Incognito mode blocks extensions by default — you have to turn them on one at a time
When you open an incognito window in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari, most of your extensions stop working automatically. The browser does this on purpose: incognito is meant to leave no trace, and extensions can track what you do, store data about your visits, or sync information to the web. Before you can use an extension in incognito, you have to give it permission in your browser settings.
The process is the same across all major browsers, but the exact steps differ slightly. You cannot turn on extensions for incognito from inside an incognito window — you have to go to your regular browser settings or extension management page, find the extension you want, and flip a toggle that says something like "Allow in incognito" or "Run in incognito mode".
Not every extension should run in incognito. A password manager makes sense there. A shopping comparison tool that tracks prices probably should not. Before you enable an extension for incognito use, think about what data it collects and whether you want it to see your incognito activity.
Key Takeaways
- Extensions are turned off in incognito windows by default because they can track your activity and store data, which defeats the purpose of incognito browsing.
- You turn on extensions for incognito in your browser's extension settings, not from inside an incognito window.
- Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari all have an "Allow in incognito" or "Run in incognito" toggle for each extension in their settings.
- Enabling an extension for incognito means it can see and record everything you do in that window, so only turn on extensions you trust.
- Some extensions will not work in incognito even if you allow them, because they rely on features the browser blocks for privacy reasons.
How to enable extensions in Chrome incognito
Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions in the address bar, or click the menu button (three dots) in the top right, then select Extensions and Manage extensions. You will see a list of all your installed extensions.
Find the extension you want to use in incognito and look for the toggle labeled Allow in incognito. Click it to turn it on. The toggle will turn blue when it is active. From that point on, the extension will run in any incognito window you open.
If you change your mind, go back to the same page and click the toggle again to turn it off. Chrome will stop running that extension in incognito windows when ready.
How to enable extensions in Firefox incognito
Firefox calls incognito mode "Private Browsing". Open Firefox and click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Select Add-ons and themes, or go directly to about:addons in the address bar.
Find the extension you want to use and click on it to open its details page. Look for a dropdown menu that says Run in Private Windows or Allow in Private Windows. Click the dropdown and select Allow. Some extensions may only offer Don't Allow and Ask — if you choose Ask, Firefox will prompt you each time you try to use the extension in a private window.
To turn off an extension for private browsing, go back to the same dropdown and select Don't Allow.
How to enable extensions in Edge incognito
Open Edge and click the menu button (three dots) in the top right. Select Extensions and Manage extensions, or go to edge://extensions in the address bar.
Find the extension you want and click on it. Look for the toggle labeled Allow in InPrivate (Edge calls incognito mode "InPrivate"). Click the toggle to turn it on. The toggle will turn blue when active.
You can also manage this setting from the extensions menu itself: click the extensions icon in your toolbar, find the extension, click the three dots next to it, and select Manage extension. The Allow in InPrivate toggle is on that page.
How to enable extensions in Safari incognito
Safari calls incognito mode "Private Browsing". Open Safari and go to Safari in the menu bar, then select Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Extensions tab.
Find the extension you want to use and click on it. Look for a checkbox that says Allow in Private Browsing and check it. Close the settings window. The extension will now run in private browsing windows.
If you do not see an extension listed in the Extensions settings, it may not support private browsing at all. Some older or less common extensions cannot run in private mode even if you allow them.
Why some extensions do not work in incognito even when allowed
You can turn on an extension for incognito, but it still might not work. This happens when an extension relies on features that browsers block during incognito or private browsing. For example, an extension that needs to store data locally on your computer may not be able to do so in incognito mode, so it straightforward stops functioning.
Extensions that sync data to a server or account usually work fine in incognito — they can still send information out, even if they cannot store it locally. But extensions that depend on browser history, bookmarks, or local storage may fail silently or show an error message.
If an extension you allowed is not working in incognito, check the extension's documentation or support page. The developer may have a note about incognito compatibility. Some extensions offer a limited version of their features in incognito mode, while others do not work at all.
What data extensions can see when they run in incognito
When you allow an extension to run in incognito, it can see everything you do in that window: every URL you visit, every search you type, every form you fill out. It can also store data about your activity if the browser allows it to. This is why you should only enable extensions for incognito that you trust completely.
A password manager in incognito is useful because you control it and you know what it does. A coupon finder or price comparison tool in incognito is riskier because it is designed to track what you buy and report that data back to its company. Even if you are in incognito mode, the extension itself can still collect and share information about your activity.
Incognito mode protects you from your browser storing data locally and from websites tracking you across the web. It does not protect you from the extensions you install. If an extension is malicious or poorly designed, it can defeat the entire purpose of incognito browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use extensions in incognito without turning them on in settings?
No. Browsers block all extensions in incognito by default, and there is no way to override that from inside an incognito window. You have to go to your browser's extension settings in a regular window and enable each extension individually.
If I turn on an extension for incognito, does it run in all my incognito windows?
Yes. Once you allow an extension for incognito in your browser settings, it will run in every incognito window you open, unless you turn it off again in settings.
Will turning on an extension for incognito affect how it works in regular windows?
No. Allowing an extension for incognito does not change how it behaves in your normal browsing windows. It only affects what the extension can do when you are in an incognito or private window.
What happens if I allow a malicious extension to run in incognito?
A malicious extension can see and record everything you do in incognito mode, just as it would in a regular window. Incognito mode does not protect you from bad extensions — only from your browser storing data and from websites tracking you across the web. Only allow extensions you trust.
Why would I want to use extensions in incognito at all?
Password managers are the most common reason — you may want to log into accounts in incognito without typing your password manually. Some people also use ad blockers or privacy tools in incognito. The key is to only enable extensions that serve a real purpose and that you trust with your activity.