When browsing the internet, every website you visit and every page you view is being tracked. While this can be useful for businesses and advertisers, it can also be an invasion of your privacy. Thankfully, there are ways to browse the web privately, such as using a private browsing window, also known as incognito mode. In this article, we will discuss how to enable and use incognito mode on different browsers, including Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, as well as how to protect your privacy while browsing.
Browse Privately with Incognito Mode on Different Browsers
Incognito mode is a feature found on most web browsers that prevents the browser from storing information about the websites you visit or the actions you take while browsing. It is perfect for situations where you may be using a public computer, or if you want to keep your browsing history private. Let’s take a look at how to enable incognito mode on different browsers:
How to Enable Incognito Mode on Chrome?
If you are using the Google Chrome browser, you can easily enable incognito mode. Simply click on the three-dots icon located in the top-right corner of the browser, and select “New Incognito Window.” Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut: “Ctrl+Shift+N” on Windows, or “Command+Shift+N” on a Mac. Once you have opened an incognito window, you can browse the web privately, and any websites you visit or searches you perform will not be stored in your browsing history.
How to Use Private Browsing on Safari?
In Safari, private browsing mode is called “Private Window.” To enable this mode, open up a new browser window and click on “File” located in the top-left corner of the browser. From there, select “New Private Window,” or simply use the keyboard shortcut “Command+Shift+N”. Once you have enabled private browsing mode, Safari will not remember any information about the websites you visit or the actions you take while browsing.
How to Browse in Private Mode on Firefox?
Firefox’s private browsing feature is called “Private Window”. To access this mode, click on the three-horizontal lines icon located in the top-right corner of the browser, and select “New Private Window.” Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut: “Ctrl+Shift+P” on Windows, or “Command+Shift+P” on a Mac. Once you have opened a private window, Firefox will not store any information about the websites you visit or the searches you perform.
Using Private Browsing on macOS
MacOS users can also use private browsing mode on their favorite browsers, including Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. Here is how to enable private browsing mode on each browser:
How to Turn on Private Browsing on Safari?
On Safari, the process of turning on private browsing mode is the same as on iOS devices. Simply open a new browser window and click on “File” located in the top-left corner of the browser. From there, select “New Private Window,” or use the keyboard shortcut “Command+Shift+N”. Once you have enabled private browsing mode, Safari will not store any information about the websites you visit or the actions you take while browsing.
How to Go Incognito on Chrome?
In Chrome, the process of enabling incognito mode on a Mac is the same as on a Windows computer. Simply click on the three-dots icon located in the top-right corner of the browser and select “New Incognito Window.” Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+N” on Windows, or “Command+Shift+N” on a Mac. Once you have enabled incognito mode, you can browse the web privately.
How to Browse in Private Mode on Firefox?
Firefox private browsing mode can also be accessed on a Mac just like on a Windows computer. Simply click on the three-horizontal lines icon located in the top-right corner of the browser, and select “New Private Window.” Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+P” on Windows, or “Command+Shift+P” on a Mac. Firefox will not store any information about the websites you visit or the searches you perform.
Browse Privately on Your iPhone or iPad
If you are using an iPhone or iPad, you can still browse the web privately using incognito mode on your favorite browsers, including Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Here’s how:
How to Use Incognito Mode in Google Chrome?
To enable incognito mode in Google Chrome on your iOS device, open the app and tap on the three-dots icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. From there, select “New Incognito Tab,” and any websites you visit or actions you take will not be stored in your browsing history.
How to Go Incognito on iPhone or iPad?
On Safari, the process of enabling private browsing mode is straightforward. Simply open the app and tap on the two squares icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. From there, select “Private,” and any websites you visit or actions you take will not be stored in your browsing history.
How to Browse in Private Mode on Firefox?
Firefox Private browsing mode can be accessed on iOS devices by tapping on the tab icon located in the bottom-right corner of the screen, and then selecting the mask icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Once you have enabled private browsing mode, Firefox will not store any information about the websites you visit or the searches you perform.
Related Articles: Private Browsing, VPN and More
Aside from private browsing, there are other ways to protect your privacy while browsing the web. Here are some related articles:
What is Private Browsing Mode?
Private browsing mode, also known as incognito mode, is a feature found on most browsers that allows you to browse the web privately. This mode prevents the browser from storing information about the websites you visit or the actions you take while browsing.
How to Use a VPN to Browse Privately?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. Using a VPN is a great way to browse the web privately and securely.
Q: What is incognito browsing?
A: Incognito browsing (also known as private browsing) allows you to browse the internet without leaving any traces of your search history, temporary internet files, or cookies on your computer or mobile device. When you use incognito mode, the browser doesn’t save any of your history, making it ideal for those who want to browse the internet without being tracked or for those who share a device with others.
Q: How can I go incognito on Chrome?
A: You can go incognito on Chrome by either pressing “Ctrl+Shift+N” on your keyboard or clicking the three vertical dots on the top right corner of your screen, then selecting “New incognito window”. Once the new window is open, you can start browsing privately.
Q: How do I go incognito on Safari?
A: To go incognito on Safari, open a new window and click on “File” on the top menu bar. From there, select “New Private Window”. You can now browse the internet in incognito mode in the new window.
Q: How can I go incognito on Firefox?
A: In Firefox, you can go incognito by either clicking on the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of your screen and then selecting “New Private Window”, or by pressing “Ctrl+Shift+P” on your keyboard.
Q: Can I go incognito on other browsers besides Chrome, Safari, and Firefox?
A: Yes, you can go incognito on other browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi. The process may differ slightly from browser to browser, but you can typically find the option to browse privately by clicking on the three dots or lines on the top right corner of your screen and selecting “New Private Window” or “New Incognito Window”.
Q: How do I turn on private browsing on my Mac?
A: To turn on private browsing on your Mac, open a new window and click on “File” on the top menu bar. From there, select “New Private Window”. You can now browse privately in the new window.
Q: Can I open a private browsing session on my phone or tablet?
A: Yes, you can open a private browsing session on your phone or tablet. The process may differ from device to device and from browser to browser, but most browsers have the option to browse privately. You can typically find the option by clicking on the three dots or lines on the top right corner of your screen and selecting “New Private Window” or “New Incognito Window”.
Q: How do I exit incognito mode?
A: To exit incognito mode, simply close the private or incognito window that you are using. Once you close the window, your browsing history, temporary internet files, and cookies will not be saved.
Q: How can I use incognito mode to protect my privacy?
A: Incognito mode is a useful tool for protecting your privacy while browsing the internet. When you use incognito mode, the browser doesn’t save any of your history or cookies, making it harder for third-party websites to track your online activities or collect your personal information. However, keep in mind that incognito mode does not make you completely anonymous online and some websites may still be able to trace your activity.
Q: What is the difference between incognito and private browsing?
A: Incognito and private browsing are similar in that they both allow you to browse the internet without leaving any trace of your activities on your device. However, the terminology may differ depending on the browser you are using. Incognito is typically used by Google Chrome, while private browsing is used by other browsers such as Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
How to Open a Private Browser Window?
Opening a private browser window, also known as incognito mode, differs slightly depending on the browser you are using. However, most browsers will have an option for private browsing located in the settings or menu.
Protect Your Privacy While Browsing
While private browsing windows can help protect your privacy, there are other steps you can take to keep your online activities private. Here are some tips:
What Information Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) Can See?
Your internet service provider (ISP) can see all the websites you visit and the data you exchange with those sites. To protect your privacy, consider using a virtual private network (VPN).
What are Cookies and How to Clear Them?
Cookies are small text files that websites use to store information about your browsing habits. While cookies can be useful, they can also be used to track your online activities. To clear cookies, go to your browser settings and select “Clear History and Website Data.”
How to Browse Privately with an Incognito Window?
To browse privately with an incognito window, simply open a new browser window and select the option for private browsing or incognito mode. This will prevent your browser from storing any information about the websites you visit or the actions you take while browsing.
In conclusion, private browsing windows, such as incognito mode, are a great way to protect your privacy while browsing the web. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take full advantage of these features and browse the internet securely and without fear of prying eyes.