Opening an incognito window feels like entering a private room on the Internet. Your browser becomes dark and mysterious, and suddenly, it’s like no one can see what you’re doing online.
That is partly true.
When you close an incognito browser window, such as Chrome’s Incognito mode, your web browser doesn’t keep a record of the websites you’ve visited. It also deletes cookies and site data created during that private browsing session. That makes private browsing useful when you’re using someone else’s computer or looking for something you’d rather not find in your search history.
But private browsing is not an invisible cloak. The websites you visit may still be able to see some of your activity. So does your Internet service provider or the organization that manages your network, such as your employer or school.
In short, “private browsing” sounds broader than it really is. Here’s what private browsing hides, you may still not be able to see your work, when you open a private window it’s really useful and how you can use private browsing in all your favorite web browsers.
What exactly is Incognito mode?
Incognito mode prevents your browser from keeping a local record of your browsing time after you close all incognito windows.
That means the websites you visit will not appear in your browser history. Cookies and other site data created during the session are also deleted, meaning websites don’t have to remember that you’re signed in or save other information from your visit the next time you open a standard browser window. Information you enter in forms, such as a search query or address, will not be saved for auto-completion.
The exact details vary slightly by browser. Google Chrome calls the feature in Incognito mode. Safari and Firefox call it Private Browsing, while Microsoft Edge calls it InPrivate browsing. All four are primarily designed to limit the information stored locally on your device.
There are a few important exceptions. Any files you download will remain on your computer after you close the private window, so other people can find them, even if they are no longer visible in your browser’s download history. Bookmarks or favorites you save will also remain.
Also, make sure to close all privacy windows when you’re done. Your browser may continue to store information from the session until all windows are closed.
Always close your tabs after finishing private browsing.
Can someone see your Incognito browser history?
The answer depends on who is looking.
Someone is using your computer
If you close all privacy windows, someone else using your computer after that should not be able to open your browser history and see the websites you visited. They can still find files you’ve downloaded or bookmarks you’ve saved. And if you leave a private window open, they might even be able to access the tabs themselves or use the back button to see where you’ve been.
The websites you visit
Websites can still see that you have visited them. Private browsing does not prevent the website from collecting information about your activity while you are there. Also, logging into accounts makes that activity particularly visible. If you log into your Amazon, Instagram or Google account within a private window, that service knows how you use it.
Some browsers add protections that can limit certain types of tracking. Chrome blocks third-party cookies by default in Incognito mode, for example. Safari and Firefox also include tracking protection in their private browsing modes. That protection can limit the collection of certain data, but it does not make your activity invisible.
Your internet provider
Your internet provider can still see information about the websites you visit. Private browsing only changes what your browser has stored on your device. If a website uses the HTTPS connection protocol, your provider usually cannot read the content of the page or see what you are doing on it. But private browsing does not encrypt or hide your activity from your provider.
Your employer or school
A workplace or school may also be able to see your browsing activity when you use their network or a device they host. Opening an Incognito window does not bypass network monitoring tools, nor will it protect you from monitoring software installed on your computer or phone.
Google and other companies whose services appear on websites
Opening an Incognito window also does not prevent information from accessing companies whose tools are embedded in the websites you visit. Google says websites that use its services may share information about your activity with the company, including for advertising purposes, even if you’re browsing in Incognito mode.
This was actually the subject of a lawsuit filed against Google in 2020. The lawsuit alleged that Google continued to collect information from people using private browsing methods through analytics tools, cookies and apps. By 2024, Google agreed to destroy billions of data records, revise its disclosures and make changes aimed at limiting the collection of certain data.
Does Incognito mode hide your IP address?
No, Incognito mode does not hide your IP address, which can be used to estimate your general location and identify the Internet connection you are using.
A virtual private network can mask your real IP address by routing your internet traffic through a VPN server. Websites will usually see the VPN server’s IP address instead of yours. A VPN can also hide your outgoing traffic from your internet provider and local network operator, such as a hotel or coffee shop.
However, it does not make you anonymous. Websites can still identify you through your account, cookies, tracking tools or information you voluntarily provide.
Use a VPN if you want to hide your IP address.
When should you use Incognito mode?
Private browsing is useful if your goal is to leave little information behind on the device. You may want to open a private window if:
- Using a shared or public computer.
- Buying a wonderful gift.
- You’re looking at something you don’t want stored in your browser history.
- Logging in to a second account without logging out of the first.
- It tries to keep one search from hiding your browsing history.
Private browsing isn’t very useful if your goal is to hide your online activity from a website, your internet provider or your network operator. It’s a local privacy tool, not a tool to hide everything you do online.
When you’re in Incognito mode in Chrome, sites can’t see third-party cookies, which prevents cross-site tracking and targeted advertising.
How to open an Incognito or private browsing window
The name changes depending on your browser, but the feature works the same for all of them.
Google Chrome
Click on three dot menu in the upper right corner and select A new Incognito window. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on the Mac.
Safari
On a Mac, click File in the menu bar and select A new private window. You can also use Command + Shift + N.
Mozilla Firefox
Click on three-line menu in the upper right corner and select A new private window. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + P on Windows or Command + Shift + P on the Mac.
Microsoft Edge
Click on three dot menu in the upper right corner and select A new InPrivate window. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Command + Shift + N on the Mac.
