Most of us have heard of incognito mode, but what does it actually do?
And more importantly, what does it not do? If you’ve ever assumed that opening a private browsing window makes you invisible online, you’re not alone.
However, the truth is a little more complicated than that. It’s neither fully safe nor private.
In this article we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about incognito mode, including how to use it on every major browser and device, what it protects, and where it falls short.
What Is Incognito Mode?
Incognito mode is a privacy feature built into your web browser. When you open an incognito window, your browser stops saving certain data from that session
Once you close the window, that data is wiped from your device as if the session never happened.
Different browsers have their own names for this feature:
- Google Chrome calls it Incognito Mode
- Mozilla Firefox calls it Private Browsing
- Apple Safari calls it Private Window
- Microsoft Edge calls it InPrivate Browsing
- Opera calls it Private Browsing
No matter what it’s called, the basic idea is the same. When you open one of these windows, your browser creates a temporary session.
No history is recorded locally, cookies are deleted when you close the window, and temporary files are removed. It’s like using a fresh browser that forgets everything the moment you’re done.
What Does Incognito Mode Actually Do?
Let’s break down exactly what happens when you browse in incognito mode:
- Your browsing history is not saved. After you close the incognito window, no record of the websites you visited appears in your browser history. Anyone who picks up your device after you won’t see what pages you were on.
- Cookies and site data are cleared. Websites use cookies to remember who you are, what’s in your shopping cart, and what ads to show you. In incognito mode, cookies are only active during your session and are deleted the moment you close the window. This also means you’ll be logged out of any accounts you signed into.
- Form data and passwords are not stored. Anything you type into login forms, search bars, or checkout pages during an incognito session is not remembered by the browser.
- Other users on your device can’t see your activity. If you share a computer with family members or coworkers, incognito mode keeps your browsing private from them.
In short, incognito mode is a local privacy tool.
It keeps your browsing data off your device.
What Incognito Mode Does NOT Do
Here’s what incognito mode cannot do:
- It does not hide your activity from your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP can still see every website you connect to, even in incognito mode. The same goes for your employer or school if you’re using their network.
- Websites can still identify you. Your IP address is visible to every site you visit, and many websites use a technique called browser fingerprinting to recognise you based on your device settings, screen size, installed fonts, and other details.
- It does not protect you from malware, viruses, or phishing attacks. Incognito mode has nothing to do with security. If you click a malicious link or download an infected file, your device is just as vulnerable as it would be in a normal browsing session.
- Downloads and bookmarks are kept. Any files you download or bookmarks you save during an incognito session will remain on your device after you close the window. Only your browsing history and cookies are cleared.
How to Open Incognito Mode on Every Browser
Here’s how to start a private browsing session in each of the major desktop browsers.
Chrome Incognito Mode
Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select New Incognito Window. You can also use the keyboard shortcut:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + N
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + N
You’ll know you’re in incognito mode when you see the dark-themed window with the hat-and-glasses icon. For more details, visit the Google Chrome Help Centre.
Firefox Private Browsing
In Mozilla Firefox, click the three-line menu in the top-right corner and select New Private Window. The keyboard shortcut is:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + P
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + P
A purple mask icon will appear in the corner of the browser to confirm you’re in a private session. You can learn more at Mozilla Support.
Safari Private Window
On a Mac, open Safari and go to File > New Private Window, or use the shortcut:
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + N
Safari will show “Private” in the address bar to let you know the feature is active. Visit Apple Support for step-by-step instructions.
Microsoft Edge InPrivate Browsing
In Microsoft Edge, click the three-dot menu and choose New InPrivate Window. The shortcut is:
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + N
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + N
A blue “InPrivate” label will appear next to the address bar. Check out Microsoft Support for more information.
Opera Private Browsing
In Opera, click the menu and select New Private Window, or press:
- Windows/Linux: Ctrl + Shift + N
- Mac: Cmd + Shift + N
You’ll see a sunglasses icon confirming your private session. See Opera Help for full details.
How to Use Incognito Mode on iPhone and Android
Private browsing isn’t limited to desktop computers. Here’s how to go incognito on your phone or tablet.
iPhone Incognito Mode (Safari)
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Tap the tabs icon in the bottom-right corner (it looks like two overlapping squares).
- Swipe to the Private tab group or tap Private at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the + button to open a new private tab.
Your address bar and browser interface will turn dark, letting you know you’re browsing privately. For a full walkthrough, visit Apple Support.
iPhone Incognito Mode (Chrome App)
- Open the Chrome app on your iPhone.
- Tap the three dots (•••) at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap New Incognito Tab.
Android Incognito Mode
- Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Tap New Incognito Tab.
The screen will turn dark with the incognito hat-and-glasses icon. You can find more help at Google Support.
A quick reminder: always close all your incognito or private tabs when you’re finished. Your session data is only cleared once every private tab is closed. If you leave one open, your cookies and session information remain active.
Is Incognito Mode Safe? What You Can and Cannot Do Safely
The answer depends on what you’re trying to do.
When Incognito Mode Is Helpful
- Shopping for gifts. If you share a device and don’t want your partner or family member to see that you’ve been browsing for a birthday present, incognito mode keeps it off your history.
- Using a shared or public computer. If you need to log into your email or bank account on a computer that isn’t yours, incognito mode helps make sure your login details aren’t saved after you close the window.
- Avoiding personalised pricing. Some travel and shopping websites adjust their prices based on your browsing behaviour. Using incognito mode removes your cookies, which may help you see more neutral pricing.
- Keeping work and personal browsing separate. If you use the same browser for both, incognito mode gives you a clean session without mixing up your accounts or history.
- Checking how a webpage looks without cached data. Web developers and content creators often use incognito mode to see a fresh version of a site, free from cached files or saved logins.
When Incognito Mode Is NOT Enough
- Hiding your online activity from your ISP or employer. Incognito mode only clears data locally on your device. Your ISP, network administrator, or employer can still monitor the sites you connect to.
- Protecting yourself from hackers or cyber threats. Private browsing offers zero protection against malicious websites, infected downloads, or phishing scams. You’re just as exposed in incognito mode as you are in a regular window.
- Staying fully anonymous online. Websites can still see your IP address, and techniques like browser fingerprinting can identify your device even without cookies. Incognito mode does not make you anonymous.
The bottom line: Incognito mode is great for local privacy — keeping your browsing away from other people who use your device. But it does very little to protect you from outside threats or third-party tracking.
How to Stay Truly Private and Secure Online
If you want real privacy and security, incognito mode should be just one part of your approach. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself more fully.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address. This means your ISP, network administrators, and the websites you visit can’t easily see what you’re doing online. When you pair a VPN with incognito mode, you get local privacy and network-level protection.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on what is a VPN and how it works.
Install Antivirus Software
Since incognito mode does nothing to stop malware, phishing, or other online threats, you need a separate layer of security. A good antivirus program runs in the background, scanning for threats and blocking dangerous files before they can harm your device.
Check out the full list of TotalAV features to see how antivirus protection keeps you safe, whether you’re browsing privately or not.
Add Extra Privacy Tools
For a more complete setup, consider adding an ad blocker to stop intrusive ads and tracking scripts, and a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords for every account. These tools work alongside incognito mode and a VPN to give you a well-rounded defence against the most common online risks.
Browse Online with Confidence
Incognito mode is a helpful tool for keeping your browsing private from other people who share your device.
That said, it’s only a first step.
It won’t protect you from your ISP tracking your activity, websites identifying your device, or cyber threats landing on your computer.
For true online privacy, pair your private browsing with Total VPN to encrypt your connection and hide your IP address from ISPs, advertisers, and snoopers. When your internet traffic is encrypted, not even your network provider can see what you’re doing online.
And for complete protection, use TotalAV. It comes with antivirus scanning, real-time threat detection, and identity monitoring. You’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your devices and personal data are protected on every level.
Stay private. Stay protected. Browse with confidence.
