You’re probably already familiar with browsing the internet, but have you ever wondered about how to make your online sessions more private? This article is all about teaching you to use Incognito Mode—a feature on most modern web browsers that doesn’t save your browsing history or cookies. It’s perfect for when you’re looking up surprise gifts or just want a bit of extra privacy. We’ll guide you through the simple steps to get it up and running on different platforms and browsers, ensuring your online adventures remain your own little secret.
Understanding Incognito Mode
Browsing privately on the internet can sometimes be necessary for a variety of reasons and that is where the concept of Incognito mode comes in.
Definition of Incognito Mode
Incognito Mode is a privacy feature in web browsers. When you’re in Incognito Mode, your browsing history or the search queries you make are not recorded on your computer. This feature is available in most major web browsers and it’s commonly symbolized with a dark or masked figure.
The Aim of Using Incognito Mode
The fundamental aim of using Incognito Mode is to offer privacy when browsing the internet. Whether you are buying a surprise gift for someone and don’t want anyone else who uses your computer to see, or you’re conducting some confidential research, using Incognito Mode means your browsing history won’t be stored locally on your computer.
What Incognito Mode Does Not Do
While Incognito Mode is great for keeping your local browsing history clean, it does not magically shield all your online activities from prying eyes. It won’t stop your internet service provider (ISP), employer, or the websites you visit from tracking your browsing activities or knowing your location.
Using Incognito Mode in Various Browsers
The specific method of accessing Incognito Mode varies from browser to browser. Below are instructions for various commonly used browsers.
Chrome
To activate Incognito Mode in Chrome, you simply click on the three dots in the top-right corner and select the New Incognito Window option.
Safari
For Safari users, locating private browsing is straightforward. You click on File, and then New Private Window to open an Incognito window.
Mozilla Firefox
In Mozilla Firefox, the privacy option is located under the hamburger menu in the top right corner, labelled as New Private Window.
Microsoft Edge
In Microsoft Edge, you find the option to browse privately by clicking on the three dots at the top right and choosing the New InPrivate Window from the dropdown menu.
Internet Explorer
Even in an older browser such as Internet Explorer, private browsing can be accessed by clicking the gear icon on the top right corner and selecting Safety, then choosing InPrivate Browsing.
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How to Open Incognito Mode in Chrome
Accessing Incognito Mode in Chrome can be achieved in two ways.
Using Shortcut Keys
Pressing Ctrl + Shift + N simultaneously will open an Incognito window in Chrome.
Through Chrome’s Menu Options
Alternatively, click on the three dots in the top right corner of the browser and select the New Incognito Window option.
Leveraging Incognito Mode in Safari
In Safari, Incognito Mode is activated in much the same way.
Safari’s Private Window
This browser refers to its private browsing feature as a Private Window.
Using Shortcut Keys in Safari
To open a Private Window, simply press Command + Shift + N.
Through Safari’s Menu Options
Or click on File in the menu bar and select New Private Window.
Navigating Incognito Mode in Mozilla Firefox
In Firefox, the private browsing feature is quite easy to access.
Using Shortcut Keys in Firefox
The keyboard shortcut to open a private window is Ctrl + Shift + P.
Through Firefox’s Menu Options
Otherwise, click on the menu button (represented by three horizontal lines) and select New Private Window.
Utilizing Incognito Mode in Microsoft Edge
Accessing Incognito Mode in Microsoft Edge is just as simple.
Edge’s InPrivate Window
In Edge, the private browsing feature is referred to as an InPrivate Window.
Shortcut Keys in Edge
Press Ctrl + Shift + N to open an InPrivate Window.
Through Edge’s Menu Options
Alternatively, click the three horizontal dots (more actions) and choose New InPrivate Window.
Initiating Incognito Mode in Internet Explorer
Even though Internet Explorer is older, it still supports Private browsing.
InPrivate Browsing in Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer’s rendition of Incognito Mode is referred to as InPrivate Browsing.
Using Shortcut Keys in Internet Explorer
You can activate this feature by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P.
Through Internet Explorer’s Menu Options
Another option is to click the gear symbol on the top right corner, select Safety, and then InPrivate Browsing.
Exiting Incognito Mode in Various Browsers
Just like entering Incognito Mode differs per browser, so does exiting.
Closing Incognito Mode in Chrome
To exit Incognito Mode in Chrome, just close the Incognito window.
Exiting Private Window in Safari
In Safari, close the Private Window to exit Incognito Mode.
Shutting Down Incognito Mode in Firefox
Close the private window in Firefox to exit Incognito Mode.
Exiting InPrivate Window in Edge
In Edge, simply close the InPrivate Window when you’re done browsing privately.
Closing InPrivate Browsing in Internet Explorer
In Internet Explorer, closing the InPrivate Browsing window will end your private session.
What Information is Still Visible in Incognito Mode
Despite its intent, Incognito Mode does not make you invisible on the web.
Visibility of Browsing History
While your search history is not logged on your device, your browsing activities can still be tracked by the ISP, your organization, or the websites you visit.
Cookies and Site Data
Cookies set during an Incognito session aren’t kept once you close your Incognito window. However, a site could use session cookies to track you within that particular session.
IP Address Detection
Your IP address is not hidden while in Incognito mode. Websites, ISPs, and any middlemen involved in the network connection could potentially log your IP address.
Benefits and Limitations of Incognito Mode
Like every tool, Incognito Mode has its advantages and drawbacks, and may not work as some users expect.
Advantages of Using Incognito Mode
Incognito Mode provides a quick way to hide your browsing history from others who have access to your computer. It is also handy for preventing cookies from tracking your browsing habits or logging into multiple accounts simultaneously.
Shortcomings of Incognito Mode
Incognito Mode does not offer full internet anonymity. It doesn’t hide your browsing history from your ISP or the websites you visit. Therefore, it is not a tool for secure or confidential browsing.
Confusions and Misunderstandings about Incognito Mode
Many people wrongly assume that Incognito Mode is a full-proof method for complete online privacy. While it can hide your browsing history, it doesn’t hide your location or activity from the network and the websites you interact with. Moreover, any files you download or bookmarks you create in Incognito Mode stay in your device even after closing the Incognito session.
