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

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).

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.

1. Open Google Chrome on your PC or Mac.
2. Then, look on the right-hand side of the address bar for the three dots and click them.
   
3. Next, select the New Incognito window.
   
4. 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:

1. Open Google Chrome on your Android or iPhone.
2. Next to the address bar, you’ll notice three dots.
3. Select the three-dot menu icon to view the options.
   
4. Select the New Incognito Tab option.
   

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:

1. Open Safari and click File at the very top of your computer.
   
2. 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:

1. Open Safari and tap the webpage icon in the bottom right corner. The icon looks like two boxes.
2. Select Private from the bottom bar.
   
3. 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:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three-dot menu.
   
3. Select New InPrivate Window to start your private search.
   

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:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Tap on three horizontal lines or the menu.
3. Then, select New Private Window.
   
4. A new browsing window will open in a new tab.
5. 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.

1. Rght-click on any link.
2. Then, select Open Link in New Private Window.
   

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.

FAQs

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.