How to Turn On and Turn Off Incognito Mode

What is Incognito Mode?

Incognito mode, also known as private browsing, is a feature available in most modern web browsers. It allows users to browse the internet without storing local data that could be retrieved later. While it doesn’t make you completely anonymous online, it helps keep your browsing history, cookies, and site data private on your device.

How Does Incognito Mode Work?

When you browse in incognito mode:

1. No Browsing History: Websites you visit are not recorded in your browser’s history.
2. No Cookies: Cookies are not saved after you close the incognito window.
3. No Cached Data: Web pages you visit are not saved in the cache.
4. Temporary Storage: Any data entered or files downloaded are stored temporarily and are deleted after you close the incognito window.

However, incognito mode does not hide your browsing activity from your internet service provider (ISP), your employer (if you are on a corporate network), or the websites you visit.

How to Turn On and Turn Off Incognito Mode

Incognito Mode, also known as private browsing, is a feature available in most web browsers that allows you to browse the internet without storing your browsing history, cookies, site data, or information entered in forms. While Incognito Mode can help maintain your privacy, it does not make you completely anonymous online.

Here’s how to turn on and turn off Incognito Mode in some of the most popular web browsers:

Turn On and Turn Off Incognito Mode Google Chrome

To Turn On Incognito Mode:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three vertical dots (menu) in the upper right corner of the browser window.
3. Select “New Incognito Window” from the dropdown menu.
4. A new window will open with a dark theme and an Incognito icon (a hat and glasses) in the top corner.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:

• Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + N.
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + N.

To Turn Off Incognito Mode:

1. Simply close the Incognito window by clicking the X in the upper right corner or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W (Windows/Linux) or Command + W (Mac).

Turn On and Turn Off Incognito Mode Mozilla Firefox

To Turn On Private Browsing Mode:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper right corner of the browser window.
3. Select “New Private Window” from the dropdown menu.
4. A new window will open with a purple mask icon indicating you are in Private Browsing mode.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:

• Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + P.
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + P.

To Turn Off Private Browsing Mode:

1. Close the Private Browsing window by clicking the X in the upper right corner or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W (Windows/Linux) or Command + W (Mac).

Turn On and Turn Off Incognito Mode Microsoft Edge

To Turn On InPrivate Browsing:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots (menu) in the upper right corner of the browser window.
3. Select “New InPrivate Window” from the dropdown menu.
4. A new window will open with an InPrivate label and a blue background.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:

• Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + N.
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + N.

To Turn Off InPrivate Browsing:

1. Close the InPrivate window by clicking the X in the upper right corner or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W (Windows/Linux) or Command + W (Mac).

Turn On and Turn Off Incognito Mode Safari

To Turn On Private Browsing:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click on “File” in the top menu bar.
3. Select “New Private Window” from the dropdown menu.
4. A new window will open with a dark search bar and a Private Browsing label.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:

• Mac: Press Command + Shift + N.

To Turn Off Private Browsing:

1. Close the Private Browsing window by clicking the red X button in the upper left corner or using the keyboard shortcut Command + W.

Turn On and Turn Off Incognito Mode Opera

To Turn On Private Browsing:

1. Open Opera.
2. Click on the Opera icon in the upper left corner of the browser window.
3. Select “New Private Window” from the dropdown menu.
4. A new window will open with a dark theme and a mask icon.

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut:

• Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + N.
• Mac: Press Command + Shift + N.

To Turn Off Private Browsing:

1. Close the Private Browsing window by clicking the X in the upper right corner or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + W (Windows/Linux) or Command + W (Mac).

Conclusion

Using Incognito Mode or Private Browsing is a simple and effective way to enhance your privacy while browsing the web. By following the steps outlined for your preferred browser, you can easily turn on and turn off this feature as needed. Remember that while Incognito Mode prevents your browsing activity from being saved locally on your device, it does not hide your activity from websites you visit, your internet service provider, or network administrators.