, Edge 92 — the current version as of this writing — uses the more informal “What Incognito does” and “What Incognito doesn’t do” language on its InPrivate introductory screen, something desktop Chrome hasn’t yet gotten to.

Microsoft’s browser also well marks InPrivate when the mode is operating: a blue-colored oval marked “In Private” to the right of the address bar combines with a full-black screen to make sure users know where they’re at.

incognito 11

The white-on-blue oval at the upper right tells you Edge is in InPrivate mode.

It’s also possible to launch an InPrivate session by right-clicking a link within Edge and selecting Open in InPrivate Window . That option is grayed out when already in a private browsing session but using Open Link in New Tab does just that within the current InPrivate frame.

To end InPrivate browsing, simply shut the window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or click the red dot at the upper left (macOS).

Although Microsoft based the relaunched Edge on Chromium, the same open-source project that comes up with the code to power Chrome, the Redmond, Wash. company has integrated anti-tracking into its browser, something Chrome has yet to do. Dubbed “Tracking Prevention,” it works both in Edge’s standard and InPrivate modes.

To set Tracking Prevention, choose Settings from the three-ellipses menu at the right, then at the next page, pick Privacy, Search and Services . Choose one of the three options — Basic, Balanced or Strict — and make sure the toggle for Tracking prevention is in the “on” position. If you want InPrivate to always default to the harshest anti-tracking — not a bad idea — toggle Always use “Strict” tracking prevention when browsing InPrivate to “on.”

incognito 12

Toggle Always use Strict to the ‘on’ position and InPrivate will apply the most stringent anti-tracking even though Edge’s standard mode is set to, say, Balanced.

Pro tip: To open Edge with InPrivate — rather than first opening Edge in standard mode, then launching InPrivate — right-click the Edge icon in the Windows taskbar and select New InPrivate Window from the list. There is no similar one-step way to do this in macOS.

How to do private browsing in Mozilla Firefox

After Chrome trumpeted Incognito, browsers without something similar hustled to catch up. Mozilla added its take — dubbed Private Browsing — about six months after Google, in June 2009, with Firefox 3.5.

From the keyboard, a private browsing session can be called up using the combination Ctrl-Shift-P (Windows) or Command-Shift-P (macOS).

Alternately, a private window will open from the menu at the upper right of Firefox — three short horizontal lines — after selecting New private window .

incognito 4

Opening a private browsing window is as simple as choosing New Private Window (2) from the Firefox menu (1).

A private session window is marked by the purple “mask” icon in the title bar of the Firefox frame. In Windows, the icon is to the left of the minimize/maximize/close buttons; on a Mac, the mask squats at the far right of the title bar. Unlike Chrome and Edge, Firefox does not color-code the top components of the browser window to signify the user is in privacy mode.

Like other browsers, Firefox warns users that private browsing is no cure-all for privacy ills but is limited in what it blocks from being saved during a session. “While this doesn’t make you anonymous to websites or your internet service provider, it makes it easier to keep what you do online private from anyone else who uses this computer,” the caution reads.

Firefox 2021

Firefox reminds users that while a private session doesn’t save searches or browsing histories, it doesn’t cloak them in complete anonymity.

(Firefox also uses the Private Browsing introductory screen to shill the Mozilla VPN service, a $5 to $10 per month virtual private network that can, like other VPNs, hide your actual IP address from destination servers.)

A link can be opened into a Firefox Private Window by right-clicking the link, then choosing Open Link in New Private Window from the menu.

To close a Private Window, shut it down just as one would any Firefox window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or the red dot in the upper left (macOS).

Notable is that Firefox’s private browsing mode is accompanied by the browser’s superb “Enhanced Tracking Protection,” a suite of tracker blocking tools that stymie all sorts of ad-and-site methods for identifying users, then watching and recording their online behavior. While the earliest version of this was offered only inside Private Windows, the expanded technologies also work within standard mode.

Because Enhanced Tracking Protection is enabled by default within Firefox, it doesn’t matter which of its settings — Standard, Strict or Custom — is selected as far as private browsing goes; everything that can be blocked will be blocked.

incognito 6

The shield appears in the address bar to note what trackers were blocked by Firefox in a Private Window. Clicking on the icon brings up an accounting of what was barred.

Pro tip: As of Firefox 91, Private Browsing sessions take place over the more secure HTTPS, not the once-standard HTTP protocol. Users don’t need to do anything: The new HTTPS-only policy is on by default. (If the destination site doesn’t support HTPPS, Firefox will recognize this and go into fallback mode, connecting via HTTP instead.)

How to browse privately using Apple’s Safari

Chrome may get far more attention for its Incognito than any other browser — no surprise, since it’s by far the most popular browser on the planet — but Apple’s Safari was actually the first to introduce private browsing. The term private browsing was first bandied in 2005 to describe Safari 2.0 features that limited what was saved by the browser.

Side note: Early in private browsing, the label porn mode was often used as a synonym to describe what many writers and reporters assumed was the primary application of the feature. The term has fallen out of favor.

To open what Safari calls a Private Window on a Mac, users can do a three-key combination of Command-Shift-N , the same shortcut Chrome adopted. Otherwise, a window can be called up by selecting the File menu and clicking on New Private Window.

safari incognito 1

From the File menu (1), New Private Window (2) gets you started.

Safari tags each Private Window by darkening the address bar. It also issues a reminder of what it does — or more accurately — what it doesn’t do. “Safari will keep your browsing history private for all tabs of this window. After you close this window, Safari won’t remember the pages you visited, your search history or your AutoFill information,” the top-of-the-page note reads. The warning is more terse than those of other browsers and omits cautions about still-visible online activity.

incognito 8

The darkened address bar up at the top is the signal that this Safari window is for private browsing.

Like Firefox, Safari automatically engages additional privacy technologies, whether the user browses in standard or private mode. Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Protection (ITP), which kicked off in 2017 and has been repeatedly upgraded since, now blocks all third-party cookies, among other components advertisers and services use to track people as they bounce from one site to another. ITP is controlled by a single on-off switch — on is the default — found in Preferences under the Privacy icon. If the Website tracking: box is checked to mark Prevent cross-site tracking , ITP is on.

incognito 9

Switching on cross-site tracking enables Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Protection, which blocks a wide variety of bits advertisers try to use to follow you around the web while you’re using a Private Window

A link can be opened directly to a Private Window by right-clicking, then selecting Open Link in New Private Window . Close a Private Window just as any Safari window, by clicking the red dot in the upper left corner of the browser frame.

Pro tip: Once in a Safari Private Window, opening a new tab — either by clicking the + icon at the upper right or by using the Command-T key combo — omits the Private Browsing Enabled notice. (The darkened address bar remains as the sole indicator of a private browsing session.) Other browsers, such as Firefox, repeat their cautionary messages each time a tab is opened in an incognito session.

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gregg keizer

Gregg Keizer covers Windows, Office, Apple/enterprise, web browsers, and web apps for Computerworld.

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How to go incognito in Safari on Mac

Sandy Writtenhouse

There may be times when you want complete privacy while browsing the web. Maybe you don’t want others to know which websites you visit or what items you download, or you may also just want to prevent sites from tracking you across browser tabs. The best way to achieve that is by learning how to go incognito in Safari on a Mac.

How to go incognito on Mac with private browsing in Safari

What happens when you use private browsing, how to exit private browsing in safari, how to always use private browsing in safari, what you need.

Mac computer

Safari browser

When you want to initiate a private browsing session in Safari on Mac, you have a few easy ways to do it.

  • Use the Safari menu: With Safari open and active, select File from the menu bar and choose New Private Window .
  • Use the Safari icon in the Dock: If you keep the Safari icon in your Dock, right-click it and select New Private Window .
  • Use a keyboard shortcut: With Safari open and active, press Shift + Command + N on your keyboard.

Once you open a new private window, you’ll notice the appearance is slightly different. The Smart Search field (URL bar) has a dark background with white text.

You’ll also see a message letting you know that private browsing is enabled. Select the X on the right side to dismiss the message and then visit the websites you want.

Although you can browse the web as you normally would in Safari, there are some differences when you use private browsing.

  • Any sites you visit, AutoFill details you use, or changes you make to cookies or website data are not saved.
  • Your recent searches are unavailable in the Smart Search field.
  • Items you download do not display in the Safari downloads list. However, they are still viewable in your Downloads folder.
  • You cannot pass private windows using Handoff to your other devices.
  • Any webpages you visit are not stored in iCloud and therefore unavailable when viewing Safari tabs on your other devices.
  • Websites cannot track your browsing across tabs in Safari because each private browsing tab is isolated from the next.

When you finish using private browsing, you can simply close the Safari window. You can then select File > New Window or use the keyboard shortcut Command + N to initiate a non-private browsing session.

One additional way to go incognito on Mac is to always use private browsing in Safari. With a simple setting adjustment, you can have Safari open in a private window every single time.

Step 1: Open Safari and select Safari > Preferences from the menu bar.

Step 2: Go to the General tab.

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Step 3: Pick the drop-down next to Safari opens with and choose A new private window .

Step 4: Close the Preferences using the X on the top left corner.

Once you change this setting, you’ll use private browsing each time you open Safari. If you change your mind later, you can follow the same steps and select a different option in the Safari opens with drop-down list.

It’s easy to go incognito on a Mac, whether you go once in a while or all the time. Will you?

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How-To Geek

How to use google search in incognito mode on iphone and ipad.

Use the Google app anonymously on iPhone and iPad.

"Incognito Mode" is a common feature in web browsers that allows you to use the web somewhat anonymously . On an iPhone or iPad, if you're using the Google app as a web browser instead of Safari or Chrome, you can browse in incognito. Here's how.

The Google app for the iPhone and iPad offers an all-in-one experience. All of the searching and browsing results happens within the app. It's essentially a mini-browser of its own that includes Discover , but you may not want your activity recorded .

Related: How to Delete the Last 15 Minutes of Google Search History

First, open the Google app on your iPhone or iPad . Use Apple's Spotlight Search to locate the app if you can't find it on your home page or App Library .

Next, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.

Now select "Turn on Incognito" from the drop-down menu.

A banner across the top of the screen will say "Incognito Mode is on." You can now do searches and browse the internet without the activity being saved to your account.

To turn off Incognito Mode, return to the Google App's home page and tap the "Turn Off" button.

That's all there is to it! Just like Incognito Mode in a browser, your search and browsing history will not be saved to your account. This is a nice little trick to know if you find yourself using the Google app like a browser a lot.

To keep your information tidy without as much manual input, check out  Google's auto-delete options .

Related: How to Make Google Auto-Delete Your Web and Location History

Tips and tricks for using Private Browsing on Mac

Avatar for Michael Potuck

Private Browsing is a useful mode on Mac with Safari. It means websites you visit aren’t saved in your history, with iCloud, Smart Search, and more. Follow along for a look at how to use Private Browsing, the keyboard shortcut to quickly open a new private Safari window, setting it as your launch default, and more.

Table of contents

Keyboard shortcut for private browsing on mac, set private browsing as your default safari startup page, going further.

Using a Private Browsing window includes a number of privacy features. In a support document , Apple details how a Private Browsing window works as of macOS Big Sur and Safari 14.

  • Browsing initiated in one tab is isolated from browsing initiated in another tab, so websites you visit can’t track your browsing across multiple sessions.
  • Webpages you visit and your AutoFill information aren’t saved.
  • Your open webpages aren’t stored in iCloud, so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other devices.
  • Your recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.
  • Items you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer.)
  • If you  use Handoff , Private Browsing windows are not passed to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or other Mac computers.
  • Changes to your  cookies and website data  aren’t saved.

Below we’ll look at how to use Private Browsing on Mac but also a few extra tips and tricks to make it faster and easier to use.

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  • Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad here .

How to use Private Browsing on Mac

  • To open a new Private window, click Safari in the menu bar > New Private Window
  • There’s also an alert near the top that you’ve enabled Private Browsing (disappears when you start browsing)

Here’s how it looks:

Site default logo image

  • You’re probably used to the command + N shortcut for a new Safari window
  • Just add shift to that to get a new Private window – command + shift + N
  • If you like to use Private Browsing regularly, you can make it your default when Safari launches
  • Click Safari > Preferences in the menu bar
  • Select the General tab at the top
  • Next to Safari open with click the dropdown and choose A new private window

google incognito in safari

  • If you want to tweak the default settings for normal Safari windows, check out the options at the bottom of the Safari > Preferences > General
  • At the bottom of the window, you can adjust the settings for when history and downloads are removed and more
  • Also, head to Safari > Preferences > Security or Privacy to tweak your fraudulent website warnings, and settings for cookies, website data, and more.
  • To clear your Mac’s cache, history, and cookies head to Safari > Clear History (read more in our full guide on that here )

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How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and Opera

Incognito mode doesn't block or mask your IP address but it does prevent a browser from recording session data

google incognito in safari

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Turn on Incognito Mode in Google Chrome
  • Use InPrivate Browsing in MS Edge
  • Turn on Private Browsing in Firefox
  • Enter Incognito Browsing in Apple Safari
  • Open a Private Window in Opera
  • Frequently Asked Questions

This article explains how to turn on incognito mode for private browsing in the five most popular browsers.

Incognito mode prevents a browser from recording session data but it doesn't block or mask your IP address. To do that, you need to use a VPN, a proxy server, or the Tor Browser.

How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Google Chrome

While surfing the web incognito in Google Chrome, the browser doesn't save your history or other private data. To open a private browsing session in Chrome, follow these steps:

Select the Chrome Menu (three vertical dots) from the upper-right corner and then select New Incognito Window .

Alternatively, from the Chrome menu, select File > New Incognito Window . Or, press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac).

A window opens, explaining the Chrome Incognito mode.

To open a link in an Incognito window, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac), and then select  Open Link in Incognito Window .

To exit Incognito mode, close the browser window or tabs.

To activate Chrome Incognito Mode on an iOS device , tap Menu > New Incognito Tab . On an Android device, tap More > New Incognito Tab .

How to Use InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10 allows incognito browsing through the InPrivate Browsing function.

Open the Edge browser and select the More Actions menu (three dots).

Select New InPrivate Window .

On a Windows computer, use the Ctrl + Shift + P keyboard shortcut to enter an InPrivate Browsing window quickly.

A window opens, explaining the Edge InPrivate Browsing mode.

To open a link in the Edge InPrivate Browsing mode, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac) and select Open in InPrivate Window .

To enter InPrivate Browsing mode in Edge on an iOS or Android device, select the Tabs icon and then tap InPrivate .

How to Turn on Private Browsing in Firefox

Incognito browsing in Mozilla Firefox is called Private Browsing mode. Here's how to activate the feature:

Select the Firefox Menu (three vertical lines), and then choose New Private Window .

A Firefox private browsing window opens.

To quickly open a Firefox Private Browsing window, press Shift + Command + P on a Mac or Control + Shift + P on a Windows PC.

To open a link in Private Browsing mode, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac), then choose Open Link in New Private Window .

To enter Firefox Private Browsing mode on an iOS device, tap the Tabs icon at the bottom of the screen, and then tap the Mask icon. On an Android device, tap the Mask icon at the top of the screen.

How to Enter Incognito Browsing in Apple Safari

Safari is the default browser for macOS. Here's how to enter the Safari Private Browsing mode:

Open Safari on a Mac.

From the menu bar, select File > New Private Window .

Press Shift + Command + N to quickly open a private browsing window.

A window opens with a darker search bar and a message that Private Browsing is enabled.

To open a link in a private window in Safari on a Mac, hold the Option key and right-click the link (or hold the Control and Option keys and select the link), then choose Open Link in New Private Window .

How to Open a Private Window in Opera

The Opera web browser's incognito mode is called Private mode. Here's how it works:

Open Opera on a PC or Mac.

To quickly open a private window in Opera, press Ctrl + Shift + N on a Windows PC or Command + Shift + N on a Mac.

A window that explains Opera's Private mode appears.

To open a link in Private mode in Opera, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac) and select Open in New Private Window .

To enter Private mode in the Opera iOS mobile browser, tap the More (three horizontal lines) menu and select Private Mode .

Private browsing prevents other users from seeing your internet history. It also blocks websites from tracking your online activity with cookies . Therefore, you're unlikely to see online ads related to websites you visit during private browsing sessions.

You can lock apps on Android with your device's security code or use a third-party app. You can also set up Android parental controls to childproof your device.

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How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Turning on Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone is a simple process. Open the Safari app, tap the tabs button (which looks like two overlapping squares), then tap “Private” to turn on Private Browsing Mode. Now, Safari won’t remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information.

After you complete this action, your browsing activity will not be saved in Safari. This means that websites you visit won’t appear in your history, and information entered in forms won’t be saved for AutoFill.

Introduction

In today’s digital age, privacy is a hot commodity. With every click, tap, and scroll, we leave digital footprints that can tell a story about who we are and what we like to do online. That’s why learning how to turn on Safari Private Browsing on your iPhone is essential. Whether you’re entering sensitive information, researching a surprise gift, or simply want to keep your browsing history to yourself, Private Browsing Mode is your go-to feature.

This function is particularly handy for shared devices or when you want to keep your browsing habits under wraps. So, if you’re an iPhone user looking to browse the web without leaving a trace, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you how to enable this feature in just a few easy steps.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’ll achieve here. By following these simple steps, you’ll enable Private Browsing Mode in Safari, which prevents Safari from keeping track of your browsing history, search records, and AutoFill information.

Step 1: Open the Safari App

Navigate to your iPhone’s home screen and tap on the Safari app to open it.

Opening the Safari app is your gateway to the internet on your iPhone. Make sure you’re connected to the internet before you proceed.

Step 2: Access Your Open Tabs

Look for the tabs button, which resembles two overlapping squares, and tap on it.

This button will show you all your currently open tabs. If you have many tabs open, you may have to swipe left or right to find the “Private” option.

Step 3: Enable Private Browsing

Find the “Private” option at the bottom left of the screen and tap it.

Once you tap “Private,” you’ll notice the color of the browser interface changes, indicating that you’re now in Private Browsing Mode.

Additional Information

Now that you’re all set with Private Browsing Mode on Safari, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while your browsing activity isn’t saved on your iPhone, your internet service provider or employer can still track it. Also, if you download files while in Private Browsing, they’re saved to your phone and visible in the Downloads folder.

Moreover, not all Safari features are available in this mode; for example, you can’t use Handoff to pass browsing activity between devices. Lastly, remember to close all private tabs before returning to regular browsing to maintain your privacy.

  • Open the Safari app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the tabs button to view your open tabs.
  • Tap “Private” to enter Private Browsing Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does private browsing hide my activity from my employer or internet service provider.

No, Private Browsing only prevents Safari from saving your browsing data on your iPhone. Your activity can still be tracked by your internet service provider or employer.

Will downloads in Private Browsing show up in my regular downloads folder?

Yes, any files you download while in Private Browsing Mode will be saved to your iPhone and visible in the Downloads folder.

Can I use Handoff with Private Browsing?

No, Handoff does not work with Private Browsing tabs, as your browsing activity isn’t saved.

Can websites track me while I’m using Private Browsing?

Some websites may still track your activity using cookies during your Private Browsing session, but they will not be saved once you close the tabs.

How do I turn off Private Browsing?

To exit Private Browsing Mode, open the tabs view, tap “Private” again, and it will switch back to regular browsing.

Turning on Safari Private Browsing on your iPhone is a surefire way to maintain your online privacy. Whether it’s to shop for a surprise, handle sensitive work, or simply because you value your digital privacy, navigating this feature is a breeze. Just remember that while Private Browsing protects your data on your device, it doesn’t make you invisible online. Always exercise caution and use additional privacy tools if needed. Happy private browsing!

Matthew Burleigh Solve Your Tech

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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How to use incognito mode to browse the web privately on any phone or computer

  • Incognito mode stops your web browser from saving data about you as you browse.
  • Using incognito will disable your internet and search history, autofill information, and cookies.
  • Incognito mode is available in every major web browser, often with shortcuts to access it faster.

Incognito mode — also known as "private browsing mode" — is a sneakier way to use the internet.

When you browse the internet with incognito mode on, you won't leave any trace on the device you're using. Your browser won't save your browsing or search engine history, and won't remember what sites you've logged into — or even what your username and password is.

It's great if you share your computer or phone with other people, since no one else will be able to see what you've done once you close the window.

Nonetheless, incognito mode is great for enforcing privacy on a busy or shared device. Here's how to turn on incognito mode on your computer or phone.

What is incognito mode?

Incognito mode is a mode for most browsers where the browser automatically deletes – or doesn't remember to begin with – your browsing history and cookies for that session. 

However, it is also liable to give users a false sense of security that their habits are not tracked by anyone. The reality is that your Internet Service Provider and websites that you visit in that mode are still capable of knowing your IP address and what you viewed.

The workaround for this is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) , but they aren't all created equal. Thankfully, Insider has compiled a list of the best VPN services for secure and private internet access that might be of use in picking your next VPN.

How to go incognito on your Mac or PC

You can use incognito or private mode on various desktop browsers like Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. 

Incognito on Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.

2. Click the three dot icon in the upper-right corner.

3. Click on New Incognito window from the drop-down menu. A window will open, darker colored than normal, and you'll see a page explaining how incognito mode works.

Private browsing on Safari

1. Open Safari.

2. Click File at the top-left corner of your screen.

3. Click New Private Window from the drop-down menu. The window that opens will look almost exactly the same as a regular window, but the URL bar will be colored a dark gray, and there will be a note underneath it explaining how private browsing works.

InPrivate mode on Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge

2. Click on the three dot icon in the upper-right corner.

3. Click on New InPrivate window from the drop-down menu. A window will open, with information about how "InPrivate Browsing" works.

Private mode on Firefox

1. Open Firefox.

2. Click the three lines in the upper-right corner.

3. Click New private window from the drop-down menu. A purple-themed window will open with a search bar and information about private browsing — including a page written by Mozilla about common private browsing myths .

How to go incognito on mobile

You can also use incognito mode on iOS or Android devices. 

On iPhone and iPad

2. Tap the tabs icon — the two overlapping squares in the bottom-right corner on an iPhone, or top-right on an iPad.

3. Tap the button that reads X Tabs (where X is the number of open tabs) and select Private to enter Private Browsing Mode. You can exit it in the same way, just reversed.

1. Open Chrome.

2. Tap the three dot icon in the top-right corner.

3. Tap New incognito tab .

google incognito in safari

  • Main content

How to Use Private Browsing in Safari

Private browsing, also known as incognito mode, lets you surf the web without storing your browsing or search history. Here's how to quickly turn private browsing on or off in Safari.

It's worth noting that private browsing won't disguise you from the sites you visit. They could still record your IP address and any information you enter into their sites, such as search terms. Additionally, private browsing won't protect you from web-based malware attacks, so you'll still need to be careful about what you click on whether you're in private or normal browsing mode.

safari private browsing

Private browsing mode is helpful when you don't want other users to discover (accidentally or not) the sites you've been looking at. Apple iCloud syncs your browsing history between the Mac and the iPad and iPhone , so if you share devices, you can protect your privacy with private browsing mode. This also comes in handy if you're using a public computer and don't want to leave any AutoFill information behind.

Turn on Private Browsing on the Mac

In OS X, the quickest way to open a new private browsing window is with the keyboard shortcut.

1. Hold down Command+Shift+N. This will open a new window with private browsing enabled. Alternatively, go to File > New Private Window.

safari private browsing menu

2. Search or browse the web as you normally would. The web pages you visit, your search history, and AutoFill information while you use the private browsing window won't be recorded.

3. Close the window when you're done with private browsing.

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Note that private browsing is OS X applies only to the private browsing window you have opened. If you open a new window with Command+N or File > New Window, that window will save your search history and other private browsing information.

Turn on Private Browsing in iOS

Safari on the iPad has a private browsing mode as well.

1. Tap the Pages button , which is shaped as two squares in Safari's menu.

safari ios pages

2. Tap Private.

safari ios private

3. Tap the Search field to search for a site to visit.

4. Tap Pages then Private again to turn off private browsing mode.

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VPNoverview.com Privacy Anonymous Browsing Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

Chris Bluvshtein

Ever wondered what Safari Private Browsing does exactly? Chances are it might not be giving you the level of online privacy you expect. Safari Private Browsing does have some perks, including:

  • Stopping Safari from remembering the websites you’ve visited
  • Not storing any new usernames, passwords, payments cards, and other information you input into private browsing
  • Forgetting any search engine queries you’ve run
  • Allowing you to save money by avoiding marketing cookies that might inflate prices

However, this is pretty much all the privacy that you’ll get with Safari Private Browsing. This incognito mode  won’t cloak your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, or make you safe on public Wi-Fi . Private browsing still leaves you pretty exposed to a lot of the risks that come with connecting to the internet.

For true online anonymity, you’ll need to use a VPN to change your IP address . We’re big fans of ExpressVPN, one of the fastest VPNs in the industry.

Below, you’ll find more information on how to use Safari Private Browsing on all your Apple devices, as well as more details on how this incognito mode does and doesn’t protect your privacy.

If you use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, then chances are you’ve encountered Safari Private Browsing before. Whether you’re shopping for a partner’s gift or want to snoop on a long-lost colleague’s LinkedIn, there are many reasons why you might want to use private mode in Safari.

In this article, we answer the question, what is Safari Private Browsing ? We’ll also tell you what this handy tool can’t  do to save you any embarrassment or risk to your online security.

What is Safari Private Browsing?

Use anonymous search engine icon

There’s a little more to this method of browsing than meets the eye, but we’ll go into specifics further down in this article. The point is, for a more private experience, you can use Safari’s incognito mode . You’ll be logged out of all accounts, and Safari won’t autofill user logins, passwords, or payment information. When you turn on private browsing, Safari won’t remember :

  • Your search engine history
  • Webpages you’ve visited
  • Browsing activity or history

You should, however, be aware of a major drawback of this tool on Macs: your browsing activity likely isn’t as hidden as you might think. Websites you visit can still see who you are and what you’re doing . You can read more about this in our general incognito mode article .

With Macs, Private Browsing information is logged in a different place, as well: your Terminal archive.

Beware the Mac Terminal archive

On Macs, there’s something called the Terminal archive , and it’s as scary as it sounds — well, for fans of privacy at least. It’s a treasure trove for snoops. The Terminal archive contains all of the websites you visit , whether you’re using Safari Private Browsing or not. This is because your Mac stores static images and other files when you visit a website for the first time. This makes future visits to these sites and page loading much faster, as your Mac pulls the relevant files from the Terminal archive.

This command-line function also lets you make systemic changes to your Mac . For most users, there’ll never be a need to make any changes in the Terminal archive, and you shouldn’t if you don’t know what you’re doing. You could end up breaking something critical in your computer’s operating system if you tinker with the Terminal.

Screenshot of iOS user interface, Access Terminal app

However, it is good to know that, even when you’re using Safari’s Private Browsing mode, your online activity is logged here.

Make your Safari Private Browsing truly private

By now, you might be asking yourself: how do I clear the cache on my Mac? Well, today’s your lucky day.  Below, you’ll find a brief, step-by-step guide to clearing the cache on a Mac . Just make sure not to do anything else while inside the Terminal.

  • Open “ Finder ,” then search for “ Terminal ” in the search bar.
  • Run the  Terminal  application.
  • Paste the following text into the Terminal and hit enter: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

You may have to enter your Admin password to proceed. This is going to flush the DNS cache.

Remember that you shouldn’t do anything else inside of the Terminal application unless you know what you’re doing. It only takes a short command to nuke files or entire directories in this app forever! So, tread carefully.

Why You Should Use Safari Private Browsing on Macs and iOS

We can hypothesize all we want, but you’ve probably got a good idea of why you  use private browsing. According to a 2018 research study , the most common reason people use private browsing is so others that are using a shared device can’t see what they’re doing. This comes down to protecting two things from other users of your device:

  • Their personal data
  • Their browsing activity

Fortunately, these are two things that Safari Private Mode manages to do wonderfully. Below, you can read more about what else Safari Private Browsing does for you .

Online privacy

Privacy browser icon

  • Your browser won’t remember what websites you’ve visited.  Anything you browse while you’re in private browsing mode won’t be remembered by Safari. So, if you start shopping online for gifts or a product that you find embarrassing, you won’t usually have to worry about your friends or family coming across your browsing history.
  • Safari won’t suggest usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and so   on.  You’ve probably noticed that Safari can remember usernames, passwords, credit cards, and other information when you use it for the first time. If you tell your Mac, smartphone, or tablet to remember those details, they’ll be automatically filled in the next time you visit the website. With Safari Private Mode enabled, these kinds of details won’t be stored: you won’t be prompted to save or autofill them at all.
  • Your search engine queries won’t be remembered . If you’ve been shopping for gifts or trying to self-diagnose, you probably don’t want other users of the computer to see what you’ve searched for . Normally, you’ll see suggested searches popping up in search engines like Google. Based on your past searches and clicks, some links might be colored purple instead of blue, too. In private browsing mode, these won’t appear, nor will any new searches be stored.

How to pay less with Safari Private Browsing

There’s more to private mode options than just online security. You could also save money with Safari Private Browsing, as you won’t be quoted higher prices for products you’ve already viewed. When you visit a website, cookies (small text files) are stored on your computer by your browser.

These kinds of cookies aren’t delicious or rewarding at all. Instead, they allow the site to track you and figure out that you’re interested in, for example, a particular holiday destination. This can result in you seeing higher airfares, hotel booking fees, and more. Just turn on Safari’s Private Browsing to s top cookies from being stored on your browser and avoid hiked prices.

How to Go Incognito on Safari

Incognito mode icon

Safari Private Browsing on a Mac

Using  Safari Private Browsing  on a Mac is simple. If you’re reading this on a Mac, you can skip step one in our step-by-step guide below:

  • Open Safari on your Mac.
  • Click on “ File ” in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  • Select “ New Private Window .” This will open a new private tab, but you can open as many private tabs in your tab bar as you need.

Screenshot how to open a New Private Window on Safari

It’s that simple. Now, any new tab you open within this new private browsing window will be a private browsing tab. Give it a whirl by opening some new private tabs and navigating to a website you frequently log into. You’ll notice that your username and password aren’t suggested for autofill as they usually would be .

Also, you’ll know that you’re in private browsing, as the URL bar will have a gray background rather than the usual white. Just remember to ignore or close your existing browser window if you had any open. If in doubt, check the background color of the URL bar.

Finally, to  turn off private browsing in Safari , simply click the red cross in the corner of the browser window as you usually would.

Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Using  Safari’s private browsing mode on an iPhone or iPad is fairly straightforward and could increase your privacy on an iPhone . If you’re running  iOS 14 or earlier , simply follow the steps below:

  • Open  Safari on your phone.
  • Tap on the “ Tabs ” button. That’s the two small squares in the bottom-right corner of your Safari window on iPhone.
  • A new option called “Private” should appear.
  • Tap “ Private ” and you’ll be taken to a blank screen confirming that you’re using Private Browsing Mode . You’ll notice that it’s using the same gray color scheme as Safari for Mac.
  • Lastly, click on the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a private browsing window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode

If you’re using  Apple’s latest iPhone update, iOS 15.1.1 , you’ll need to follow a slightly different (and hey, we’ll say it — more confusing) set of steps:

  • Tap on the “ Tabs ” button.
  • Tap where it says “ X Tab(s) ” – this number will reflect the number of windows you have open.
  • Tap “ Private .”
  • Now, you’re in Private Browsing mode and can click the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a new private window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode latest Apple update

Again, turning off private browsing in Safari for iPhones or iPads is simple. Just press the same “ Private ” button that you used to enable the feature. Don’t forget, if you have multiple private tabs open, they won’t close automatically. Swipe each tab closed before you exit private mode if you want to leave no trace.

How to Set Safari Private Browsing as the Default

If you’d rather always browse privately, you can also set Safari Private Browsing as your default, so that it opens automatically whenever you open a new tab or window. Check out the step-by-step instructions below for a Mac :

  • Make sure your active application is Safari, then select “ Safari ” from your Mac’s toolbar at the top of your screen. Click on “ Preferences ” next, which can also be accessed using the keyboard shortcut “ Command ” + “ , ” (that’s Command, plus a comma).
  • Now, you should see the Privacy window for Safari. Click on the “ General ” tab.
  • Next to “Safari opens with”, select “ A new private window ” from the drop-down list.

While you  can’t automatically use Safari Private Browsing by default on mobile , there are some options for minimizing what’s remembered, stored, or recommended. Here’s how you get there:

  • Open the “ Settings ” application.
  • Scroll down until you see “ Safari ” and tap on that option.

Now, you’ll have the choice to use a number of features. You can:

  • Disable search engine suggestions
  • Disable Safari suggestions specifically
  • Turn off autofill for Safari , either for personal information, payment information, or both
  • Disable “ Favorites “, which you can save in your Safari app’s home screen
  • Turn off “ Frequently Visited Sites “, which appear below your favorites

In this menu, you can also  prevent cross-site tracking and  block all cookies on the websites that you visit. In the event that you forget to launch Safari Private Browsing, these options should give you at least a little more privacy whenever you go online.

Is Safari Private Browsing Safe?

Question mark over padlock icon

That last risk is surprisingly common on public Wi-Fi networks  too. Bear in mind that private browsing doesn’t protect you against malware (malicious software) either, nor does it protect your payment information or other personal details . For true online anonymity and to  improve your online security , you should give serious thought to using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) .

How to use a VPN with Safari Private Browsing

Using a VPN along with Safari Private Browsing should give you the online security you’re looking for. In addition to avoiding any logged browsing history or search history , you’ll be much harder to track and enjoy greater online anonymity. You can check out the many advantages of a VPN for more information. Want to get started right away? The following steps will only take a few minutes of your time:

  • Choose a VPN provider and create an account. We recommend checking out our list of the best VPNs if this is new ground for you. Alternatively, ExpressVPN is a market-leading VPN provider that we’re always happy to recommend.
  • Download and install  the VPN software onto your Mac. You can also download ExpressVPN for mobile on your iPhone. Other premium providers like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark all offer really slick mobile apps for iOS, too.
  • Log into your account , either in the desktop software or the mobile app.
  • Choose a VPN server in a country of your choice. If you’re purely interested in online security, then the location you choose isn’t  too  important (though some will be faster than others). However, if you want to  save money on subscriptions , for example, you should give it some more thought.
  • Connect to the VPN server . When you connect, you’ll be  changing your IP address to mirror the VPN server’s IP. It’s safe, legal ( in most countries ), and best of all, it’ll give you far greater online security than simply using Safari Private Browsing alone.

Safari Private Browsing is perfect for hiding those Christmas or birthday purchases from your family before the big day. It’s also a great way to save money on flights, hotels , or other purchases. However, it won’t do much for your online security. If you want  truly private browsing , then use a VPN along with Safari private mode.

Interested in exploring other private browsers? Check out these articles below:

  • How Anonymous Is DuckDuckGo?
  • Is Vivaldi Browser Safe?
  • How to Set Up Firefox as an Anonymous Browser

Do you want to know how to enable private browsing on Safari? Are you wondering how much privacy Safari Private Browsing actually gives you? You’ll find these answers and more in our frequently asked questions below.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for Mac, follow these simple steps:

  • Make sure Safari is the active application that you’re using.
  • Click on  File in the menu bar along the top of the screen.
  • Click on  New Private Window to switch to private browsing mode.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for iPhone or iPad, the process is much the same:

  • Open the  Safari application.
  • Tap on the  Tabs icon (the two small squares in the lower-right corner of your screen).
  • Tap on  Private to switch to private browsing.
  • Click on the small  + (plus) icon to open a new private browsing tab.

Check out our full article for more information on Safari Private Browsing.

No. Safari Private Browsing, like any browser’s private mode, won’t protect you against a lot of online threats. Your IP address will still be visible to many third-party individuals and organizations. For example, your ISP will know what websites you’ve visited, and hackers could determine your location using your IP (though some private modes do limit location tracking). For true online privacy and anonymity, you’re safer using a VPN like ExpressVPN .

With Private Browsing, it’s more difficult for websites to track you, since cookies are cleared the moment you close the browser — but it’s not impossible. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider), employer, school, or college could still see your internet history . That is, unless you use a VPN along with the incognito mode.

Yes. The owner of an internet connection can absolutely check up on your browsing session if they have the right technical knowledge. Some routers can be set up to remember all URLs a device accesses. So, if you’re trying to fly under your parents’ radar, for example, they could potentially bust you using the family router, even if you’re exclusively using private browsing modes.

For true anonymity , you’ll want to use a VPN. With a VPN connection, all of your internet traffic is encrypted, which gives you far better anonymity and privacy than using private browsing on its own.

Chris Bluvshtein

Chris Bluvshtein Author

Senior journalist.

Chris is a tech journalist with many years’ experience covering online privacy and cybersecurity. He’s also a published author and works as a Product Manager for some of the most innovative software development companies.

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Hi Chris , I’m finding while using private mode in safari my sound is being cut out and I have not been able to find a way to reconnect it. I use it on a iPad with a vpn and trend anti spam for protection as much as it can in private mode. I have not been able to find any reason as to why this is happening.

Hey Wayne, I've done a bit of digging, and I've found something that might be worth a try. It seems that recent versions of Safari have a built-in feature that can prevent audio from playing when you visit a website; it's enabled by default too. Give this a try and let me know if the issue goes away: 1. Open the Safari menu and click preferences 2. Click on the websites tab 3. Look for the setting: "When visiting other websites", which has a drop-down selection beside it 4. Change this setting so that it allows websites with media to play sound. You can alternatively add individual websites to this list if you'd rather have control over which ones can play sound by default.

Hi Chris Just tried your Terminal Commands, I am running macOS Monterey The Terminal Commands Below are not working dscacheutil -cachedump -entries Host dscacheutil -flushcache

You're right. Thank you for pointing it out to us! There is a new terminal command you'll now need instead: "sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder". We've adjusted the article to reflect this. Hope this helps!

Looking for a VPN?

Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Extensively tested by our experts.

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Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPad

When you use Private Browsing, the details of your browsing aren't saved, and the websites you visit aren't shared with your other devices. Safari won't remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information.

How to turn on Private Browsing

Open Safari on your iPad.

No alt supplied for Image

While Private Browsing is on, the Safari address bar appears black or dark instead of white or gray, and the buttons are black instead of blue.

How to turn off Private Browsing

No alt supplied for Image

Learn how to use Private Browsing on iPhone or iPod touch .

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Private Browser - How to use Incognito Mode in Chrome and Safari

Abbey Rennemeyer

Private browsing, or "incognito mode" has become a popular way to surf the web a bit more quietly. But what does it really mean, and how protected are you?

Let's dive a bit deeper into what incognito mode is, how it works, and how it can help you (or not).

What is private browsing?

When you're in a private browsing session, your browser won't keep a record of that website in its history. Also, data associated with that session (like cookies) won't be kept locally on your machine.

This is useful if, for example, you're trying to online shop for your significant other and don't want them to find out. With private browsing enabled, you can search the web for that LEGO Star Destroyer they've been coveting, order it, and they'll be none the wiser (Unless they track shipments to your home. Then you're in trouble.).

Why won't your surprise be ruined? Well, the LEGO website will be wiped from that browsing session's history. And, if your S.O. decides to use your laptop (or your home desktop where you ordered said gift), they won't be blasted with targeted ads (or at least far fewer) that might give the secret away. So, helpful.

Private browsing can also be useful if you want to get around a metered paywall, test a site's response that might have your info saved when you're logged in, and so on.

How to enable it in Chrome

Now that we've established the usefulness of incognito mode, let's figure out how to use it in a couple popular browsers. We'll look at Chrome first.

To start an incognito session, open your Chrome browser and find the three vertical dots in the upper right corner. Click on them, and then select "New incognito window" from the dropdown options.

chrome-incognito-1

Once you click that, a new dark window will open. And just like that, you're incognito.

incognito

Note : You can also open a private browsing session with keyboard shortcuts.

Just tap/hold Command+Shift+N on your Mac (or Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows) and that little dark window will pop right up, no mouse clicks needed.

How to enable it in Safari

Opening a private browsing window in Safari is very similar to doing it in Chrome.

Just open a new Safari window, click the File tab, and select "New Private Window" from the dropdown options:

safari-incognito

Once you click that option, you'll see a very similar browser window, but with a dark address bar (and a note that private browsing has been enabled).

safari-incognito-enabled

The same shortcuts are available here: just tap and hold Command+Shift+N to start an incognito session.

Now you can browse away in Safari without leaving loud traces all over your computer. More on how it does and doesn't protect you next.

How does it protect you?

So we've discussed incognito mode's usefulness, but let's lay out exactly how private browsing helps you out.

These are the things it does, and how it protects you:

  • Websites you visit aren't saved in your browsing history - so you (or others) can't look back in your browser and see where you've visited if you've been using incognito mode
  • Cookies and other cached info aren't stored locally on your device in incognito mode (they're created anew with each incognito session).
  • Info you enter into online forms won't be saved by Google (like your email address, physical address, and so on).

These features are indeed super convenient. But don't let them lull you into a false sense of security. Let's now discuss what private browsing won't do.

What it doesn't do

When you're in a private browsing session, you still have to consider the following facts:

  • While cookies and things may not be saved on your machine, websites might still gather some info from you on their own servers. And any network you use to get to where you're going can gather info as well.
  • If your work or school monitors browser sessions, they can still see the IP addresses of the sites you visited. So if you don't want your employer seeing that you visited an inappropriate or NSFW site, don't visit that site at work on the company's wifi/computer.
  • Private browsing also doesn't protect you from malware or viruses. So make sure you're still taking all the precautions you'd normally take to keep your browsing safe.

Just remember: even if you're using incognito mode, your browser can still record your search history, your employer can still see where you've been, and websites can still gather info like your location.

Browse privately, but browse safely, my friends.

Former archaeologist, current editor and podcaster, life-long world traveler and learner.

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When you search on Google, the search engine saves your search history and tracks you online. That may feel like an invasion of privacy, but you can always delete your search history. However, there’s another option if you want to surf the web without saving your browsing history: Incognito Mode or Private Mode (depending on the browser).

How to Go Incognito in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari

There are two ways to search incognito, and it’s more straightforward than setting up a VPN on a router. However, you should know some critical points about this function and how to use it. This article covers everything you need to learn to go incognito.

How to Go Incognito in Google Chrome on Desktop

Google Chrome is arguably one of the most popular web browsers. It has a lot of functionality and runs pretty well.

  • Open Google Chrome on your PC or Mac.

Three dot menu icon in Google Chrome.

  • A new window will open with a dark background. To ensure you’re in the incognito tab, search for the icon. It’s a pair of goggles with a dark hat, similar to a detective.

That said, it is equally important to know how secure is the Incognito or Private mode . 

How to Go Incognito on Google Chrome for iPhone and Android

If you’re using an iOS or Android phone, you can quickly go incognito in the Google Chrome app. Follow these steps to do it:

  • Open Google Chrome on your Android or iPhone.
  • Next to the address bar, you’ll notice three dots.

Three dot menu icon Google Chrome mobile app.

You’re ready to browse the internet privately on your iPhone or Android. To turn off incognito mode in Chrome , close the tab and start a search as usual.

How to Go Incognito on Safari on macOS

You can quickly go incognito on Safari using a Mac. Here’s what to do:

New Private Window option in Safari on a desktop.

  • Select New Private Window .

Now, your web browsing activity won’t be stored on Safari or your Mac.

How to Go Incognito on Safari on iPhone

If you’re using Safari as your search engine on your iOS device, you’ll need to follow these steps to access incognito mode and search privately:

  • Open Safari and tap the webpage icon in the bottom right corner. The icon looks like two boxes.

The Private browsing button in the Safari mobile app.

  • You’ll notice that the search window is dark, and the text is white. That’s how you know you’re entering a private search.

None of the web pages you visit are saved, and the information you auto-fill in private search is also not saved. Anything you download in private search won’t be captured, and no cookie data is saved. Finally, to stop your private search, close or select a non-private search window.

How to Go Incognito in Microsoft Edge

If you use Microsoft Edge as your browser and you’d like to do a private search, then follow these steps to activate the feature:

  • Open Microsoft Edge.

Menu icon in Microsoft Edge on a web browser.

You can deactivate the feature by closing the window and selecting another window as usual.

How to Go Incognito in Mozilla Firefox

Firefox gives users two ways to open a private window. You can apply these steps to search privately on this search engine:

  • Open Firefox.
  • Tap on three horizontal lines or the menu.

The New Private Window option in Firefox on a web browser.

  • A new browsing window will open in a new tab.
  • You’re ready to start your private searches in Firefox.

For additional privacy, consider using one of the best VPNs for Firefox to browse the web anonymously. 

How to Open Any Link in Incognito or Private Mode

If you want to open a link secretly, you can use the right-click menu to open in incognito mode. This is possible when browsing the usual way. This method works on every browser.

  • Rght-click on any link.

The Open Link in New Private Window option on Mozilla Firefox.

Play It Safe with Incognito

When you want to access a site or browse the internet privately, it’s best to do so in private or incognito mode. Of course, it’s best to review how secure incognito is based on your needs. But always ensure it’s activated by looking for the icon before starting your search.

What if I download files while searching Incognito? Will Google save that information?

No, any files you download while Incognito won’t be saved to your normal search history. However, you should be aware that your device will save your browsing session by saving the domain name of the sites you visit in its Domain Name System (DNS).

Does searching Incognito hide your IP address?

No, it won’t hide your IP address. The websites you visit will still be able to see your IP address.

Can the Wi-Fi owner see which sites I visited while I was in Incognito mode?

Yes. Your internet service provider can view all sites you access while in Incognito mode. In addition, the router owner can also see the sites visited.

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Incognito mode: what it is, what it does and doesn’t do

Is Private browsing really private and anonymous as you think?

A smartphone screen showing the Google Chrome Incognito Mode homepage

Over the last few years, the issue around online privacy has become a common focus for both tech companies, governments and users. 

From new laws regulating how personal data can be collected and used, to security software like the best antivirus and VPN services preventing people's most sensitive information from going into the wrong hands: everyone is seemingly more aware about the risks of surfing the web. 

Even web browsers are doing their part. Regardless if you are using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, or others – they all give you the possibility to keep your browsing activities more secret.     

Most known as Incognito mode or Private browsing, it's a handy feature to easily limit the data your browser collects about you. Each session is like a new, clean slate that gets wiped out as soon as you close it. 

However, going Incognito is not as private and anonymous as most users may think. As a 2018 research found out , there are plenty of misconceptions about the degree of protection gained from Private browsing. 

Let's then debunk some myths and understand the real advantages you can enjoy when switching to Incognito mode on your favorite browser.    

google incognito in safari

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What is Incognito mode?

Depending on your browser, the feature will have a different name. Google Chrome calls it Incognito mode; Private browsing is how Mozilla Firefox , Opera and Apple Safari refer to it; InPrivate mode is the chosen term for Microsoft Edge .  

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Different denominations, but the same result. Turn on the option to get a blank slate that keeps your browsing history more private. 

That's because an Incognito window doesn't record the web pages you visit . Likewise, cookies - text files stored on a device to collect personal data - will be deleted once the session is terminated . It will also automatically log you out from your accounts while halting browser extensions in use.

Besides web browsers, there are a few other services offering an Incognito mode. These include Reddit, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Play Store.   

Why use Incognito mode?

The biggest difference between Private browsing and a normal session is that both your browser and the sites you visit won't remember you once the Incognito window gets closed. 

This degree of secrecy can be really useful in some circumstances. 

For instance, it gives you the possibility to sign in to multiple accounts simultaneously . That's quite handy for those users wishing to keep their work and personal activities separate. 

You may want to open an Incognito window every time you access the internet from a device that doesn't belong to you . As your browsing history will be deleted, no one would be able to go back to your searches.

Similarly, Private browsing is perfect if you want to keep secret some sensitive queries. This can be as you're looking for the best gift for your partner, or some health issues related searches you don't wish to have a record of. 

Many users also go in Incognito to get the best deals on flights and hotel rooms . As the site cannot remember you, it won't be able to apply price hikes to returning customers.   

Google Chrome Incognito mode opening window

What Incognito does not protect

Despite being useful for some use cases, the protection gained from Private browsing is quite limited.

Firstly, an Incognito window cannot grant you anonymity online. That's mainly because it doesn't hide your IP address nor encrypt your internet traffic . This means that your ISP, school or work place can still snoop on your browsing activities. 

Incognito mode offers very narrow security protections, too. It doesn't prevent you from infecting your device with a malware . What's more, cookies and other web trackers can still collect your data while the session is open. 

In 2020, Google was actually being sued for tracking users surfing in Incognito mode. While a 2019 research revealed that more than 90% of pages visited in Private mode leaked people's data to third parties.   

Closing a private session won't erase all traces of your browsing activities from your device, either. The file you download or pages you bookmark will remain on your device even after you close an Incognito window. 

Likewise, your online activities will be recorded every time you log into your accounts - whether this is your social media page, Amazon or Google profile. 

How to really browse safely

As we have seen, Incognito mode or Private browsing can protect your data just until a certain extent. To really secure your identity and device when surfing the web, you need to equip yourself with some additional tools. 

1. Protect your device with an antivirus software

A reliable antivirus software should be the first step of your defense plan against malware . That's because it can create a layer of protection between your device and the files you download or the pages you visit. It generally works by regularly scanning your smartphone or computer looking out for viruses, rootkit, spyware and other types of malware. 

If you're new to the world of antivirus, Malwarebytes might be just the right service for you. As our cybersecurity expert Mike Williams pointed out in his review, Malwarebytes is perfect for newbies as "it's all very straightforward." Its focus on fundamentals and usability is indeed the area where the software shines the most. You can either opt for its free version, paid Premium plan or Privacy bundle for a multifaceted defense strategy. 

2. Secure your anonymity with a VPN

Short for virtual private network, a VPN is your best bet to boost your anonymity online. That's because it masks your identity and real location, while encrypting all the data in transit inside its VPN tunnel . As for how the software works, there is a wide array of additional benefits of using a VPN too. It is worth noting, though, that some web trackers will still be able to track down some of your activities. 

There are tons of VPN services out there, but not all of them have the same privacy and security features in place. Our number one recommendation in terms of security and performance is ExpressVPN . If you're not ready to invest money on it, make sure to check our guide to the best free VPN around right now. Many of these apps can bring more harm than good unless carefully chosen. 

VPN encrypting a flow of data

3. Add an extra layer of security using Tor browser

Even though full anonymity and bulletproof security is something impossible to achieve, Tor browser can get you very close to it. Even better as it's 100% free to use. Built on the so-called onion routing, it routes the traffic through at least three servers and encrypts the data each step of the way. You can even combine the use of Tor with your usual VPN software, too. Proton VPN , for example, has done an impressive job to facilitate the integration between the two softwares. 

Beware that these additional encryption layers might slow down your connection speeds. So, we recommend using Tor only when your privacy is paramount. For your everyday activities, you might want to consider one of the best anonymous browsers instead. Above all, Mozilla Firefox is a reliable choice thanks to its enhanced security features.

4. Choose your privacy, switching to a private search engine

If securing your browser is an important step, so is opting for a privacy-focused search engine. Our favorite right now is probably DuckDuckGo . Despite being minimalistic compared to its more popular counterparts, it promises not to store any of your personal information ever. Plus, it doesn't allow ads to follow your activities from site to site.

There are also alternatives. For example, one of the best cheap VPN providers, Surfshark , is offering its own Search software with its Surfshark One security bundle. Neeva is then another private and ad-free search engine, developed by an ex-Google Head of Ads to bring back user-first search.

5. Stay on top of your digital hygiene

Employing a diverse range of security software is just the starting point for being more private online. Being aware of how different websites track you down and how to minimize that is another important step to stay on top of your digital hygiene. 

Things like regularly erasing your cookies history, using privacy-friendly browser extensions and customizing the data you share with your apps are all tactics to boost your privacy. We wrote more in depth about the ways to browse the web anonymously here .

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Chiara Castro

Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up.   She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to [email protected]

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Browse in Incognito mode

  • On your computer, open Chrome.

More

You can also use a keyboard shortcut to open an Incognito window:

  • Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + n .
  • Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + n .

You can switch between Incognito windows and regular Chrome windows. You'll only browse in private when you're using an Incognito window.

You can also choose to block third-party cookies when you open a new Incognito window. Learn more about cookies .

Close Incognito mode

If you have an Incognito window open and you open another one, your private browsing session will continue in the new window. To exit Incognito mode, close all Incognito windows.

If you find a number next to the Incognito icon at the top right, you have more than one Incognito window open. To close an Incognito window:

  • On your computer, go to your Incognito window.

Close

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¿Qué es el modo incógnito y hasta qué punto es seguro?

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Internet nos hace la vida más fácil, pero no necesariamente todo lo que hacemos tiene que ser público.

Ahí es donde entra en juego el modo incógnito , que te permite ocultar tu historial de búsqueda para que no sea visible para otras personas que estén utilizando tu dispositivo conectado a Internet. Por ejemplo, imagina que buscas en Internet “ideas para una fiesta de cumpleaños sorpresa”. ¡No querrás que el invitado de honor lo vea si compartes con él tu ordenador!

Sin embargo, lo que la mayoría de la gente no sabe es que el modo incógnito o la navegación privada no son verdaderamente privados . Si quieres una sesión de navegación realmente privada , debes saber qué hace y qué no hace el modo incógnito .

En este artículo, te explicaremos qué es el modo incógnito , cómo activarlo utilizando distintos motores de búsqueda y dispositivos móviles , y por qué una VPN, como la VPN de McAfee , puede ser una mejor opción para proteger tu privacidad.  

¿Qué es el modo incógnito?

Cuando buscas en Internet, tu navegador guarda automáticamente el historial de tus búsquedas. En modo incógnito , sin embargo, esta información se borra cuando finalizas la sesión.

Google Chrome acuñó el término “ modo incógnito ” que ya es bastante popular. Otros navegadores pueden referirse a esto de forma diferente. Por ejemplo, Firefox lo llama “modo privado”, mientras que Safari utiliza el término “ navegación privada “ .

¿Qué oculta el modo incógnito?

Cuando busques en Internet en modo de navegación privada , tu navegador no guardará el historial de los sitios web una vez que cierres todas las pestañas de incógnito . Esta información eliminada podría incluir:

  • El historial de navegación , que es una lista de los sitios web que has visitado recientemente.
  • Las cookies , que son pequeños archivos que los sitios web utilizan para acordarse de ti y de tu información de acceso.
  • Datos del sitio , que es la información introducida en los formularios de un sitio web.

¿Qué datos del historial de navegación son visibles con el modo incógnito?

El modo incógnito puede ser muy cómodo, sin embargo, como hemos mencionado, no es verdaderamente privado. Si bien es cierto que nadie que utilice tu dispositivo podrá ver tu historial, hay otras personas ajenas que sí podrán consultar tu navegación, por ejemplo:

  • Los proveedores de servicios de Internet ( ISP ): la empresa que te proporciona el servicio de Internet conoce todos los sitios que has visitado. Si reciben una citación de las fuerzas de seguridad, tendrán que entregar esos datos.  
  • Los sitios web: aunque estés en modo incógnito , tu proveedor de Internet comparte tu dirección IP con los sitios web que visitas. La dirección IP es un número específico que identifica a un dispositivo con conexión a Internet. Cualquiera que tenga tu dirección IP puede determinar la ciudad y posiblemente incluso el barrio, donde vives. La única forma de ocultar tu dirección IP cuando navegas es utilizar una red privada virtual como la VPN segura de McAfee .  
  • Redes escolares o de empresas: si utilizas la red de un centro educativo o de tu empresa, ellos pueden ver tu historial de navegación aunque estés en modo incógnito .  
  • Sitios web en los que te conectas: cuando estés en modo incógnito e inicies sesión en un sitio web, como Twitter, no serás anónimo. El sitio también puede compartir tus datos con otros sitios web.  

Cómo activar el modo incógnito

Todos los principales navegadores y dispositivos móviles disponen de algún tipo de navegación privada . A continuación te explicamos cómo acceder al modo incógnito de distintas formas.  

Navegación privada en Google Chrome

Es fácil iniciar una búsqueda en modo incógnito en Google Chrome . Basta con seguir esos pasos:   

  • Abre el navegador Chrome en tu dispositivo.  
  • Haz clic en los tres puntos verticales de la esquina superior derecha de la ventana.  
  • Selecciona “ Nueva ventana de Incógnito “ .
  • O utiliza un acceso directo : en Windows, Linux o Chrome , pulsa Ctrl + Mayús + N . En un Mac , pulsa ⌘ + Mayúsculas + N.  

Sabrás que estás en el modo incógnito de Chrome por el fondo negro y el icono del espía en la página de inicio. En esta pantalla, Chrome te recuerda lo que hará y lo que no hará  en modo incógnito.

También hay una opción para bloquear las cookies de terceros . Cuando visitas diferentes sitios web mientras estás en modo incógnito , los sitios web pueden seguir el rastro de tus movimientos. Estos datos podrían servir para adaptar los anuncios que recibes en función de tu historial de búsqueda. Cuando activas el bloqueo de cookies de terceros , se impide que los sitios compartan cookies y datos.  

Navegación privada en tu dispositivo Android

A continuación te explicamos cómo configurar este modo en el navegador Google Chrome para tu Android (ten en cuenta que la aplicación Google Chrome es el navegador predeterminado para la mayoría de los teléfonos Android ) :

  • Abre Chrome .  
  • Pulsa los tres puntos de la esquina superior derecha de la pantalla.  
  • Pulsa “ Nueva pestaña de Incógnito “. Se abrirá una nueva ventana de incógnito .  
  • Para finalizar la sesión de incógnito , cierra la ventana de incógnito.  

Recuerda que para que el modo incógnito de Google Chrome sea efectivo, debes cerrar la sesión de navegación después de cada uso. Si dejas la pestaña abierta y otra persona utiliza tu teléfono, podrá ver tu actividad.  

Navegación privada en Mozilla Firefox

Lo que Chrome llama “ modo incógnito ” se denomina en Mozilla Firefox “ navegación privada “. Hay dos formas de abrir una ventana de navegación privada mediante los pasos que se indican a continuación:

  • Abre Mozilla en tu navegador.  
  • Haz clic en las tres líneas horizontales de la esquina superior derecha .  
  • Selecciona “ Nueva ventana privada “.
  • O utiliza el acceso directo Ctrl + Mayús + P en Windows. En un Mac , pulsa Comando + Mayúsculas + P.  

La ventana de navegación privada tiene un fondo morado oscuro y un icono de máscara. Esta página de inicio también describe las limitaciones de la navegación privada .

Con su Protección Antirrastreo Mejorada, Firefox impide que personas ajenas puedan seguir tu rastro en todos los sitios. Se trata de una protección predeterminada en Firefox , por lo que las cookies se bloquean en todos los sitios, independientemente de la configuración de privacidad que elija el usuario.  

Navegación privada en Apple Safari

Safari de Apple fue el primero en introducir la navegación privada para los dispositivos Apple en 2005. Los usuarios disponen de dos medios para abrir una ventana privada en un Mac o en un dispositivo iOS . Son los siguientes:

  • Ve al menú Archivo y selecciona “ Nueva ventana privada “.
  • El acceso directo es mantener pulsados Comando + Mayúsculas + N.  
  • En un iPhone , abre Safari . Pulsa el botón de pestañas (los dos cuadrados de la parte inferior derecha). Pulsa el botón de navegación privada. Pulsa “OK”.

La señal de que estás en una ventana privada del navegador es una barra de búsqueda de color gris oscuro. Al igual que Firefox , Safari te permite bloquear el seguimiento de tu rastro por parte de terceros (solo tendrás que ajustar la configuración). Elige Safari en tu Mac . Ve a “Preferencias” y haz clic en “Privacidad”. A continuación, selecciona “Impedir seguimiento entre sitios”.

Navegación privada en tu iPhone

Para los iPhones , el navegador predeterminado es Safari . A continuación te explicamos cómo configurar la navegación privada en Safari para tu iPhone :

  • Abre Safari .  
  • Pulsa en el icono de pestañas en la parte inferior derecha de la pantalla (dos cuadrados superpuestos).  
  • Pulsa el botón de navegación privada en la parte inferior izquierda de la pantalla.  
  • Para salir del modo privado, pulsa de nuevo dicho botón.  

Recuerda cerrar las pestañas privadas de tu navegador cuando termines de navegar. Así estarás seguro de que se eliminan las cookies y se oculta la sesión privada en el historial de tu dispositivo.  

¿Por qué utilizar el modo incógnito?

Hacer una búsqueda privada que borre tu historial de navegación puede ser útil en determinadas situaciones. Como algunas cookies se eliminan al final de tu búsqueda, verás menos anuncios que en una búsqueda normal.

Si hay algo que no quieres conservar en el historial de navegación , como la compra de un regalo para un familiar, una búsqueda de incógnito puede mantener tu actividad en privado.

También es buena idea utilizar el modo incógnito cuando utilices un dispositivo público o un ordenador prestado, para proteger tus datos.

El modo incógnito también puede ser útil si quieres hacer una búsqueda que no esté influida por tu historial de navegación o para ver tu blog o sitio web desde una perspectiva totalmente distinta.  

¿Es seguro el modo incógnito?

Los términos “búsqueda privada” y “ modo incógnito ” suenan muy bien. Sin embargo, aunque tu historial se borre en tu dispositivo, sigue siendo visible para el mundo exterior. Aunque estés en modo incógnito , los sitios web, tu proveedor de Internet y tu red pueden seguir viendo tu dirección IP y tu historial de navegación .

Por no mencionar que no se borran los archivos que descargas, como el software malicioso. Aunque alguien que utilice tu dispositivo no podrá ver tu historial de navegación , el modo incógnito no evita el acceso a los hackers ni los ladrones de identidad .  

Si realmente quieres ocultar la dirección IP de tu ordenador y navegar de forma privada, manteniendo tus datos protegidos, es una buena idea buscar un servicio de VPN , como la VPN segura de McAfee. Con nuestra VPN inteligente, puedes navegar con confianza y proteger tu anonimato ante anunciantes y miradas indiscretas. También disfrutarás de cifrado de nivel bancario y protección automática en redes no seguras.  

Navega por Internet con confianza

Si tu objetivo es mantener a los curiosos lejos de tu historial de navegación , es posible que no baste con la navegación privada o el modo incógnito . Utiliza una VPN segura de McAfee para navegar sin preocupaciones.

Y, para mayor seguridad, actualiza a McAfee Total Protection  y disfruta de protección antivirus , supervisión de identidad ¡y mucho más!  

Prueba la VPN segura de McAfee

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IMAGES

  1. How to go incognito in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

    google incognito in safari

  2. Go Incognito on Safari: A Simple Guide

    google incognito in safari

  3. How to Enable Incognito Mode in Safari for iOS 15, iPadOS

    google incognito in safari

  4. Modo incógnito en Safari: cómo activarlo en Mac, iPhone y iPad

    google incognito in safari

  5. How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPhone, iPad & Mac

    google incognito in safari

  6. How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPhone, iPad & Mac

    google incognito in safari

VIDEO

  1. Incognito mode by default in Google Chrome

  2. Attivare la navigazione privata in maniera “alternativa” con Safari

  3. How to open an incognito window in Safari on your iPhone

  4. How to Open Incognito Mode in MacBook

  5. How to disable Incognito on Safari

  6. How To Turn Incognito On Safari Private Mode on iPhone

COMMENTS

  1. Browse privately in Safari on iPhone

    Open the Safari app on your iPhone. Tap . Swipe right on the tab bar at the bottom of the screen until Private Browsing opens, then tap Unlock. To exit Private Browsing, tap , then swipe left to open a Tab Group from the menu at the bottom of your screen. The websites you have open in Private Browsing stay open, and Private Browsing locks.

  2. How to go incognito in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

    The easiest way to open an Incognito window is with the keyboard shortcut combination Ctrl-Shift-N (Windows) or Command-Shift-N (macOS). Another way is to click on the menu on the upper right ...

  3. How to Go Incognito in Safari on Mac

    Step 1: Open Safari and select Safari > Preferences from the menu bar. Step 2: Go to the General tab. Step 3: Pick the drop-down next to Safari opens with and choose A new private window. Step 4 ...

  4. How to use Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone

    When you use Private Browsing, Safari won't remember your search history, the pages you visit, or your AutoFill information. Private Browsing also blocks som...

  5. How to Use Google Search in Incognito Mode on iPhone and iPad

    On an iPhone or iPad, if you're using the Google app as a web browser instead of Safari or Chrome, you can browse in incognito. Here's how. The Google app for the iPhone and iPad offers an all-in-one experience. All of the searching and browsing results happens within the app. It's essentially a mini-browser of its own that includes Discover ...

  6. How to use Private Browsing on Mac, keyboard shortcut, more

    Keyboard shortcut for Private Browsing on Mac. You're probably used to the command + N shortcut for a new Safari window. Just add shift to that to get a new Private window - command + shift + N.

  7. How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and Opera

    Alternatively, from the Chrome menu, select File > New Incognito Window. Or, press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac). A window opens, explaining the Chrome Incognito mode. To open a link in an Incognito window, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac), and then select Open Link in Incognito Window .

  8. How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Step 3: Enable Private Browsing. Find the "Private" option at the bottom left of the screen and tap it. Once you tap "Private," you'll notice the color of the browser interface changes, indicating that you're now in Private Browsing Mode.

  9. How to Use Incognito Mode: Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox

    1. Open Google Chrome. 2. Click the three dot icon in the upper-right corner. 3. Click on New Incognito window from the drop-down menu. A window will open, darker colored than normal, and you'll ...

  10. How to Use Private Browsing in Safari

    Safari on the iPad has a private browsing mode as well. 1. Tap the Pages button, which is shaped as two squares in Safari's menu. 2. Tap Private. 3. Tap the Search field to search for a site to ...

  11. Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

    Open Safari on your phone. Tap on the " Tabs " button. Tap where it says " X Tab (s) " - this number will reflect the number of windows you have open. Tap " Private .". Now, you're in Private Browsing mode and can click the small " + " (plus) icon to launch a new private window.

  12. Browse in Incognito mode

    Browse in Incognito mode. You can browse the web more privately in Incognito mode. On your iPhone or iPad, open Chrome . Tap More New Incognito tab . A new Incognito tab opens. To check if you're privately browsing, tap Switch tabs . Swipe right to find whether you have any open Incognito tabs. An Incognito tab has the Incognito icon at the top ...

  13. Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPad

    Safari won't remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information. How to turn on Private Browsing. Open Safari on your iPad. Touch and hold the Tabs button. Tap New Private Tab. While Private Browsing is on, the Safari address bar appears black or dark instead of white or gray, and the buttons are black instead of blue.

  14. Private Browser

    We'll look at Chrome first. To start an incognito session, open your Chrome browser and find the three vertical dots in the upper right corner. Click on them, and then select "New incognito window" from the dropdown options. Easy peasy. Once you click that, a new dark window will open. And just like that, you're incognito.

  15. How to Go Incognito in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari

    Open Google Chrome on your PC or Mac. Then, look on the right-hand side of the address bar for the three dots and click them. Next, select the New Incognito window. A new window will open with a ...

  16. How to turn on incognito mode on google on safari

    How to turn on incognito mode on google on safari - Google Account Community. Google Account Help. Help Center. Community. Improve your Google Account. Google Account. ©2024 Google.

  17. Incognito mode: what it is, what it does and doesn't do

    Google Chrome calls it Incognito mode; Private browsing is how Mozilla Firefox, Opera and Apple Safari refer to it; InPrivate mode is the chosen term for Microsoft Edge. Get daily insight ...

  18. About InPrivate and Incognito. What's private browsing? Which browser

    Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge cover all the private browsing basics, except for VPN. When it comes to inprivate browsing, the Incognito mode from Google Chrome and the InPrivate mode from Microsoft Edge offer all the basics. They can prevent other people using the same computer from knowing what you are doing online, but that is it.

  19. Chrome Incognito vs Safari Private Browsing: Who Wins? [Detailed

    Browsers adopt incognito or private modes to ensure that we are not tracked and that our information is safe. This article compares Google Chrome's incognito mode against Safari private browsing. We like to show you how they stack up against each other and help you determine which is the better way to go. This feature is a valuable part of ...

  20. Browse in Incognito mode

    To exit Incognito mode, close all Incognito windows. If you find a number next to the Incognito icon at the top right, you have more than one Incognito window open. To close an Incognito window: On your computer, go to your Incognito window. Close the window: Windows or Chrome OS: At the top right, click Close . Mac: At the top left, click Close .

  21. ¿Qué es el modo incógnito y hasta qué punto es seguro?

    Elige Safari en tu Mac. Ve a "Preferencias" y haz clic en "Privacidad". A continuación, selecciona "Impedir seguimiento entre sitios". Navegación privada en tu iPhone. Para los iPhones, el navegador predeterminado es Safari. A continuación te explicamos cómo configurar la navegación privada en Safari para tu iPhone: Abre Safari.