Extensions don't run in incognito by default — you have to turn them on manually
When you open a private browsing window in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari, most of your installed extensions stop working. This is intentional: browsers assume you don't want extensions tracking your activity in private mode. But if you trust an extension and want it to work in incognito, you can change that setting for each one individually.
The process is different in each browser, but the principle is the same: you go to your extension settings, find the extension you want, and flip a permission that says something like "Allow in incognito" or "Run in private windows". It takes about 30 seconds per extension.
Key Takeaways
- Extensions are blocked in incognito by default in all major browsers as a privacy protection.
- You must manually enable each extension in your browser's extension settings — there is no single "allow all" switch.
- In Chrome and Edge, the setting is called "Allow in incognito"; in Firefox it is "Run in Private Windows"; in Safari it is "Allow in Private Browsing".
- Enabling an extension in incognito means it can see your activity in that window, so only turn on extensions you trust.
How to enable extensions in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the puzzle-piece icon in the top right corner of your browser. This shows all your installed extensions. Find the extension you want to use in incognito and click the three dots next to its name, then select "Manage extension".
On the extension's details page, look for the toggle labeled "Allow in incognito". Click it to turn it on. The toggle will turn blue, and the extension will now work the next time you open an incognito window. You do not need to restart Chrome.
If you do not see the puzzle-piece icon, click the three-line menu in the top right, go to "More tools", then "Extensions". Find your extension and click "Details", then toggle "Allow in incognito".
How to enable extensions in Firefox
Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner and select "Add-ons and themes". On the left sidebar, click "Extensions" to see your installed list.
Find the extension you want to enable and click it to open its details page. Look for the section labeled "Run in Private Windows" and click the toggle next to it. It will turn blue when enabled. The extension will work in the next private window you open.
Some Firefox extensions do not have this option because the extension developer did not request permission to run in private mode. If you do not see the toggle, that extension cannot be enabled for private browsing.
How to enable extensions in Microsoft Edge
Click the three-dot menu in the top right and select "Extensions". Find the extension you want to enable and click "Details".
On the details page, look for the toggle labeled "Allow in InPrivate". Click it to turn it on. The extension will now work in InPrivate windows. You can also reach this same page by clicking the puzzle-piece icon in the top right, finding your extension, clicking the three dots, and selecting "Manage extension".
How to enable extensions in Safari
Click "Safari" in the top menu bar and select "Settings". Click the "Extensions" tab at the top of the window.
Find the extension you want to enable in the left sidebar and click it. On the right side, you will see a checkbox labeled "Allow in Private Browsing". Check the box to enable it. Close the settings window, and the extension will work in private browsing windows.
What happens when you enable an extension in incognito
Once you enable an extension in incognito, it works exactly as it does in a normal window — it can see what you type, what sites you visit, and what you click on. The only difference is that your incognito activity is not saved to your browser history when you close the window.
This means the extension itself may still log or store data about your incognito session, depending on how it works. If an extension sends data to a server (like a password manager or a note-taking tool), that data is recorded even though your browser history is not. Enable extensions in incognito only if you trust them with that information.
You can turn off an extension in incognito at any time by going back to the same settings page and toggling it off. This does not uninstall the extension — it just prevents it from running in private windows.
Why browsers block extensions in incognito by default
Incognito and private browsing modes exist so your browser does not store a record of where you go. But extensions can still see and record that information. By blocking extensions by default, browsers prevent you from accidentally letting an extension track your private activity without realizing it.
Some extensions are designed specifically to work in private mode — password managers, for example, often need to run in incognito so you can log into sites. Others, like ad blockers, work fine but are not necessary for privacy. The choice to enable them is yours, but the browser makes you choose explicitly rather than assuming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enable all my extensions in incognito at once?
No. You must enable each extension individually through its own settings page. There is no bulk toggle or "allow all" option in any major browser. If you have many extensions, you will need to go through them one by one.
What if an extension does not have an incognito option?
The extension developer did not request permission to run in private mode, so the browser will not allow it. You cannot force it to work. Some extensions are designed this way intentionally for security reasons.
Will enabling an extension in incognito slow down my browser?
Enabled extensions use a small amount of memory and processing power whether you are in incognito or not. Enabling an extension in incognito does not add extra slowdown beyond what the extension already uses in normal mode.
Do I need to enable extensions separately in each browser?
Yes. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari each have their own extension systems and their own settings. An extension enabled in incognito in Chrome will not automatically be enabled in Firefox. You must configure each browser separately.
Can I disable an extension in incognito but keep it enabled in normal browsing?
Yes. You can enable or disable an extension in incognito independently of its normal mode setting. You might want a password manager in incognito but not a shopping comparison tool, for example. Each extension has its own toggle.