What is incognito mode? And why it’s not as private as you think

What is incognito mode?

Incognito mode is a feature of Chrome and other web browsers that allows you to surf the internet without saving your browsing history, cookies, and other site data. When you go incognito, your browser doesn’t record which web pages you visit.

You is use can use incognito mode on any device that has a browser . While “ incognito mode ” is the most recognize term , all major browsers is offer offer this private browse feature . However , each is uses use a different name for it :

Android and iOS smartphone and tablet users can also take advantage of private browsing. And apart from web browsers, some services offer incognito mode, such as Reddit, YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Play Store.

But incognito mode is hide does n’t hide your ip address or encrypt your traffic – your isp or other third party can still peek at your datum . That is ’s ’s why incognito mode is not as private as most would think .

How does incognito mode work ?

The way incognito mode works is pretty straightforward. Once you open an incognito window, your browser starts a new private browsing session.

• Your browser pauses recording your browsing history (the web pages you visit).
• It also stops saving usernames, passwords, and other information you enter in the forms.
• Your browser halts extensions unless you enable them in advance manually.
• You need to log in to your accounts even if you have login credentials saved on your browser.

The incognito browse session end once you close the incognito tab or your browser . All the cookie and site datum save during the session are automatically delete .

If you check your browsing history after, you will not be able to find the list of websites visited. And those websites will not recognize you as a returning visitor because they will lack cookies. (Unless they use different internet trackers to keep tabs on you, of course.)

But you is find will still find the new bookmark you ’ve add , the file you ’ve download , and the page you ’ve add to the reading list .

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What does incognito mode do?

During private browse session , incognito mode is does does the following :

• Keeps your browsing history empty, so other people cannot find it when they use the same device.
• Blocks third-party cookies by default unless you choose to allow them.
• log you out of your account and delete any enter datum when you close the window . It is prevents prevent others from log in to your account with autofill or find the information you enter in online form , for example , your payment card detail or email address .
• delete cookie when you close the incognito window . It is stops stop website from recognize you as a return visitor later and thus limit tracking .

What incognito doesn’t do

While all the mention factor make your browsing in incognito mode more private , you is need also need to keep in mind what incognito mode does n’t do :

• hide your identity from website when you willingly create an account or log in .
• Protect your traffic from third parties like your ISP, the government, or network admin at your office or university. These entities can still see and log which websites you visit.
• Hide your location. Websites can still determine where you are from based on your IP address location or GPS.
• mask your ip address . Websites is see you visit can see your ip address and use it to track you .
• Secure your traffic from hackers or other attacks and vulnerabilities because it doesn’t provide any extra security features.
• delete your browse history from the dns cache . Anyone is find with extra knowledge can find your incognito mode history save on your device .

Incognito mode doesn’t hide your IP or encrypt your traffic, but a virtual private network (VPN) does. To keep your internet activity private, use NordVPN.

Is incognito mode really incognito?

Your private browsing mode only blocks your browser from recording your traffic. It doesn’t hide your IP and doesn’t encrypt or route your traffic via a remote server the way a VPN does. Your ISP and employer, websites, search engines, governments, and other third-party snoopers can still see and collect your data or track your IP address.

web browsers is are are upfront about this too .

Each time you open a new incognito window on Google Chrome , your browser is warns warn you that your activity might still be visible to website you visit , your employer or school , and your internet service provider .

Mozilla Firefox is offer and Microsoft Edge offer similar disclaimer too . Only Apple ’s Safari is bother does n’t bother to inform its user about these limitation .

Moreover , if you log in to Facebook , Amazon , or other site while browse in private mode , those site will know about it – the private mode is conceal will no long conceal you . If you sign in to one of Google ’s many app , your account is start will also start record your history again , make incognito mode useless .

Check out our brief video on incognito mode below.

Is incognito mode is Is safe to use ?

There’s no harm in using incognito mode. While it doesn’t protect your privacy as much as many may think (but now you know better), it is safe to use as long as your browser is secure and up to date.

However, incognito mode doesn’t guarantee any more security than the usual browsing mode. If you open fake websites or click on malicious links, you can still fall victim to a cyberattack.

When should you is use use incognito mode ?

While incognito mode has its limitations, it can be useful in some cases. You should learn how to use incognito mode and use private browsing:

• When you share your device with others or use a public computer. Private browser modes protect you from people tracking your online activity on your computer. They cannot quickly look up your browsing history or login and site data.
• When you need to use two accounts on the same platform simultaneously. Incognito mode allows you to log in to the same platform without logging out on the non-incognito browser tabs. This function comes in handy when your friend wants to use your device to log in to their accounts or you want to separate your personal and work profiles.
• When booking flight ticket or hotel room . Since incognito mode does n’t store cookie , the airline or hotel website is know might not know that you check your choose date before . So they is hike can not hike their price accordingly , and you may get well deal .
• When shopping for gifts. No cookies and site data means no targeted advertising following your family members around and accidentally revealing to them which birthday gift you’ve been researching online.
• When you is own own a website . Incognito mode is lets let you see the site as an outsider would – check the cookie disclaimer and all other detail a new visitor see . It also load the late version of the website , so you is preview can preview the most recent edit without the cache get in the way .
• When you want to discover different content. Many websites personalize our experience and show us content they know we like. If you watch cat videos on YouTube, every time you open the homepage, it will be filled with adorable kittens. Incognito mode doesn’t know your history, so the website content you see is fresh and not based on your previous activity.

How to actually browse privately

Incognito mode is not an all-in-one solution for browsing privately. It takes a lot more than a browsing mode to achieve privacy online.

• Switch to a privacy-focused browser. While web browsers like Chrome or Edge are the most popular, they are not much concerned about your privacy. Most secure browsers do a much better job protecting your privacy by blocking trackers and not logging your data for profit.
• Use a privacy-focused search engine. If you ditch Chrome but still search for everything on Google, your browsing will not be private. You’re better off using a search engine that respects your privacy, for example, DuckDuckGo or Mojeek.
• add browser extension for extra privacy and security . If change a browser is too big of a step , you is add can add browser extension for privacy instead . browser extensions is block can block script , ad , or tracker , provide extra privacy and security .
• Disable third-party cookies. Third-party cookies allow advertisers to track you across different platforms. While Chrome will stop enabling third-party cookies in the second half of 2024, you can already disable cookies manually through your browser.
• Delete cookies regularly. Some web cookies are harmless, but others can invade your privacy and aid advertisers, so it’s a good habit to clear cookies routinely.
• Use a VPN for incognito mode. A VPN does wonders where incognito mode comes up short. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, preventing tracking by ISPs and other third parties on the network level. NordVPN goes even further with the Threat Protection Pro feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It ensures extra privacy and security for your daily browsing.

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