The quickest way to open an incognito tab
An incognito tab (called "Private" in Safari) is a browser window that does not save your browsing history, cookies, or search terms once you close it. To open one, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+N on Mac in Chrome, Edge, or Brave. In Firefox, the shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+P on Mac. Safari users press Command+Shift+N.
If you prefer using the menu instead, click the three-dot menu (or hamburger icon) in the top right corner of your browser, then select "New incognito window" or "New private window" depending on your browser. A new window opens immediately — it looks slightly different from your normal browser window, usually with a darker theme or a "Private" label to remind you that you are in incognito mode.
Key Takeaways
- Incognito tabs do not save your browsing history, cookies, or autofill data once you close them.
- The keyboard shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows and Linux, or Command+Shift+N on Mac (Command+Shift+P in Firefox).
- You can also open incognito mode through your browser menu by clicking the three-dot icon and selecting the private browsing option.
- Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, employer network, or the websites you visit.
What incognito mode actually protects
Incognito mode prevents your browser from storing data on your device. When you close an incognito tab, your browser forgets the websites you visited, does not save passwords or autofill information, and does not keep cookies from those sites. This means the next time you open a normal tab, you will not see those sites in your history or autocomplete suggestions.
This is useful if you are shopping for a gift on a shared computer, checking your bank account on a public device, or simply do not want your browsing history saved locally. It is also helpful if you want to log into the same account with different credentials — incognito mode treats each site as if you are a new visitor, so you can test how a website looks when you are not logged in.
What incognito mode does not protect
Incognito mode is not a privacy tool for hiding your activity from others on the internet. Your internet service provider can still see which websites you visit. If you are on a work or school network, the network administrator can still see your traffic. The websites you visit can still track you and collect data about your behavior.
If someone has access to your device — either physically or through malware — they can still see what you do in incognito mode while it is open. Incognito mode only erases the record after you close the window. It also does not protect you from phishing scams, malware, or other security threats. For those concerns, you need antivirus software and careful browsing habits, not incognito mode.
Opening incognito mode in each major browser
Every major browser offers incognito mode, but the keyboard shortcuts and menu labels differ slightly. The table below shows the exact shortcut and menu path for each browser on both Windows/Linux and Mac.
| Browser | Windows/Linux Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | Menu Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Ctrl+Shift+N | Command+Shift+N | Three dots → New incognito window |
| Firefox | Ctrl+Shift+P | Command+Shift+P | Hamburger menu → New Private Window |
| Edge | Ctrl+Shift+N | Command+Shift+N | Three dots → New InPrivate window |
| Safari | N/A | Command+Shift+N | File → New Private Window |
| Brave | Ctrl+Shift+N | Command+Shift+N | Three dots → New Private Window |
If you forget the shortcut, the menu method works the same way in all browsers: look for the three-dot icon or hamburger menu in the top corner, and you will find the private browsing option there.
Why your browser looks different in incognito mode
Most browsers change the appearance of an incognito window so you remember you are in private mode. Chrome and Edge darken the window and add a label. Firefox adds a mask icon. Safari shows "Private" in the address bar. Brave displays a lion icon. These visual cues are intentional — they prevent you from accidentally entering sensitive information (like passwords or payment details) while thinking you are in a normal window.
The incognito window functions exactly like a normal browser window. You can open multiple tabs, use bookmarks, adjust zoom, and do everything else you normally do. The only difference is what gets saved when you close it.
Using incognito mode on mobile devices
Mobile browsers have incognito mode too. On iPhone and iPad, open Safari and tap the tabs icon (two overlapping squares) at the bottom, then tap "Private" and "Done." On Android, open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu, then select "New incognito tab." The same rules apply — your history and cookies are erased when you close the tab, but your internet service provider and the websites you visit can still see your activity.
Mobile incognito mode works identically to desktop incognito mode in terms of what it protects and what it does not. The only difference is the interface you use to open it, since mobile browsers have different menu layouts than desktop versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does incognito mode hide my IP address?
No. Incognito mode does not hide your IP address or encrypt your connection. Websites and your internet service provider can still see where you are connecting from. If you need to hide your IP address, you would need a VPN (virtual private network), which is a separate tool from incognito mode.
Can my employer see what I do in incognito mode at work?
Yes. If you are on a work network, your employer's network administrator can see the websites you visit regardless of whether you use incognito mode. Incognito mode only hides your history from your device, not from the network itself.
Will websites know I am using incognito mode?
Most websites cannot tell whether you are in incognito mode, but some can detect it through technical methods. A few websites block incognito users or ask you to disable it. This is rare and usually happens on sites that want to track your behavior across visits.
Does incognito mode protect me from viruses?
No. Incognito mode does not protect you from malware, phishing, or viruses. You can still download infected files or visit malicious websites in incognito mode. Use antivirus software and stay cautious about what you click on, regardless of which browsing mode you use.
Can I set my browser to always open in incognito mode?
Most browsers do not have a built-in setting to always start in incognito mode, because it would be easy to accidentally enter sensitive information. However, you can create a desktop shortcut that opens incognito mode directly, or use browser extensions designed for this purpose.