Opening an Incognito Tab on Windows and Mac
An incognito tab (also called private browsing) opens a window where your browser does not save your search history, cookies, or site data after you close it. The fastest way to open one depends on which browser you use, but all of them offer a keyboard shortcut.
On Chrome, press Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on Mac. A new window will open with a dark theme and an incognito icon in the top left corner. On Firefox, use Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Command + Shift + P on Mac. On Safari, press Command + Shift + N on Mac (Safari does not have a dedicated incognito mode on Windows). On Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on Mac.
If you forget the keyboard shortcut, you can also open an incognito tab through the menu. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of your browser, then select "New incognito window" or "New private window" depending on your browser. The window will look noticeably different from your normal browsing window so you know you are in private mode.
Key Takeaways
- Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac) to open an incognito tab instantly in Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
- Firefox uses Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Command + Shift + P on Mac for private browsing.
- An incognito window does not save your browsing history, cookies, or login information after you close it.
- You can also open an incognito tab by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting the private browsing option.
- Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet service provider or the websites you visit.
What Incognito Mode Does and Does Not Do
Incognito tabs prevent your browser from storing information about your session on your device. When you close an incognito window, your browser deletes the cookies, cached images, and search history from that session. This means the next time you open your browser normally, you will not see a record of the sites you visited in incognito mode.
However, incognito mode has important limits. Your internet service provider can still see which websites you visit, even in incognito mode. The websites themselves can still track you and collect data about your visit. Your employer or school can still monitor your activity if you are using their network or device. Incognito mode only affects what your browser stores locally on your computer — it does not hide your activity from anyone watching your internet connection.
Opening Incognito on Mobile Devices
Mobile browsers also support incognito or private browsing, though the steps differ slightly from desktop. On Chrome for Android, tap the three-dot menu in the bottom right corner, then tap "New incognito tab." On Chrome for iPhone, tap the squares icon at the bottom right, then tap "Incognito" at the bottom of the screen, then tap the plus sign to open a new incognito tab.
On Firefox for Android or iPhone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then tap "New private tab." On Safari for iPhone, tap the squares icon at the bottom right, then tap "Private" at the bottom of the screen, then tap the plus sign. On Edge for Android or iPhone, tap the three-dot menu, then tap "New InPrivate tab."
Mobile incognito tabs work the same way as desktop ones — they do not save your history, cookies, or login information after you close them. The private browsing indicator will appear on your screen so you know you are in private mode.
Common Mistakes When Using Incognito Tabs
One frequent mistake is thinking that incognito mode hides your identity from websites. It does not. If you log into your email, social media account, or any other service in an incognito tab, that website knows exactly who you are. Incognito mode only prevents your browser from remembering that you visited the site — the site itself has a full record of your activity.
Another common error is assuming that incognito mode protects you from malware or phishing attacks. It does not. Incognito tabs offer no extra security against dangerous websites or malicious downloads. If you download a file in an incognito tab, that file is still saved to your computer and can still contain malware. Use incognito mode for privacy from your browser history, not for security.
A third mistake is opening an incognito tab and then forgetting to close it. If you leave an incognito window open, your browser will continue to store cookies and site data for that session. Close the entire incognito window when you are finished browsing to clear all stored data from that session.
When to Use Incognito Mode
Incognito mode is useful when you want to browse without your browser storing a record of your activity on your device. Common reasons include shopping for a gift without the site remembering your visit, checking a website without it using your browsing history to personalize ads, or logging into a different account on a shared computer without your browser saving that login information.
Incognito mode is also helpful when you are on a public computer at a library or internet café and do not want your browsing history left behind for the next person. However, remember that the website owner and your internet service provider can still see your activity — incognito mode only affects what your own browser remembers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does incognito mode hide my activity from my internet service provider?
No. Your internet service provider can see which websites you visit regardless of whether you use incognito mode. Incognito mode only prevents your browser from storing that information on your device. If you want to hide your activity from your internet service provider, you would need to use a VPN, which is a different tool entirely.
Can websites see that I am using incognito mode?
Websites cannot directly detect incognito mode, but they can see your activity the same way they would in a normal tab. If you log into an account or interact with a website in incognito mode, that website has a complete record of what you did. Incognito mode only affects what your browser stores, not what the website stores.
Will my employer see my incognito browsing if I use a work computer?
Yes. Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your employer's network monitoring tools. If your workplace has monitoring software installed on your computer or monitors your network traffic, they can see your browsing activity whether you use incognito mode or not. Incognito mode only affects what your browser stores locally.
What happens to downloads I make in an incognito tab?
Files you download in an incognito tab are saved to your computer normally and remain there after you close the incognito window. Only your browser's record of the download is deleted. The actual file stays on your device unless you manually delete it.
Can I stay logged into a website in an incognito tab?
Yes, you can log into websites in incognito mode and stay logged in while the tab is open. However, once you close the incognito window, your browser deletes the cookies that keep you logged in. The next time you open an incognito tab, you will need to log in again.