How to Turn On Private Browsing in Safari for iOS

You don't have to store browsing data, history, or cookies on iOS

By
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Scott Orgera
Writer
Scott Orgera is a former Lifewire writer covering tech since 2007. He has 25+ years' experience as a programmer and QA leader, and holds several Microsoft certifications including MCSE, MCP+I, and MOUS. He is also A+ certified.
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Updated on July 18, 2022

What to Know

  • In the lower-right corner of Safari app, select Tabs icon > tap Private.
  • Tap plus (+) to open a new tab. You're now in Private Browsing mode.
  • To return to standard browsing, tap Done.

This article explains how to turn on private browsing in Safari for iOS to prevent the app from saving browsing history, cookies, or local user data. Instructions in this article apply to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices.

How to Enable Private Browsing in Safari for iOS

To browse incognito using the Safari mobile app:

  1. Launch the Safari app and tap the Tabs icon, indicated by two overlapping boxes in the bottom-right corner.

  2. Tap Private at the bottom of the screen.

  3. Tap plus (+) to open a new tab. You are now in Private Browsing. Safari will not save any browsing history, cookies, or other user data during your session.

    Creating a new Private tab in Safari for iOS

  4. To return to standard browsing mode, tap Done at the bottom of the screen.

Pages that were visited during your private session close when you return to standard browsing mode, but any tabs left open will return the next time you open Private Browsing. To exit the pages permanently, tap the X in the top-left corner of the tab you want to close.

Private Browsing does not withhold data from your internet service provider or the websites that you visit. It only prevents information that is usually stored on your device from being saved.

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