Turning On Incognito Mode in Your Browser

Incognito mode or private browsing is a feature that all of the most popular web browsers offer. When you enable this mode, anything you search for and any websites you visit won't show up in your browsing history. It's a handy feature to use when looking up something embarrassing, researching a gift for someone who uses the same computer, and many other scenarios.

Incognito mode does not block or mask your IP; it only prevents your session data from being recorded. Internet service providers (ISPs), government agencies, and hackers can track activity. To hide your IP, use a VPN, proxy server, or Tor Browser.

How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Google Chrome

While surfing the web incognito in Google Chrome, the browser does not save your history or other private data.

To enter incognito browsing mode in Chrome, go to the main menu (the three vertically aligned dots) and select New Incognito Window. Or, press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac).

Another way to find Incognito mode on a Mac is to go the File menu and select New Incognito Window.
To open a link in an Incognito window, right-click on it, and then select Open Link in Incognito Window.
To exit Incognito Mode, close the browser window or tabs.

If you browse the internet from an iPhone or iPad, activate Chrome Incognito Mode on iOS devices.

How to Use InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10 allows incognito browsing through the InPrivate Browsing function. This feature is also available on Internet Explorer, but we recommend switching to Edge as IE is no longer getting updated.

Launch the Edge browser and click the More Actions menu (represented by three dots).
Select New InPrivate Window.
An InPrivate Window will open, displaying what the mode does and doesn't do.

On a Windows computer, you can also use the Ctrl+Shift+P keyboard shortcut.

Turn on Incognito Mode in Internet Explorer

Incognito mode in Internet Explorer (IE) 11 is called InPrivate Browsing. Internet explorer incognito mode, also known as Private Browsing is a way to browse the web without leaving a trail that could include browser history, cookies, cache, and login credentials.

InPrivate Browsing is available on IE8 and later.

To launch an InPrivate session in Internet Explorer:

Open Internet Explorer.
Select the Gear icon in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
Hover over Safety, then select InPrivate Browsing.

If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, press Ctrl+Shift+P to turn on InPrivate Browsing.
A new InPrivate Browsing window opens.
Go to the address bar and enter the website URL.

How to Turn on Private Browsing in Firefox

Privacy browsing in Mozilla Firefox is called Private Browsing mode.

To turn on private browsing, select the Firefox menu (located in the upper-right corner of the browser window and indicated by three dashes), then choose New Private Window.
To open a specific link in private browsing, right-click the link, then choose Open Link in New Private Window.

Firefox also has a Private Browsing mode on Android and iOS Devices.

How to Enter Incognito Browsing in Apple Safari

To enter Private Browsing mode in Apple Safari on a Mac, go to the Safari menu bar, select File, then choose New Private Window. Or, press Shift+Command+N.

To enter Private Browsing in Safari for Windows, select the Gear icon in the browser's upper-right corner, choose Private Browsing, and then select OK.

If you use Safari on an iPhone or iPad, you can also use Private Browsing in the iOS Safari app.

How to Open a Private Windows in Opera

To open a private browsing tab or window in Opera on a Windows PC, select the Opera menu icon, then choose New private window. Or, press Ctrl+Shift+N.

On a Mac, select File, then choose New Incognito Window. Or, press Command+Shift+N.