Learn to Activate Incognito Browsing Mode in Your Browser

Internet Explorer 11 offers incognito browsing in the form of its InPrivate Browsing mode, easily activated via the browser's Safety menu or through a simple keyboard shortcut. With InPrivate Browsing active, IE11 does not save any private data files such as cache and cookies. Browsing and search history are wiped out while you use incognito browsing in Internet Explorer. To initiate an InPrivate Browsing session:

1. Open IE11 and click the Gear icon in the upper right corner of the browser window
2. Hover your cursor over the Safety option in the drop-down menu and select InPrivate Browsing from the submenu that appears. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+P to turn on InPrivate Browsing.

Close the existing tabs or windows to return to standard browsing mode.

Incognito Browsing in Older Versions of IE

InPrivate Browsing is also available in several older versions of Internet Explorer, including IE10, IE9, and IE8. More »

Desktop/Laptop Users

In Google Chrome, incognito browsing is achieved through the magic of Incognito Mode. While surfing the web incognito, your history and other private data are not saved on your hard drive. Entering incognito browsing mode in Chrome is easy to do:

1. Click the main menu button in Chrome. It is located in the upper right corner and consists of three vertically aligned dots.
2. Select New Incognito Window in the drop-down menu that appears. If you prefer, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac).

To exit Incognito Mode, just close the browser window or tabs. 

Mobile Users

If you browse the internet from an iPhone or iPad, you can activate Incognito Mode in Chrome for iOS devices. More »

Desktop/Laptop Users

Incognito browsing in Firefox involves using the Private Browsing mode, in which sensitive items such as cookies and download history are never recorded locally. Activating Private Browsing in Firefox is a simple process for Linux, Mac, and Windows users.

1. Click the Firefox menu in the upper right corner of the browser window.
2. Click the New Private Window button to launch Private Browsing mode.

You may not need to do all your browsing in Private Browsing mode. If you only want to open a specific link in private browsing mode while on a standard Firefox browser webpage:

1. Right-click the link.
2. When the context menu shows, left-click Open Link in New Private Window option.

Mobile Users

Firefox also makes it possible to enter Private Browsing mode on its mobile apps: Firefox Browser app for Android devices and Firefox for iOS Devices. More »

Mac OS X Users

Incognito browsing in Apple's Safari browser can be accomplished by entering Private Browsing mode via the menu bar. While in Private Browsing mode, all private data including browsing history and AutoFill information is not kept, ensuring an incognito browsing experience.  To enter Private Browsing mode on a Mac:

1. In the Safari menu bar, click on File.
2. Select New Private Window option from the drop-down menu that appears or use the keyboard shortcut Shift+Command+N.

Windows Users

Windows users can enter Private Browsing in a way similar to Mac users.

1. Click on the Gear icon in the upper right corner of the Safari browser.
2. Select Private Browsing in the drop-down menu that appears.
3. Click the OK button.

iOS Mobile Device Users

People who use Safari on their iPhones or iPads can enter Incognito Browsing in the Safari for iOS app. More »

The Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10 allows incognito browsing via its InPrivate Browsing mode, accessible through the More actions menu. 

1. Open the Edge browser.
2. Click the More Actions menu, which is represented by three dots.
3. Select New InPrivate Window from the drop-down menu that appears.

Windows Users

Opera allows you to enable incognito browsing in your choice of a new tab or new window. Depending on your preference, the private tab or window can be accessed via the menu or through a keyboard shortcut.

1. Click the Opera menu icon in the upper left corner of the browser window to open the side window.
2. Select New private window from the options that appear. If you prefer, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N to begin incognito browsing.

Mac Users

Mac OS X users click on File in the Opera menu, which is located at the top of the screen and select New Incognito Window option. They can also use the keyboard shortcut Command+Shift+N. More »

Dolphin Browser for Android and iOS devices offers a diverse feature set for mobile device users that include incognito browsing. Activated through the main menu button, Dolphin's Private Mode ensures that browsing history and other personal data generated during your browsing session are not saved on your device after the app is closed. More »