What Is Incognito (Private) Browsing Mode?

Incognito mode—also called Private Browsing—is a special browser mode designed to limit what is saved locally on your device during a browsing session.

When you use incognito mode, your browser generally does not store:

• Browsing history

• Search history

• Cookies (after the session ends)

• Form data or autofill entries

Incognito mode is commonly used for:

• Logging into multiple accounts at once

• Troubleshooting website or login issues

• Preventing saved sessions or cached data

• Temporary browsing on shared or public computers

• Testing websites without cached content or cookies

⚠️ Important: Incognito mode does not make you anonymous online. Your internet provider, employer network, firewall, or the website itself can still see your activity. It only affects what is stored locally on your device.

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Google Chrome: Incognito Mode

How to Open Incognito Mode (Desktop)

Windows 11

• Keyboard Shortcut:
  Ctrl + Shift + N

macOS

• Keyboard Shortcut:
  Command (⌘) + Shift + N

Menu Method

Open Chrome

1. Click the three-dot menu

2. Select New Incognito Window

A dark window with the Incognito icon confirms you are browsing privately.

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Mozilla Firefox: Private Browsing Mode

How to Open Private Browsing (Desktop)

Windows 11

• Keyboard Shortcut:
  Ctrl + Shift + P

macOS

• Keyboard Shortcut:
  Command (⌘) + Shift + P

Menu Method

1. Open Firefox

2. Click the menu (☰)

3. Select New Private Window

Firefox private windows include additional tracking protection by default.

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Apple Safari: Private Browsing Mode

Safari on macOS (Desktop)

macOS

• Keyboard Shortcut:
  Command (⌘) + Shift + N

Menu Method

1. Open Safari

2. Click File

3. Select New Private Window

A dark address bar indicates Private Browsing is active.

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Safari on iPhone & iPad (iOS)

How to Open Private Browsing on Apple Phones

1. Open Safari

2. Tap the Tabs icon (two overlapping squares)

3. Tap Private

4. Tap + to open a new private tab

Quick Shortcut (iOS 15+)

• Long-press the Safari app icon

• Tap New Private Tab

Private tabs use a dark interface and are isolated from normal browsing sessions.

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What Incognito Mode Does Not Do

Despite common misconceptions, incognito mode does not:

• Hide your IP address

• Encrypt traffic

• Bypass firewalls or content filters

• Prevent websites from tracking you during the session

• Replace a VPN or secure network

For higher privacy, incognito mode is often combined with:

• VPN services

• Secure DNS

• Privacy-focused browsers or extensions

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When Should You Use Incognito Mode?

Incognito mode is ideal for:

• Website testing and debugging

• Signing into multiple accounts

• Avoiding cached login conflicts

• Temporary access on shared devices

• Isolating sessions for troubleshooting

It is not intended for full anonymity or security-sensitive activities.

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Summary

Incognito (Private) browsing is a powerful everyday tool for cleaner, temporary browsing sessions across Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. While it doesn’t make you invisible online, it is invaluable for troubleshooting, testing, and protecting local privacy—especially when switching accounts or diagnosing login issues.

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