Opening an incognito tab is a keyboard shortcut or menu click away in every major browser

An incognito tab (called "Private" in Firefox and Safari) is a browsing mode that doesn't save your history, cookies, or login information once you close it. Each browser has a different name for the feature and a different way to open it, but the process takes seconds.

The fastest route is a keyboard shortcut. On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + N in Chrome, Edge, or Opera. On Mac, press Command + Shift + N. In Firefox on any system, use Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + P (Mac). Safari on Mac uses Command + Shift + N. If you forget the shortcut, you can also open it through the menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome, Edge, and Opera use Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on Mac to open an incognito tab.
  • Firefox uses Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Command + Shift + P on Mac to open a private window.
  • Safari on Mac opens a private window with Command + Shift + N.
  • Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, employer network, or the websites you visit — it only prevents your browser from storing local data.

Opening incognito in Chrome

In Chrome on Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + N. A new window opens with a dark theme and an incognito icon (a spy hat) in the top left corner. On Mac, use Command + Shift + N instead.

If you prefer the menu, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome, then select "New incognito window" from the dropdown. You can open as many incognito windows as you want, and each one is separate from your regular browsing and from other incognito windows.

Opening incognito in Firefox

Firefox calls this feature a "Private Window" rather than incognito. On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + P. On Mac, press Command + Shift + P. A new window opens with a purple mask icon in the top left.

Through the menu, click the three horizontal lines in the top right, then select "New Private Window." Firefox also lets you open a private tab within a regular window — press Ctrl + Shift + T on Windows/Linux or Command + Shift + T on Mac, then right-click the tab and choose "Reopen in New Private Window."

Opening incognito in Safari

Safari's private browsing mode is called "Private Browsing." On Mac, press Command + Shift + N to open a new private window. There is no private tab option in Safari — private browsing is a window-level setting, not a tab-level one.

You can also open it through the menu: click "File" at the top, then select "New Private Window." Safari's address bar turns dark when you are in private mode. On iPhone and iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the tab switcher, then tap "Private" in the bottom left corner.

Opening incognito in Edge

Microsoft Edge uses the same shortcut as Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on Mac. A new window opens with an incognito icon (a spy hat) in the top left corner.

Through the menu, click the three dots in the top right, then select "New InPrivate window." Edge also lets you open an InPrivate tab within a regular window — right-click any tab and choose "Open link in new InPrivate tab."

What incognito mode does and does not do

Incognito mode prevents your browser from storing cookies, browsing history, and autofill data for that session. When you close an incognito window or tab, that data is deleted. You will not see those websites in your browser history, and you will not stay logged into accounts unless you log in again in that same window.

Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, your employer's network, or the websites you visit. Those entities can still see what you are doing. It also does not prevent malware from infecting your computer or stop websites from tracking you through other methods. It is a privacy tool for your local device, not a tool for hiding your activity from the internet.

Common reasons to use incognito mode

People use incognito mode to shop for gifts without their browser suggesting related products later, to log into multiple accounts on the same website at once (one in incognito, one in regular mode), or to test how a website looks to someone who is not logged in. It is also useful when using a shared computer, since closing the window leaves no trace of your browsing on that device.

Some people use it to avoid targeted ads based on their browsing history, though this is only partially effective — websites can still track you through other methods. Others use it to prevent their internet service provider from seeing their browsing history, but that requires a VPN in addition to incognito mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does incognito mode hide me from websites I visit?

No. Websites can still see your IP address, what you click on, and what you type into their forms. Incognito mode only prevents your browser from storing that data locally. If you want to hide your IP address from websites, you need a VPN in addition to incognito mode.

Can my employer see what I do in incognito mode on a work computer?

Yes. Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your employer's network. Your company's network monitoring tools can see all traffic, regardless of whether you are in incognito mode. Incognito only hides data from your browser itself.

Will incognito mode stop websites from tracking me?

Partially. Incognito mode blocks cookies and local storage, which are common tracking methods. However, websites can track you through other means, such as your IP address or fingerprinting techniques. For stronger privacy, use a VPN and a browser with built-in tracking protection.

Can I save files while in incognito mode?

Yes. Files you download in incognito mode are saved to your computer normally. Only your browsing history and cookies are deleted when you close the window. The downloaded files remain on your device.

What happens if I close an incognito window by accident?

Everything from that window is deleted — history, cookies, and login sessions. You cannot recover it. If you want to keep something from an incognito session, you need to save it manually (like copying text or downloading a file) before closing the window.