How to Make Incognito Mode Your Default Browser
If you want to browse the Internet without saving your browsing history, you can make incognito mode on your computer or mobile device. Whether you’re using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Brave, or any other major browser, it’s easy to enable this feature and make it your default option.
Private Browsing on Shared Devices
Incognito mode is a great way to protect your privacy if you’re sharing an internet-connected device with other people. This will prevent others from seeing what sites you’ve visited and the information you’ve entered into online forms like payment card details or email addresses. It also helps prevent unauthorized people from accessing your accounts.
Prevents Internet Tracking
Unlike a regular browsing session, incognito mode doesn’t store any site data such as cookies. This includes things like images, files, form data, and active logins.
Doesn’t hide your IP address
Your internet connection reveals your location, so even when you’re in incognito mode, your identity remains fully exposed to third parties. This is why it’s important to use a VPN and other tools to secure your IP address, identity, and activity.
Creates an Incognito Mode Shortcut
The most common way to turn on incognito mode is by pressing the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows), or Command + Shift + N (macOS). Other ways to open a new private window include clicking the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of the browser’s window or using the Incognito mode shortcut on your mobile device.
How to Make an Incognito Mode Shortcut
To add a private browsing shortcut, click the “Shortcut” menu on the Windows desktop. Select the browser app you wish to add as a shortcut and click OK.
In some cases, you can also create a shortcut in the “Start” screen on your Windows PC. This will help you easily access your private window from the start menu, which is a useful feature for those who prefer to keep their desktops organized.
How to Enter Incognito Mode on Your Mobile Device
Most major mobile devices have a built-in browser, including the Apple iPhone and iPad and Google Android smartphone and tablet. But many people still prefer to use their default browser on these devices. For example, Chrome for Android and Safari for iOS are the most popular.
Step 2: Tap the tabs icon – two overlapping squares in the lower-right corner of the app. On an iPhone, this is the X Tabs button; on an iPad, it’s the Private tabs button.
On an Android phone, this is the menu button. Once you’ve opened a new private window, you can exit it by tapping the “X” or “O” tabs buttons on the right side of the screen.
You can use incognito mode to view websites that you don’t want saved in your browser history or stored cookies–for instance, if you’re planning a surprise birthday party for someone who uses your computer. It’s also helpful for keeping your computer and its sensitive data safe from strangers, as it will wipe out any cookies or other temporary files when you close the incognito window.