Incognito mode stops your browser from storing your search history, cookies, and site data on your device
When you use incognito mode (also called private browsing), your browser does not save the websites you visit, the searches you type, passwords you enter, or files you download. The moment you close the incognito window, that record disappears. This is useful when you share a device, use a public computer, or simply do not want your local browsing history recorded.
Incognito mode works differently depending on which browser you use. The steps are quick — usually a keyboard shortcut or a menu click — but the name and exact location change from Chrome to Firefox to Safari to Edge. This guide walks you through each one.
Key Takeaways
- Incognito mode prevents your browser from saving your search history, cookies, passwords, and downloaded files on your device.
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all offer private browsing, but the keyboard shortcuts and menu locations differ.
- Incognito mode only hides your activity from your device — your internet service provider and the websites you visit can still see your traffic.
- Closing the incognito window deletes all browsing data from that session automatically.
How to open incognito mode in Chrome
In Google Chrome, incognito mode is called Incognito. The fastest way to open it is to press Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on Mac. A new window will open with a spy icon in the top left corner and a message saying "You've gone incognito."
If you prefer the menu, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome, then select New incognito window. You can also right-click any link and choose Open link in incognito window to jump into private mode for a single page.
How to open private browsing in Firefox
Firefox calls its private mode Private Window. Open it with Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Command + Shift + P on Mac. A new window will appear with a purple mask icon, indicating you are in private mode.
You can also access it through the menu: click the three horizontal lines in the top right, then select New Private Window. Like Chrome, you can right-click a link and choose Open Link in New Private Window to browse privately without opening a new window first.
How to open private browsing in Safari
Safari uses the term Private Browsing. There is no keyboard shortcut by default, so use the menu instead: click File at the top, then select New Private Window. A new Safari window will open with a dark address bar, showing you are in private mode.
If you want a keyboard shortcut, you can create one through System Settings. Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts, click the plus button, select Safari, type "New Private Window" exactly as it appears in the menu, and assign your own shortcut.
How to open InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge calls private mode InPrivate. Open it with Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Command + Shift + P on Mac. A new window will open with a blue icon and the label "InPrivate" in the address bar.
You can also click the three dots in the top right corner and select New InPrivate window. Right-clicking a link and choosing Open link in InPrivate window works here too.
What incognito mode does and does not hide
Incognito mode hides your browsing activity from anyone else who uses your device. It prevents your browser from storing cookies (which track your activity across sites), autofill data, passwords, and your search and page history. When you close the window, all of that data is deleted automatically.
Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, your employer's network administrator, or the websites you visit. Those parties can still see which sites you access and what you do on them. If you need to hide your traffic from your ISP or network, you would need a VPN (virtual private network), which is a separate tool. Incognito mode is designed to keep your device clean, not to make you anonymous online.
Common reasons to use incognito mode
People use incognito mode when they share a device with family members or roommates and do not want their browsing history visible to others. It is also useful on public computers at libraries or internet cafes, where you do not want to leave a record of your activity.
Some people use it to avoid targeted ads based on their browsing history, though this only works on that device — ads will still follow you on other devices. Others use it when shopping online to avoid price tracking, since some sites raise prices based on your browsing history. Incognito mode prevents cookies from being stored, so each visit looks like a fresh one to the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does incognito mode make me anonymous online?
No. Incognito mode only hides your browsing history from your device. Your internet service provider, the websites you visit, and anyone monitoring your network can still see your traffic. For true anonymity, you would need additional tools like a VPN or Tor browser.
Can my employer see what I do in incognito mode on a work computer?
Yes. Incognito mode does not hide your activity from network administrators or monitoring software installed on a work device. Your employer can still see which sites you visit and when, even if your local browser history is not saved.
Will incognito mode stop websites from tracking me?
Incognito mode prevents cookies from being stored on your device, which stops some tracking. However, websites can still track you through other methods like login accounts or fingerprinting. It reduces tracking on that device, but does not eliminate it entirely.
What happens to files I download in incognito mode?
Downloaded files are saved to your device normally and will remain there after you close the incognito window. Only your browsing history and cookies are deleted. If you download something in incognito mode, you are responsible for managing or deleting that file yourself.
Can I set my browser to always open in incognito mode?
Chrome and Edge allow this through settings. In Chrome, go to Settings > On startup and select Open a specific page or set of pages, then add pages you want to open. Firefox and Safari do not have a built-in option to always start in private mode, but you can manually open a private window each time.