To use incognito mode, which is a private browsing feature that doesn't save your browsing history or cookies after you close the window, follow these steps depending on the device and browser:
On Desktop (Google Chrome)
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three vertical dots in the upper right corner.
- Select "New Incognito Window" from the dropdown menu.
- Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows/Linux or Command + Shift + N on Mac.
- To exit incognito mode, simply close the incognito window.
On Mobile (Google Chrome)
- Open the Google Chrome app.
- Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select "New Incognito Tab."
- Close the incognito tab by tapping the tab icon (square with a number), then swipe the incognito tab away.
In Other Browsers
- Microsoft Edge calls it "InPrivate" mode, accessed similarly by clicking the three dots and choosing "New InPrivate Window" or using the same keyboard shortcut.
- Firefox calls it "Private Browsing," and Safari calls it "Private Browsing" as well, accessible from their menus or keyboard shortcuts.
Incognito mode helps keep your browsing private from others using the same device but does not make you invisible to websites, your internet provider, or your employer. Closing all incognito windows ends the private session and clears temporary data like cookies and history stored during browsing in that mode.
