How to go Incognito in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, signing in to a public computer, testing a website, or simply browsing without leaving a record on your device, Incognito Mode and Private Browsing can be very useful. Every major web browser includes a feature that lets you open a private browsing session, but each browser uses a different name and has slightly different steps.
Many people assume that going incognito makes them completely anonymous online. In reality, Incognito Mode only prevents your browser from saving your browsing history, cookies, site data, and form entries after you close the private window. Your internet service provider, employer, school, and the websites you visit can still see your activity.
Whether you use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari, this guide walks you through every step in a detailed way.
How to Go Incognito in Google Chrome
Google Chrome calls its private browsing feature Incognito Mode. When you open an Incognito window, Chrome does not save your browsing history, cookies, or information entered into forms after you close the window.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome
Launch Google Chrome from your desktop, Start menu, Dock, or Applications folder.
Wait until Chrome fully loads and displays your normal browsing window.
Step 2: Open the Chrome Menu
Move your mouse to the upper-right corner of Chrome.
Click the three vertical dots to open the browser menu. This menu contains many browser settings and shortcuts.
Step 3: Select New Incognito Window
Click New Incognito Window.
Chrome immediately opens a separate dark-themed browser window.
You will notice the Incognito icon near the top of the window, along with a message explaining how Incognito Mode works.
Step 4: Start Browsing Privately
Type a website address into the address bar or search using your preferred search engine.
During this session, Chrome will not save your browsing history once every Incognito window has been closed.
Step 5: Close the Incognito Window
When you finish browsing, click the X in the upper right corner on Windows or the red Close button on Mac.
Closing every Incognito window removes cookies and temporary browsing data created during that session.
Chrome Keyboard Shortcut
On Windows and Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + N.
On Mac, press Command + Shift + N.
How to Go Incognito in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge uses a feature called InPrivate Browsing. It works similarly to Chrome’s Incognito Mode while offering Microsoft’s own privacy controls.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge
Launch Microsoft Edge from your computer.
Allow the browser to finish loading before continuing.
Step 2: Open the Edge Menu
Click the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner.
This opens the main Edge menu.
Step 3: Choose New InPrivate Window
Click New InPrivate Window.
Edge opens a new browser window with an InPrivate label near the address bar.
You’ll also see a brief explanation describing what information Edge saves and what it does not.
Step 4: Browse Using InPrivate Mode
Visit any website as you normally would.
Once you close the InPrivate window, Edge removes your browsing history, cookies, and temporary site information created during that session.
Step 5: Exit InPrivate Browsing
Close the window after you’re finished.
Your normal Edge browsing session remains separate from your InPrivate session.
Edge Keyboard Shortcut
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + N.
On Mac, press Command + Shift + N.
How to Go Incognito in Mozilla Firefox
Firefox calls its private browsing feature Private Browsing Mode. It blocks many tracking elements while preventing your browsing history from being saved after the session ends.
Step 1: Open Mozilla Firefox
Launch Mozilla Firefox on your computer.
Wait until the main browser window appears.
Step 2: Open the Firefox Menu
Click the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner.
This opens Firefox’s main menu.
Step 3: Open a New Private Window
Click New Private Window.
Firefox opens a new purple-themed window displaying the Private Browsing icon.
You’ll also notice that Enhanced Tracking Protection is active by default in many situations.
Step 4: Browse Privately
Visit websites just as you normally would.
Firefox does not save your browsing history after every Private Browsing window has been closed.
Step 5: Close the Private Window
Close the window after finishing your browsing session.
Any temporary browsing data stored during that session is removed automatically.
Firefox Keyboard Shortcut
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + P.
On Mac, press Command + Shift + P.
How to Go Incognito in Safari
Apple Safari refers to its private mode as Private Browsing. The feature is available on both Mac and iPhone or iPad.
Step 1: Open Safari
Launch Safari from the Dock or Applications folder.
Wait until the browser opens completely.
Step 2: Open the File Menu
At the top of the screen, click File.
Safari displays several options for creating new windows and tabs.
Step 3: Select New Private Window
Click New Private Window.
Safari opens a window with a darker Smart Search field, indicating that Private Browsing is active.
Step 4: Browse the Web
Search or visit websites normally.
Safari prevents your browsing history, search history, and AutoFill information from being saved after the session ends.
Step 5: Close the Private Window
Close the private window once you’re done.
Safari automatically removes temporary browsing information created during that session.
Safari Keyboard Shortcut
On Mac, press Command + Shift + N.
Additional Tips
Incognito Mode does not hide your activity from your internet provider, employer, school, or the websites you visit.
Downloads made during a private session remain on your computer unless you delete them manually.
Bookmarks created while browsing privately are saved unless you remove them yourself.
If you sign into websites such as email or social media, those websites can still identify you because you are logged into your account.
Private browsing is useful when using shared computers because it helps prevent your browsing history from being stored locally.
If you want additional privacy online, consider using a trusted VPN together with private browsing. A VPN protects your internet connection, while Incognito Mode only controls what your browser saves on your device.
Always close every private window when you finish browsing. If even one private window remains open, your session may continue.
Remember that private browsing is designed for privacy on your local device, not complete anonymity on the internet.
FAQs
What does Incognito Mode actually do?
Incognito Mode prevents your browser from saving browsing history, cookies, site data, and form information after you close all private windows.
Is Incognito Mode completely private?
No. Websites, internet service providers, employers, schools, and network administrators may still be able to see your online activity.
Can websites still recognize me in Incognito Mode?
Yes. If you sign into your accounts, websites can identify you regardless of whether you’re using Incognito Mode.
Are downloads deleted after closing Incognito Mode?
No. Files you download remain on your computer until you delete them manually.
Are bookmarks saved in private browsing?
Yes. Any bookmarks you create remain available after closing the private browsing session.
Can I use browser extensions in Incognito Mode?
Most browser extensions are disabled by default during private browsing. However, many browsers allow you to manually enable individual extensions for Incognito or Private Browsing.
Does private browsing prevent viruses or malware?
No. Incognito Mode does not protect against malicious websites, phishing attempts, or malware. Safe browsing habits and security software are still important.
Can I open multiple Incognito windows?
Yes. You can open multiple private windows at the same time, and they generally share the same private session until every private window is closed.