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Opening an incognito window feels like you’re entering a private room on the Internet. Your browser goes dark and murky, and suddenly, it’s as if no one can see what you’re doing online.
This is only partly true.
When you close a private browser window, such as Chrome’s incognito mode, your web browser doesn’t keep a record of the websites you’ve visited. It also removes cookies and site data created during that private browsing session. This makes private browsing useful when you’re using someone else’s computer or searching for something you’d rather not have in your search history.
But private browsing is not an invisible cloak. 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 more comprehensive than it actually is. Here’s what private browsing actually hides, who might still be able to see your activity, when opening a private window is really useful and how to use private browsing across your favorite web browsers.
What does incognito mode actually hide?
Incognito mode prevents your browser from keeping a local history of your browsing session after closing each private window.
This means that the websites you visit will not appear in your browser history. Cookies and other site data created during the session are also removed, meaning websites don’t have to remember that you’re signed in or retain other information from your visit the next time you open a regular browser window. Information you enter into forms, such as your search query or address, won’t be saved for autocomplete either.
Exact details vary slightly by browser. Google Chrome calls the incognito mode feature. Safari and Firefox call it “private browsing,” while Microsoft Edge calls it “private browsing.” All four are primarily designed to limit the information stored locally on your device.
There are some important exceptions. Any files you download will remain on your computer after you close the private window, so others will be able to find them, even if they no longer appear in your browser’s download history. The bookmarks or favorites you saved will also remain.
Also make sure to close each private window when you’re finished. Your browser may continue to retain information from the session until all windows are closed.
Always close your tabs after you’re done private browsing.
Can anyone see your incognito browser history?
The answer depends on who is looking.
Someone else is using your computer
If you close each private window, anyone else using your computer will no longer be able to open your browser history and see which websites you have visited. They may still be able to find files you’ve downloaded or bookmarks you’ve saved. And if you leave a private window open, they may also 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 know that you visited them. Private browsing does not prevent a website from collecting information about your activity while you are there. Logging into accounts also makes this activity particularly visible. If you’re logged into your Amazon, Instagram, or Google account inside a private window, that service will still know 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 protections in their browsing modes. These protections can reduce some of the data collected, but they do not make your activity invisible.
Your internet provider
Your ISP may still be able to see information about the websites you visit. Private browsing only changes what your browser stores on your device. When a website uses HTTPS, the service provider generally cannot read the contents of the page or see what you are doing on it. But private browsing doesn’t add this encryption or hide your activity from your service provider.
Employer or school
Your workplace or school may also be able to monitor your browsing activity if you use their network or a device they manage. Opening an incognito window does not bypass network monitoring tools, and will not protect you from monitoring software installed on your computer or phone.
Google and other companies whose services appear on websites
Also, opening an incognito window does not necessarily prevent information from reaching companies whose tools are embedded on the websites you visit. Google says Websites whose services you use may share information about your activity with the Company, including for advertising purposes, even when you browse 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 who used private browsing modes through analytics tools, cookies, and apps. In 2024, Google agreed to destroy billions of data recordsUpdate 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 determine which Internet connection you are using.
A Virtual private network It can hide your original IP address by routing your internet traffic through a VPN server. Websites will generally see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your own. A VPN can also mask traffic originating from your Internet provider and the owner of the local network, such as a hotel or café.
but, It doesn’t make you anonymous. Websites may still be able to 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 when your goal is to leave less information on the device. You may want to open a special window when:
- Use a shared or public computer.
- Shopping for a surprise gift.
- Find something you don’t want stored in your browser history.
- Log in to a second account without logging out of the first account.
- Try to prevent one-time searches from cluttering your browsing history.
Private browsing is less useful when your goal is to hide your online activity from a website, your ISP, or an organization that manages your network. It’s a home-grown privacy tool, not a tool to hide everything you do online.
When you’re in incognito mode on Chrome, sites can’t see third-party cookies, preventing cross-site tracking and targeted advertising.
How to open an incognito or private browsing window
The name changes depending on which browser you’re using, but the feature works similarly across each browser.
Google Chrome
Click Three-point list in the upper-right corner, then select New incognito window. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + N On Windows or Command+Shift+N On a Mac.
Safari
On a Mac, click file in the menu bar and select New private window. You can also use Command+Shift+N.
Mozilla Firefox
Click Three-line list In the upper right corner and select New private window. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + P On Windows or Command + Shift + P On a Mac.
Microsoft Edge
Click Three-point list In the upper right corner and select New InPrivate window. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + N On Windows or Command+Shift+N On a Mac.
