Incognito mode is a feature in the Google Chrome web browser that allows users to browse the internet without leaving any traces of their activity behind.
Data not stored on your device
When using Incognito mode, Chrome won’t save any browsing history, cookies, site data etc. on your computer or mobile phone. Additionally, any new cookies or site data created during the session are deleted when you close the Incognito window. However, downloaded items, bookmarks and reading list items will be saved.
This can be especially useful if you are using a public computer or sharing a computer with others and don’t want your browsing history to be visible.
If you use Chrome Sync feature to synchronize your browsing data, your incognito session data wouldn’t sync across your devices.
Use a different account to log in
Incognito mode does not share cookies and other site data with regular browsing mode. This means you can log in to your favorite site with a different account while in incognito.
Extensions are disabled
By default, all installed extensions are disabled in the incognito mode. However, users can manually allow individual extensions to run in incognito mode.
Third-Party Cookies
Chrome and many other browsers now block third-party cookies in incognito mode by default to enhance privacy. However, this feature may break the functionality of some websites. Users can manually enable third-party cookies if desired.
Access Your Normal Browsing Data
Even in incognito, you can access your normal browsing mode data like saved passwords, history and autofill data. This prevents unwanted data collection, while still allowing you to have access to your important information.
Incognito Not Anonymous
The biggest confusion over browser’s incognito or private browsing mode is that it makes you anonymous online, which is not true. Even in incognito, your internet service provider, employer, or the websites you visit can still track your online activity. Websites may use your IP address to track and log your activities.
To protect your online privacy and security, it’s recommended to use a VPN. It encrypts your online activity and hides your IP address to prevent anyone from tracking your online behavior or accessing your personal information.
How To Open Incognito Window?
To open Incognito mode in Chrome, simply click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser window and select “New Incognito Window” from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Command+Shift+N on a Mac.
You can also use our Go Incognito and Incognito This Tab extensions to open current tab in incognito.
How To Open Incognito Tab on Android
To open an incognito tab on an Android device, open Chrome and tap on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner. From there, select “New incognito tab” from the drop-down menu. You can also use the shortcut menu by long-pressing the Chrome icon and selecting “New incognito tab.”
If you have any further doubts or questions regarding the incognito mode feature, feel free to leave a comment below.