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How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPhone, iPad & Mac

How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPhone

3. Tap Done or the “+” button to open a new private tab in Safari. 

How to Exit Incognito Mode in Safari on iPhone

2. Tap [numbers] Tab to exit private browsing mode in Safari on iPhone.

How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPad

3. You will know that you’re browsing privately in Safari as the address bar will turn dark or black, and the buttons also turn black (instead of blue).

How to Exit Incognito Mode in Safari on iPad

How to Go Incognito in Safari on Mac

1. Open Safari and click on File in the menu bar at the top.

How to Make Incognito the Default Mode in Safari

If you are a privacy-concious user, you can choose to always start Safari in incognito mode for private browsing. When you do this, Safari is going to open a private window by default on your Mac. Here’s what you need to do:

How to Exit Private Browsing in Safari on Mac

Frequently Asked Questions

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Privacy Protection: Ensuring the privacy of our online activities is of utmost importance. Opting for Utopia P2P web proxy as a private browsing solution is the best decision due to its advanced features and decentralized network, which provide comprehensive privacy protection.

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How-To Geek

How to use safari private browsing on an iphone or ipad.

Browse the web without leaving a local record on your iPhone or iPad with Private Browsing mode. Here's how to use it.

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What is private browsing mode, how to use private browsing mode on iphone, how to use private browsing mode on ipad.

Sometimes, you'd like to check a website without leaving a record of it on your iPhone or iPad. Luckily, Safari includes a Private Browsing mode just for this purpose. Here's how to use it.

While using Private Browsing mode on your iPhone or iPad, Safari will not save your your browsing history, AutoFill form information, changes to cookies, and recent searches when you close each Private Browsing window.

However, Private Browsing mode does not protect your browsing history from the host of your network (such as your business or school), your ISP, or websites that might use your IP address to track you across sites .

Related: The Many Ways Websites Track You Online

First, open Safari. If you don't see the toolbar at bottom of the screen, tap once to reveal it. Then tap the "New Window" button. It looks like two squares overlapping each other.

You'll see a window management screen with a list of thumbnails representing all your open browser windows. On this screen, tap the "Private" button in the lower -left corner.

Private Browsing Mode is now enabled. Tap on the plus (+) button at the bottom of the screen to open a new Private window.

From there, you can type in any address you want in the bar at the top or navigate by tapping on your favorites. In Private mode, you can use Safari as you usual, but it won't keep a local record of what you're doing.

When you're done and want to exit Private Browsing mode, tap the "New Window" button again, then tap the "Private" button in the lower-left corner. You will switch back to non-Private mode.

Keep in mind that switching back does not close your Private Browsing windows. To get rid of your Private Browsing windows, you will need to enable Private Browsing mode again and click the "X" on the upper left corner of each window thumbnail until they all disappear.

Private browsing on the iPad works the same as on the iPhone, but the buttons that enable it are in different locations on the screen. To activate Private Browsing, first launch Safari. If you don't see the toolbar at the top of the screen, tap anywhere once to reveal it. Then tap on the "New Window" button in the upper-right corner.

On Safari's window management screen, tap the "Private" button in the upper-right corner.

After Private Mode is enabled, tap the plus (+) button in the toolbar to add a new window. From there, you can operate Safari as usual.

If you want to exit Private Browsing on an iPad, just tap the new button window again (the two overlapping rectangles) and tap "Private."

But be aware: if you just switch out of Private mode, Safari will keep your Private windows open in the background until you launch Private Browsing mode again. If you want to get rid of all of your Private Browsing windows, switch back to Private mode, tap the New Window button, and close each window with the small "X" in the corner of each thumbnail. Happy browsing!

How to Go Incognito on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

In this article you will find the following:

When looking to stop websites from tracking you, activating incognito mode on Safari is a popular starting point. Sites won’t be able to use cookies to learn more about you, and you can also avoid having data you fill in forms being stored.

In addition to your Mac, you can go incognito on your iPhone and iPad. You can use third-party solutions to add extra protection, but we’ll largely discuss how to browse privately below.  

Before we begin   Besides using incognito mode, you can maximize your online security by security tools and a VPN. MacKeeper offers a VPN to keep your data private, and you can use its antivirus and adware cleaner tools when you download MacKeeper .  

How to Go Incognito on Mac  

Incognito mode on Safari is easy to activate on a Mac, and you can use more than one method to do so. Holding the Shift , Command , and N keys simultaneously is the simplest way to open a new window.  

Alternatively, you can launch Safari and follow the instructions listed below to open a private Safari window on your Mac.

1. Go to File in the top left-hand corner

2. Click on New Private Window

Once you’ve carried out the two above actions, you will see a new incognito window appear separate from the one you’ve already got open. You can easily identify private browsers on a Mac by the black web address bar and message appearing at the top of your screen.  

How to Exit Private Browsing Mode on Mac

Despite the benefits of incognito mode on Mac, you might want to return to a normal web browser. If you haven’t set private browsing as the default, you can simply close the incognito window.  

Another alternative is to follow the instructions below.  

1. When on the private browsing Safari window, go to File in the top left of your toolbar

2. Go to New Window

Once you’ve selected the New Window option, you can browse as normal on Safari.

To continue browsing on a specific website, you’ll need to copy and paste the address from your private browser. As such, you should wait until you’ve opened the non-private browser before closing that particular window.  

How to Go Incognito on Chrome on Mac  

Having read this far, you know how to open a private browser on your Mac via Safari. However, Safari isn’t the only Mac browser with incognito capabilities. If you use Google Chrome, you can similarly surf the web using incognito mode.  

Follow the steps listed below to activate incognito mode in Chrome on Mac.  

1. Go to the three vertical dots icon on the right-hand side of your browser  

2. When the dropdown menu appears, select New Incognito Window  

When you choose to open a new incognito window on Chrome, you will notice that your browser is black. On the start page, you can also choose whether you want to block third-party cookies or not. Toggle the option on or off depending on your preferences.  

• How to Go Incognito in Safari on an iPhone

What is incognito mode on iPhone, we hear you ask?  

The mode is identical to Safari on your Mac . When activated, you'll enjoy all the same benefits as you would on your computer – such as not having cookies track your activity.  

If you want to use incognito mode on your iPhone, activating it is straightforward. The steps differ compared to if you did on a Mac.

1. Open Safari on your device and go to the two overlapping squares icon in the bottom right  

2. Select the Start Page tab at the bottom of the next window  

3. When the list of options appears, tap on the Private tab

4. Hit Done on the next window  

When you activate private mode on Safari on your iPhone, your web address bar will go black. At the top, you will see a message noting that you're now using incognito browsing.  

How to Exit Incognito Browsing on Safari on iPhone  

If you later want to stop browsing in private mode on your iPhone, you don't need to do too much. Follow the instructions below to achieve your desired result.

1. Go to the two squares icon and click on it  

2. Close the window you're currently browsing in by hitting the x symbol

3. Go to the Private tab at the bottom of your screen  

4. After expanding, click on Start Page  

You should see non-private browsing mode appear straight after following these steps.  

How to Make Incognito Default Mode on Your Phone (iOS)

You can't make incognito the default mode on Safari for iOS, but you can stop cookies from tracking you – even if you don't use private browsing. To do that, follow the instructions below.  

1. Open Settings and go to Safari  

2. Scroll down to Privacy & Security

3. Toggle the Block All Cookies option on  

As you can see above, you can also hide your IP address in a separate tab. Above Block All Cookies , you'll see a tab titled Hide IP Address . Open this and select From Trackers .  

At the top of the Privacy & Security section, you can also turn on the Prevent Cross-Site Tracking feature .

• How to Access Incognito Mode on an iPad

If you want to use incognito mode on your iPad, the steps are similar to doing so on an iPhone. To open your device's private browsing window on Safari, follow the steps listed beneath this paragraph.  

1. Open Safari on your iPad and go to the four squares icon in the top right  

2. Go to the Start Page tab and tap on it to expand the dropdown menu

3. Select Private  

4. Click Done in the top right-hand corner  

When you've followed these instructions, your iPad will open a private browsing window on Safari. You can close your incognito tabs to exit private browsing mode and go to the Private option. From there, select Start Page.  

How Confidential Is Private Browsing on a Mac or iPhone?  

While incognito offers more privacy than ordinary browsing on your device, many users commonly believe they're completely anonymous. If you want to hide cookies and delete your login details after using a website, private browsing will offer you an ideal layer of protection.

However, using private browsing does not mean that your internet service provider (ISP) cannot see what you do. And if you're at work, your employer might still have access to the websites you visit while on the company's Wi-Fi network. The same goes for educational institutions.

You should also note that if location settings are switched on, browsing incognito will not stop others from seeing where you are. Moreover, others can still see your IP address.

If you want more confidentiality when browsing online, you should strongly consider using a VPN. VPNs will mask your IP address, meaning that ISPs and advertisers will have a harder time detecting you. When you download MacKeeper ’s VPN, for example, offers you both of these – plus encryption for online payments and protection for your Wi-Fi data.  

Going Incognito Is Easy Across All Apple Devices  

Having read to the end of this article, you now know how to open an incognito tab on Mac using Safari and Chrome. You also know how to do likewise with your iPhone or iPad.

But while incognito can offer basic protection, it's not the same as having a full-scale privacy app. Moreover, it doesn't stop viruses or spyware. If you use MacKeeper, however, you can access a VPN and various antivirus tools.

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• How to Go Incognito on Mac  
• How Confidential Is Private Browsing on a Mac or iPhone?  
• Going Incognito Is Easy Across All Apple Devices  

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How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari and Opera

Incognito mode doesn't block or mask your IP address but it does prevent a browser from recording session data

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Turn on Incognito Mode in Google Chrome
• Use InPrivate Browsing in MS Edge
• Turn on Private Browsing in Firefox
• Enter Incognito Browsing in Apple Safari
• Open a Private Window in Opera
• Frequently Asked Questions

This article explains how to turn on incognito mode for private browsing in the five most popular browsers.

Incognito mode prevents a browser from recording session data but it doesn't block or mask your IP address. To do that, you need to use a VPN, a proxy server, or the Tor Browser.

How to Turn on Incognito Mode in Google Chrome

While surfing the web incognito in Google Chrome, the browser doesn't save your history or other private data. To open a private browsing session in Chrome, follow these steps:

Select the Chrome Menu (three vertical dots) from the upper-right corner and then select New Incognito Window .

Alternatively, from the Chrome menu, select File > New Incognito Window . Or, press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac).

A window opens, explaining the Chrome Incognito mode.

To open a link in an Incognito window, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac), and then select  Open Link in Incognito Window .

To exit Incognito mode, close the browser window or tabs.

To activate Chrome Incognito Mode on an iOS device , tap Menu > New Incognito Tab . On an Android device, tap More > New Incognito Tab .

How to Use InPrivate Browsing in Microsoft Edge

The Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10 allows incognito browsing through the InPrivate Browsing function.

Open the Edge browser and select the More Actions menu (three dots).

Select New InPrivate Window .

On a Windows computer, use the Ctrl + Shift + P keyboard shortcut to enter an InPrivate Browsing window quickly.

A window opens, explaining the Edge InPrivate Browsing mode.

To open a link in the Edge InPrivate Browsing mode, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac) and select Open in InPrivate Window .

To enter InPrivate Browsing mode in Edge on an iOS or Android device, select the Tabs icon and then tap InPrivate .

How to Turn on Private Browsing in Firefox

Incognito browsing in Mozilla Firefox is called Private Browsing mode. Here's how to activate the feature:

Select the Firefox Menu (three vertical lines), and then choose New Private Window .

A Firefox private browsing window opens.

To quickly open a Firefox Private Browsing window, press Shift + Command + P on a Mac or Control + Shift + P on a Windows PC.

To open a link in Private Browsing mode, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac), then choose Open Link in New Private Window .

To enter Firefox Private Browsing mode on an iOS device, tap the Tabs icon at the bottom of the screen, and then tap the Mask icon. On an Android device, tap the Mask icon at the top of the screen.

How to Enter Incognito Browsing in Apple Safari

Safari is the default browser for macOS. Here's how to enter the Safari Private Browsing mode:

Open Safari on a Mac.

From the menu bar, select File > New Private Window .

Press Shift + Command + N to quickly open a private browsing window.

A window opens with a darker search bar and a message that Private Browsing is enabled.

To open a link in a private window in Safari on a Mac, hold the Option key and right-click the link (or hold the Control and Option keys and select the link), then choose Open Link in New Private Window .

How to Open a Private Window in Opera

The Opera web browser's incognito mode is called Private mode. Here's how it works:

Open Opera on a PC or Mac.

To quickly open a private window in Opera, press Ctrl + Shift + N on a Windows PC or Command + Shift + N on a Mac.

A window that explains Opera's Private mode appears.

To open a link in Private mode in Opera, right-click it (or press Control + Click on a Mac) and select Open in New Private Window .

To enter Private mode in the Opera iOS mobile browser, tap the More (three horizontal lines) menu and select Private Mode .

Private browsing prevents other users from seeing your internet history. It also blocks websites from tracking your online activity with cookies . Therefore, you're unlikely to see online ads related to websites you visit during private browsing sessions.

You can lock apps on Android with your device's security code or use a third-party app. You can also set up Android parental controls to childproof your device.

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How to go incognito in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

While incognito mode in any of the big four web browsers offers a measure of privacy, it doesn’t completely hide your tracks online. here’s how the feature works in each browser, and how to use it..

Private browsing. Incognito . Privacy mode.

Web browser functions like those trace their roots back more than a decade, and the feature — first found in a top browser in 2005 — spread quickly as one copied another, made tweaks and minor improvements.

But privacy-promising labels can be treacherous. Simply put, going “ incognito ” is as effective in guarding online privacy as witchcraft is in warding off a common cold.

That’s because private browsing is intended to wipe local traces of where you’ve been, what you’ve searched for, the contents of forms you’ve filled. It’s meant to hide, and not always conclusively at that, your tracks from others with access to the personal computer. That’s it.

How to keep web browsing private

Google chrome’s incognito mode, microsoft edge’s private browsing, mozilla firefox’s private browsing mode, apple’s safari private windows.

At their most basic, these features promise that they won’t record visited sites to the browsing history, save cookies that show you’ve been to and logged into sites, or remember credentials like passwords used during sessions. But your traipses through the web are still traceable by Internet providers – and the authorities who serve subpoenas to those entities – employers who control the company network and advertisers who follow your every footstep.

To end that cognitive dissonance, most browsers have added more advanced privacy tools , generically known as “anti-trackers,” which block various kinds of bite-sized chunks of code that advertisers and websites use to trace where people go in attempts to compile digital dossiers or serve targeted advertisements.

Although it might seem reasonable that a browser’s end game would be to craft a system that blends incognito modes with anti-tracking, it’s highly unlikely. Using either private browsing or anti-tracking carries a cost: site passwords aren’t saved for the next visit or sites break under the tracker scrubbing. Nor are those costs equal. It’s much easier to turn on some level of anti-tracking by default than it would be to do the same for private sessions, as evidenced by the number of browsers that do the former without complaint while none do the latter.

Private browsing will, by necessity, always be a niche, as long as sites rely on cookies for mundane things like log-ins and cart contents.

But the mode remains a useful tool whenever the browser — and the computer it’s on — are shared. To prove that, we’ve assembled instructions and insights on using the incognito features — and anti-tracking tools — offered by the top four browsers: Google Chrome , Microsoft’s Chromium-based Edge , Mozilla’s Firefox and Apple’s Safari.

How to go incognito in Google Chrome

Although incognito may be a synonym to some users for any browser’s private mode, Google gets credit for grabbing the word as the feature’s snappiest name when it launched the tool in late 2008, just months after Chrome debuted.

The easiest way to open an Incognito window is with the keyboard shortcut combination Ctrl-Shift-N (Windows) or Command-Shift-N (macOS).

Another way is to click on the menu on the upper right – it’s the three vertical dots – and select New Incognito Window from the list.

Open a new Incognito window in Chrome using keyboard shortcuts or from the menu (1) by choosing New Incognito window (2).

The new Incognito window can be recognized by the dark background and the stylized “spy” icon just to the left of the three-dots menu. Chrome also reminds users of just what Incognito does and doesn’t do each time a new window is opened. The message may get tiresome for regular Incognito users, but it may also save a job or reputation; it’s important that users remember Incognito doesn’t prevent ISPs, businesses, schools and organizations from knowing where customers, workers, students, and others went on the web or what they searched for.

Each time a new Incognito window is opened, Chrome reminds users what Incognito doesn’t save. As of Chrome 83, it also puts a toggle on the screen for blocking third-party cookies.

Incognito’s introductory screen also displays a toggle — it’s on by default — along with text that states third-party cookies will be blocked while in the privacy mode. Although cookies are never saved locally as long as the user stays in Incognito, websites have been able to track user movements from site to site while within Incognito . Such tracking might be used, for example, to display ads to a user visiting multiple sites in Incognito. This third-party cookie blocking, which halts such behavior, debuted in Chrome 83 in May 2020.

Google has been experimenting with new language on Chrome’s Incognito introductory page, but it’s yet to make it to the desktop browser. In the Canary build of Chrome on Android, however, the intro now outlines “What Incognito does” and “What Incognito doesn’t do,” to make the mode’s capabilities somewhat clearer to the user. (Some have speculated that the changes were made in reaction to a still-ongoing class-action lawsuit file in 2020 that alleged Google continued to track users’ online behavior and movements in Incognito.)

Once a tab in Incognito has been filled with a website, Chrome continues to remind users that they’re in Incognito by the dark background of the address bar and window title.

A link on an existing page can be opened directly into Incognito by right-clicking the link, then choosing Open Link in Incognito Window from the resulting menu.

What Incognito looks like after pulling up a website. Note the “spy” icon at the right of the address bar.

To close an Incognito window, shutter it like any other Chrome window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or the red dot in the upper left (macOS).

Pro tip: Google has been working on locking Incognito mode tabs on mobile devices — the tabs unlocked with built-in biometric features — so that others can’t get a look at the privacy mode’s content simply by picking up another’s phone or tablet. Google is currently rolling out this feature in Chrome 92 on iOS, and still testing it in preview builds of Chrome for Android. No word on whether desktop Chrome will get something similar.

How to privately browse in Microsoft Edge

borrowed the name of its private browsing mode, InPrivate, from Internet Explorer (IE), the finally-being-retired legacy browser. InPrivate appeared in IE in March 2009, about three months after Chrome’s Incognito and three months before Firefox’s privacy mode. When Edge was first released in 2015 and then relaunched as a clone of Chrome in January 2020, InPrivate was part of the package, too.

At the keyboard, the combination of Ctrl-Shift-N (Windows) or Command-Shift-N (macOS) opens an InPrivate window.

A slower way to get there is to click on the menu at the upper right — it’s three dots arranged horizontally — and choose New InPrivate Window from the menu.

Like other browser, Edge will take you incognito from the menu (1) when you pick New InPrivate window (2).

Edge does a more thorough job of explaining what its private browsing mode does and doesn’t do than any of its rivals, with on-screen paragraphs dedicated to describing what data the browser collects in InPrivate and how the strictest additional anti-tracking setting can be called on from within the mode. In addition, Edge 92 — the current version as of this writing — uses the more informal “What Incognito does” and “What Incognito doesn’t do” language on its InPrivate introductory screen, something desktop Chrome hasn’t yet gotten to.

Microsoft’s browser also well marks InPrivate when the mode is operating: a blue-colored oval marked “In Private” to the right of the address bar combines with a full-black screen to make sure users know where they’re at.

The white-on-blue oval at the upper right tells you Edge is in InPrivate mode.

It’s also possible to launch an InPrivate session by right-clicking a link within Edge and selecting Open in InPrivate Window . That option is grayed out when already in a private browsing session but using Open Link in New Tab does just that within the current InPrivate frame.

To end InPrivate browsing, simply shut the window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or click the red dot at the upper left (macOS).

Although Microsoft based the relaunched Edge on Chromium, the same open-source project that comes up with the code to power Chrome, the Redmond, Wash. company has integrated anti-tracking into its browser, something Chrome has yet to do. Dubbed “Tracking Prevention,” it works both in Edge’s standard and InPrivate modes.

To set Tracking Prevention, choose Settings from the three-ellipses menu at the right, then at the next page, pick Privacy, Search and Services . Choose one of the three options — Basic, Balanced or Strict — and make sure the toggle for Tracking prevention is in the “on” position. If you want InPrivate to always default to the harshest anti-tracking — not a bad idea — toggle Always use “Strict” tracking prevention when browsing InPrivate to “on.”

Toggle Always use Strict to the ‘on’ position and InPrivate will apply the most stringent anti-tracking even though Edge’s standard mode is set to, say, Balanced.

Pro tip: To open Edge with InPrivate — rather than first opening Edge in standard mode, then launching InPrivate — right-click the Edge icon in the Windows taskbar and select New InPrivate Window from the list. There is no similar one-step way to do this in macOS.

How to do private browsing in Mozilla Firefox

After Chrome trumpeted Incognito, browsers without something similar hustled to catch up. Mozilla added its take — dubbed Private Browsing — about six months after Google, in June 2009, with Firefox 3.5.

From the keyboard, a private browsing session can be called up using the combination Ctrl-Shift-P (Windows) or Command-Shift-P (macOS).

Alternately, a private window will open from the menu at the upper right of Firefox — three short horizontal lines — after selecting New private window .

Opening a private browsing window is as simple as choosing New Private Window (2) from the Firefox menu (1).

A private session window is marked by the purple “mask” icon in the title bar of the Firefox frame. In Windows, the icon is to the left of the minimize/maximize/close buttons; on a Mac, the mask squats at the far right of the title bar. Unlike Chrome and Edge, Firefox does not color-code the top components of the browser window to signify the user is in privacy mode.

Like other browsers, Firefox warns users that private browsing is no cure-all for privacy ills but is limited in what it blocks from being saved during a session. “While this doesn’t make you anonymous to websites or your internet service provider, it makes it easier to keep what you do online private from anyone else who uses this computer,” the caution reads.

Firefox reminds users that while a private session doesn’t save searches or browsing histories, it doesn’t cloak them in complete anonymity.

(Firefox also uses the Private Browsing introductory screen to shill the Mozilla VPN service, a $5 to $10 per month virtual private network that can, like other VPNs, hide your actual IP address from destination servers.)

A link can be opened into a Firefox Private Window by right-clicking the link, then choosing Open Link in New Private Window from the menu.

To close a Private Window, shut it down just as one would any Firefox window by clicking the X in the upper right corner (Windows) or the red dot in the upper left (macOS).

Notable is that Firefox’s private browsing mode is accompanied by the browser’s superb “Enhanced Tracking Protection,” a suite of tracker blocking tools that stymie all sorts of ad-and-site methods for identifying users, then watching and recording their online behavior. While the earliest version of this was offered only inside Private Windows, the expanded technologies also work within standard mode.

Because Enhanced Tracking Protection is enabled by default within Firefox, it doesn’t matter which of its settings — Standard, Strict or Custom — is selected as far as private browsing goes; everything that can be blocked will be blocked.

The shield appears in the address bar to note what trackers were blocked by Firefox in a Private Window. Clicking on the icon brings up an accounting of what was barred.

Pro tip: As of Firefox 91, Private Browsing sessions take place over the more secure HTTPS, not the once-standard HTTP protocol. Users don’t need to do anything: The new HTTPS-only policy is on by default. (If the destination site doesn’t support HTPPS, Firefox will recognize this and go into fallback mode, connecting via HTTP instead.)

How to browse privately using Apple’s Safari

Chrome may get far more attention for its Incognito than any other browser — no surprise, since it’s by far the most popular browser on the planet — but Apple’s Safari was actually the first to introduce private browsing. The term private browsing was first bandied in 2005 to describe Safari 2.0 features that limited what was saved by the browser.

Side note: Early in private browsing, the label porn mode was often used as a synonym to describe what many writers and reporters assumed was the primary application of the feature. The term has fallen out of favor.

To open what Safari calls a Private Window on a Mac, users can do a three-key combination of Command-Shift-N , the same shortcut Chrome adopted. Otherwise, a window can be called up by selecting the File menu and clicking on New Private Window.

From the File menu (1), New Private Window (2) gets you started.

Safari tags each Private Window by darkening the address bar. It also issues a reminder of what it does — or more accurately — what it doesn’t do. “Safari will keep your browsing history private for all tabs of this window. After you close this window, Safari won’t remember the pages you visited, your search history or your AutoFill information,” the top-of-the-page note reads. The warning is more terse than those of other browsers and omits cautions about still-visible online activity.

The darkened address bar up at the top is the signal that this Safari window is for private browsing.

Like Firefox, Safari automatically engages additional privacy technologies, whether the user browses in standard or private mode. Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Protection (ITP), which kicked off in 2017 and has been repeatedly upgraded since, now blocks all third-party cookies, among other components advertisers and services use to track people as they bounce from one site to another. ITP is controlled by a single on-off switch — on is the default — found in Preferences under the Privacy icon. If the Website tracking: box is checked to mark Prevent cross-site tracking , ITP is on.

Switching on cross-site tracking enables Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Protection, which blocks a wide variety of bits advertisers try to use to follow you around the web while you’re using a Private Window

A link can be opened directly to a Private Window by right-clicking, then selecting Open Link in New Private Window . Close a Private Window just as any Safari window, by clicking the red dot in the upper left corner of the browser frame.

Pro tip: Once in a Safari Private Window, opening a new tab — either by clicking the + icon at the upper right or by using the Command-T key combo — omits the Private Browsing Enabled notice. (The darkened address bar remains as the sole indicator of a private browsing session.) Other browsers, such as Firefox, repeat their cautionary messages each time a tab is opened in an incognito session.

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Gregg Keizer covers Windows, Office, Apple/enterprise, web browsers, and web apps for Computerworld.

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How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPhone, iPad & Mac

In Safari on Apple gadgets, they call the incognito mode “Private Browsing.” It’s like your secret pass to surf the internet without leaving any trace on your device. In Safari when you go incognito, it doesn’t save your recent searches, browsing history, or any other online shenanigans. Plus, websites can’t use cookies to keep tabs on you. When you’re done with incognito mode, Safari cleans the house by tossing out all the site cookies and data from that session.

Now, with the cool features of iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and iPadOS 17, Apple is kicking things up a notch. Safari now lets you lock Private tabs using your Face ID for some extra security. In this article, we’ll show you how you can use incognito mode on your Apple devices. Let’s jump in!

Steps to be on Incognito mode on your iPhone

Just switch on the Private browsing mode on Safari, If you want to privately browse using your iPhone. It’s a quick and easy process, ensuring that your search history won’t be tracked, and it will stop syncing your private sessions on iCloud. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• After you launch Safari, in the bottom right tap the Tabs icon.
• Tap on the number of tabs you have open to access Tab Groups. Then, select the Private option.

• Tapping either “Done” or the “+” button will open a private tab.
• Another faster method is to choose “New Private tab” when you press and hold Tab icon.

• Now you’ll notice an address bar that is darker instead of the usual white one in the incognito mode in Safari.

Now, start browsing privately and more freely on Safari using your iPhone.

Exiting Incognito Mode in Safari:

• Tap the Tabs icon in Safari, then select “Private” from the bottom-center.
• Tap on the number of tabs you have open to exit private browsing mode on your iPhone.

Note: This method doesn’t close the private tab but simply takes you out of private browsing mode.

Going Incognito in Safari:

The steps to enter Incognito mode in Safari on iPad are quite similar to those on the iPhone. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Launch Safari on your iPad and hold the Tabs icon.

• Tap “New Private Tab” to activate incognito mode on your iPad.

You can easily identify that you’re in private browsing mode in Safari when the address bar adopts a dark or black hue, accompanied by a switch in button color from blue to black.

Concluding your incognito session on Safari for iPad is a straightforward process. Here’s your guide:

• While browsing in Safari, locate and tap the Tabs button. Select “Private” to access the Tabs groups list.

• The final step involves tapping on the number of tabs you have open, gracefully exiting Safari’s Incognito mode on your iPad. If you fancy revisiting a familiar webpage or exploring a new one, go ahead and tap the “+” button. 

Just a heads up: when you use this method, it takes you from the sneaky private mode to regular browsing, but it won’t actually shut down those private tabs. If you want to close them, just hit the little red cross button in the top left corner of the screen.

Going Incognito in Safari on Mac:

Wanna go undercover in Safari on your Mac? Piece of cake! It’s just as simple as on your iPhone or iPad. Check it out:

• Open Safari and select  “File” up top.

• Pick “New Private Window,” and voila! Now you’ve got a special window just for your private browsing on your Mac.
• Or, if you’re into shortcuts, hit Command + Shift + N, and you’re incognito in a flash.

• Notice the dark Smart Search field with white text? That means you’re in incognito mode on Safari for your Mac.

Bonus tip: in your undercover window, If you open multiple tabs, Safari won’t spill the beans and share any data between those tabs. 

Making Incognito the Default Mode in Safari:

If you’re someone who values privacy, you can set Safari to always start in incognito mode for your private browsing needs. This way, Safari will automatically open a private window by default on your Mac. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Safari, then click on Safari in the menu bar, followed by “Preferences.”

• Under the General tab, locate the “Safari opens with” option and select “A new private window.”

• If you don’t find this option, head to the Apple menu, go to System Preferences, then navigate to Desktop & Dock. Turn on the “Close windows when quitting an application” option.

Exiting Private Browsing in Safari on Mac:

You have a couple of options if you want to exit Safari incognito mode:

Close the private window on Safari, and then open a regular window.

from the menu bar Select “File” and choose “New Window,” or you can even use the Command + N shortcut on your keyword. This will switch you back to normal mode on your browser.

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How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Going incognito in Safari on your iPhone is a piece of cake! All you have to do is open Safari, tap on the tabs button, then tap on “Private” to switch to incognito mode. This hides your browsing history from others who might use your device. Now, let’s dive into the details.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Go Incognito in Safari on iPhone

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what going incognito means. It means your browsing history won’t be saved, and the websites you visit won’t be able to track you as easily. Handy, right? Let’s get started.

Step 1: Open Safari

Open the Safari app on your iPhone. This is usually found on your home screen.

Once you’ve opened Safari, you should see your current tabs or your homepage, depending on how you left the app last.

Step 2: Tap the Tabs Button

Look at the bottom right corner and tap the tabs button. It looks like two overlapping squares.

This will show you all your open tabs, so you can easily switch between them or close ones you don’t need anymore.

Step 3: Tap “Private”

Now, you’ll see “Private” at the bottom left corner. Tap it to switch to incognito mode.

When you’re in Private mode, the browser interface should turn dark, signaling that your browsing is now private.

After you’ve completed these steps, your Safari browser will be in incognito mode. This means your browsing activity won’t be saved to your history, and cookies (those little data trackers) won’t be stored after you’re done. Pretty cool, right?

Tips: Enhancing Your Incognito Experience in Safari on iPhone

• Always make sure you close all incognito tabs before lending your iPhone to someone else.
• Remember that incognito mode doesn’t make you invisible online. Your ISP and websites can still track you.
• Use a VPN alongside incognito mode for an extra layer of privacy.
• Don’t forget to log out of any accounts you accessed while in incognito mode.
• Be aware that bookmarks and downloads are still saved even in incognito mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does going incognito in safari hide my activity from my isp.

No, incognito mode doesn’t hide your activity from your Internet Service Provider. They can still see what you’re doing online.

Can I use incognito mode on a shared iPhone?

Yes, you can, but remember to close all your tabs before handing the phone back to ensure your browsing remains private.

Is incognito mode the same as a VPN?

No, a VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, while incognito mode just doesn’t save your browsing history.

Does Safari save my bookmarks and downloads in incognito mode?

Yes, anything you bookmark or download will still be saved on your device.

Can websites track me in incognito mode?

Some tracking can still occur in incognito mode, but it’s significantly reduced.

• Open the Safari app.
• Tap the tabs button.
• Tap “Private” to switch to incognito mode.

There you have it, folks – a simple and straightforward way to keep your browsing on the down-low when using Safari on your iPhone. Whether you’re shopping for a surprise gift, planning a secret getaway, or just value your privacy, going incognito is the way to go. Remember, while it doesn’t make you invisible online, it’s a useful tool for maintaining a cleaner digital footprint. Plus, it’s super easy to activate. So next time you’re about to embark on a browsing adventure, why not go incognito in Safari on your iPhone and surf the web with a little more peace of mind?

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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Safari User Guide

• Change your homepage
• Import bookmarks, history, and passwords
• Make Safari your default web browser
• Go to websites
• Find what you’re looking for
• Bookmark webpages that you want to revisit
• See your favorite websites
• Use tabs for webpages
• Pin frequently visited websites
• Play web videos
• Mute audio in tabs
• Pay with Apple Pay
• Autofill credit card info
• Autofill contact info
• Keep a Reading List
• Hide ads when reading articles
• Translate a webpage
• Download items from the web
• Share or post webpages
• Add passes to Wallet
• Save part or all of a webpage
• Print or create a PDF of a webpage
• Customize a start page
• Customize the Safari window
• Customize settings per website
• Zoom in on webpages
• Get extensions
• Manage cookies and website data
• Block pop-ups
• Clear your browsing history
• Browse privately
• Autofill user name and password info
• Prevent cross-site tracking
• View a Privacy Report
• Change Safari preferences
• Keyboard and other shortcuts
• Troubleshooting

Use Private Browsing in Safari on Mac

When you browse privately , the details of your browsing aren’t saved, and the websites you visit aren’t shared with your other devices.

Open Safari for me

Browse privately one time

When you use a private window:

Browsing initiated in one tab is isolated from browsing initiated in another tab, so websites you visit can’t track your browsing across multiple sessions.

Webpages you visit and your AutoFill information aren’t saved.

Your open webpages aren’t stored in iCloud, so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other devices.

Your recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.

Items you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer.)

If you use Handoff , private windows aren’t passed to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or other Mac computers.

Changes to your cookies and website data aren’t saved.

Websites can’t modify information stored on your device, so services normally available at such sites may work differently until you use a non-private window.

Note: None of the above applies in non-private Safari windows you may have open.

Always browse privately

Click the “Safari opens with” pop-up menu, then choose “A new private window.”

Stop browsing privately

Delete any items you downloaded while using private windows.

Close any other private windows that are still open, to prevent other people from using the Back and Forward buttons to see pages you visited in them.

Besides using private windows, you can manage cookies and data stored by all websites and prevent cross-site tracking .

If you forget to use a private window, you can clear your browsing history .