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

Private browsing is a security measure that prevents your browser from collecting data as you surf the web. Accordingly, activating it opens a new private window that disables your internet search history, autofill data, and site cookies.

While the incognito mode doesn’t mask your IP address, it’s a brilliant security feature that stops shady websites from accessing your data. Alternatively, to hide your online activities from your internet provider, pick a reputable VPN provider to disguise your IP and geolocation ASAP.

The following article provides step-by-step instructions that explain how to turn on incognito mode in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera.

Unlocking Incognito Mode in Google Chrome

Google Chrome remains among the fastest and most secure browsers, making it a popular choice for users.

However, Google Chrome collects your history, browsing data, cookies, passwords, etc., to provide a personalized experience.

But if you’re looking for a way to work around it, here’s how to activate incognito mode in Chrome:

1. Click on the Start Menu, type Chrome, and press Enter.
   
2. While on a Chrome browser window, select the Ellipsis logo to open Chrome’s More Menu and choose the New Incognito tab from the drop-down list to open a new incognito window.
   

Note: Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + N on your keyboard to open the private browsing mode.

After the new private window activates, you can surf the web without letting the browser collect your data.

Finally, when done, simply close all the active tabs to exit the private browsing window on your device.

Turning on InPrivate Browsing in Firefox Made

Mozilla Firefox is an open-source web browser, the first choice of many tech-savvy users with plenty of apps and tools.

Nevertheless, like Chrome, Firefox saves browsing history, website cookies, and passwords to provide a convenient web experience.

But if you’re looking for a way to stay safer, here’s how to activate incognito mode in Firefox:

1. Click on the Start Menu, type Firefox, and press Enter.
   
2. Select the three vertical lines to open Firefox’s Menu bar and choose New Private Window from the drop-down list to open a new incognito window.
   

Note: Alternatively, press the Ctrl + Shift + P keyboard shortcut to open the private browsing mode.

After the private window activates, you can surf the web without letting Firefox collect or expose your data.

Enabling Private Browsing in MS Edge

Microsoft announced the Edge browser as the default browsing software on Windows operating systems in 2015, replacing Internet Explorer.

Edge uses Chrome’s engine, making it a fast and reliable browser, leading to many users opting for it instead of other popular choices.

However, if you’re looking for a way to stay safer online, here’s how to enter the incognito mode in MS Edge:

1. Click on the Start Menu, type Microsoft Edge, and press Enter.
   
2. Hit the Ellipsis icon from the top right corner to open the More Actions menu, and choose New InPrivate Window to open a new incognito window.
   

Note: Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + P on your keyboard to open the private browsing mode.

After the incognito window activates, you can enjoy safer access without letting Edge keep your data.

Finally, when done, simply close all the active tabs to exit the private browsing window on your device.

Activating Incognito Browsing in Apple Safari

With a blazing-fast JavaScript engine, Safari has remained the default web browser on Apple products for 20 years.

Safari is highly compatible with Apple’s hardware, making it a top choice worldwide among macOS and iOS users.

However, if you’re looking for a way to remain safer online, here’s how to enter the incognito mode in Apple Safari:

1. Press ⌘ + Space on the keyboard, type Safari as Spotlight opens, and press Enter.
   
2. From the menu bar on top, select File, and choose New Private Window to open a new incognito window.
   

Note: Alternatively, press ⌘ + Shift + N keyboard shortcut to open the private browsing mode.

After the incognito window activates, you can surf the web without letting Apple Safari collect your data.

Finally, when done, simply close all the active tabs to exit the private browsing window on your device.

Opening a Private Window in Opera

Last but not least, Opera is a fast, safe, and intelligent web browser that utilizes Chrome’s engine to provide a premium user experience.

Opera offers a unique user interface and innovative features that expand your capabilities, whether on desktop or mobile.

However, if you’re looking for a way to remain safer online, here’s how to enter the incognito mode in Opera:

1. Click on the Start Menu, type Opera, and press Enter.
   
2. Hit the Opera icon from the top left corner to open the Opera More menu, and choose New Private Window to open a new incognito window.
   

Note: Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + P on your keyboard to open the private browsing mode.

After the incognito window activates, you can enjoy safer access without letting Opera keep your sensitive data.

Finally, when done, simply close all the private browsing windows to exit incognito mode on your device.

Wrap Up

The incognito mode or private browsing feature is an excellent tool to secure local browsing data and prevent shady websites from accessing it. Accordingly, in private mode, your browser will no longer collect sensitive user data like browsing history, passwords, cookies, etc.

However, the incognito mode doesn’t provide maximum security and can’t stop your internet service provider, employer, or school from seeing where you’ve been online.

So, users must employ a VPN service to mask their IPs from anyone online and surf the web without leaving any traces. Finally, if you failed to enter incognito mode on your browser, contact its support line immediately.

FAQs about Incognito Mode and Your Privacy

When should I use incognito mode?

An anonymous search can keep your activity private if you don’t want to keep something in your browser history, like shopping for a personal item. Additionally, it’s essential to use a private browsing session while on a public device or a borrowed computer to protect your data is also a good idea.

How to turn off incognito mode?

Incognito mode is available in all major web browsers, often with shortcuts to access it more conveniently. After enabling the incognito mode on your browser, you can close the private window to exit private browsing mode and return to normal browsing.

Can I password-protect my browser on Android or iPhone?

Google Chrome provides a Lock Incognito Tabs feature that allows users password-protect their private browser tabs. This option works perfectly fine on Android and iPhone, allowing you to lock your private tabs with Face ID or Password.