What an incognito window does and why you might use one
An incognito window (called "Private Browsing" on Safari) is a browser mode that does not save your browsing history, cookies, or search terms after you close it. When you visit a data broker website or search for information about removing your personal data, an incognito window prevents your browser from storing a record of that visit on your device. This means the next person who uses your computer will not see those sites in your history, and advertisers cannot use your browsing to build a profile of what you searched for.
Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, your employer's network, or the websites you visit — those entities can still see where you go. But it does keep your local device clean of the search history and tracking cookies that normally accumulate.
Key Takeaways
- Incognito windows prevent your browser from saving history, cookies, and form data after you close them.
- On Chrome and Edge, use Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac); on Firefox, use Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Command+Shift+P (Mac).
- Safari calls this mode "Private Browsing" and you open it through the File menu or with Command+Shift+N on Mac.
- Incognito mode hides your activity from other people using your device, but not from your internet service provider or the websites themselves.
Opening incognito on Chrome
On Chrome, the fastest way is the keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Command+Shift+N on Mac. A new window will open with a dark theme and an incognito icon (a spy hat) in the top left corner.
If you prefer the menu, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome, then select "New incognito window" from the dropdown. Either method opens a fresh window where nothing you do will be saved to your browsing history or stored as cookies once you close it.
Opening incognito on Firefox
In Firefox, use Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows or Command+Shift+P on Mac. A new window opens with a purple mask icon in the top left, showing you are in Private Browsing mode.
You can also open it through the menu: click the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then select "New Private Window." Firefox will not store history, cookies, or temporary files from anything you do in that window.
Opening private browsing on Safari
Safari calls incognito mode "Private Browsing." On Mac, press Command+Shift+N or go to the File menu and select "New Private Window." On iPad or iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the tab switcher, then tap "Private" in the lower left corner and tap the plus sign to open a new private tab.
A private window in Safari looks slightly different — the address bar area has a darker appearance — and Safari will not save your history, cookies, or autofill information from that session.
Opening incognito on Edge
Microsoft Edge uses the same shortcut as Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Command+Shift+N on Mac. A new window opens with an incognito icon (a spy hat) and a dark theme.
You can also click the three-dot menu in the top right and select "New InPrivate window." Edge will not save your browsing history, cookies, or cached files once you close the window.
What happens when you close an incognito window
When you close an incognito window, your browser when ready deletes everything from that session: your history, any cookies the websites set, cached images and files, and any text you typed into search boxes or forms. If you logged into a website during incognito browsing, you will be logged out once you close the window.
If you want to save something you found — like a link to a data broker removal page or a phone number — copy it to a regular (non-incognito) window or write it down before closing. Incognito mode is useful for privacy on a shared device, but it does not save anything for you to reference later.
When incognito mode is and is not useful
Incognito mode works well when you are using a shared computer and do not want other household members to see your browsing history. It is also useful if you want to search for sensitive topics without those searches influencing your ads and recommendations. When you are removing your information from data broker sites, incognito prevents your device from storing cookies that those sites might use to track you later.
Incognito mode does not protect you from your internet service provider, your workplace network, or the websites themselves — they can all still see where you go. If you need stronger privacy, you would need a VPN (virtual private network), which is a separate tool. Incognito is about keeping your device's local history clean, not about hiding your activity from the internet itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does incognito mode hide my activity from my internet service provider?
No. Your internet service provider can see every website you visit, whether you use incognito or not. Incognito only hides your history from your device and other people who use it. If you need to hide your activity from your ISP, you would need a VPN.
Can websites see that I am using incognito mode?
Most websites cannot reliably detect incognito mode, but some try. Websites can see you are visiting them — incognito does not hide that. It only prevents your browser from storing cookies and history on your device after you close the window.
If I log into my email in an incognito window, will I stay logged in?
No. Once you close the incognito window, you will be logged out. If you need to stay logged in, you would use a regular (non-incognito) window. Incognito deletes all cookies, including login sessions, when you close it.
Do I need incognito mode to remove my information from data brokers?
You do not need it, but it is helpful. Using incognito prevents your browser from storing cookies from the data broker sites, which means those sites cannot use cookies to track you after you leave. It keeps your device's history clean if you are using a shared computer.