Extensions don't work in incognito by default — you have to turn them on manually
When you open a private or incognito window in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari, most extensions stop working automatically. The browser does this for privacy reasons: extensions can track your activity, and incognito mode is meant to leave no trace. If you want an extension to work in incognito, you have to give it permission in your browser's settings. The steps differ slightly by browser, but the idea is the same in all of them.
Not every extension can run in incognito. Some are blocked by the browser itself because they need access to things that incognito mode hides. But most extensions — password managers, ad blockers, note-takers, grammar checkers — can be turned on if you choose to.
Key Takeaways
- Extensions are disabled in incognito windows by default, and you must manually allow each one in your browser's extension settings.
- Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari all have an "Allow in incognito" or "Allow in private browsing" toggle that you turn on per extension.
- Some extensions cannot run in incognito because they require access to browsing history or other data that incognito mode blocks.
- Turning on an extension in incognito does not affect your privacy — the browser still keeps no history, cookies, or cache from that window.
How to enable extensions in Chrome incognito
Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions in the address bar, or click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right, then select Extensions. You will see a list of all your installed extensions.
Find the extension you want to use in incognito and click Details. Scroll down to the section labeled Incognito and look for a dropdown menu that says Allow in incognito, Not allowed, or On click. Click the dropdown and select Allow in incognito. The extension will now work every time you open an incognito window. If you choose On click instead, the extension will only work in incognito if you click its icon in that specific window.
How to enable extensions in Firefox private windows
Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner and select Add-ons and themes, or type about:addons in the address bar. You will see your installed extensions listed on the left under Extensions.
Click on the extension you want to use in private windows. On the right side, you will see a section called Run in Private Windows with a toggle switch. Click the toggle to turn it on. The extension will now work in all private windows. Some extensions show a dropdown instead of a toggle, with options like Allow, Deny, or Ask — select Allow to enable it in private browsing.
How to enable extensions in Edge private windows
Click the menu button (three dots) in the top right and select Extensions, or type edge://extensions in the address bar. Find the extension you want to enable and click Details.
Scroll down to Permissions and look for the toggle labeled Allow in InPrivate. Turn it on. The extension will now run in InPrivate windows. If you see a dropdown instead of a toggle, select Allow in InPrivate from the menu.
How to enable extensions in Safari private windows
Safari handles extensions differently than other browsers. Click Safari in the menu bar at the top and select Settings (or Preferences on older Macs). Click the Extensions tab.
Select the extension you want to use in private windows from the list on the left. On the right side, you will see a checkbox labeled Allow in private browsing. Check the box. The extension will now work when you open a private window in Safari.
Why some extensions cannot run in incognito
A few extensions will not have an "allow in incognito" option at all, even if you look for it. This happens when an extension needs access to your browsing history, saved passwords, or other data that incognito mode deliberately hides. For example, some history-tracking extensions or certain research tools cannot function without that data.
If an extension you need is blocked, you have two choices: use it in a regular window instead, or look for a different extension that does not require access to history. Most common extensions — ad blockers, password managers, dark mode tools — work fine in incognito and will have the toggle available.
What happens to your privacy when you use extensions in incognito
Turning on an extension in incognito does not change how incognito works. Your browser still does not save your history, cookies, cached files, or autofill data from that window. The extension can see what you do in that window while it is open, but once you close the incognito window, nothing is saved.
If you are concerned about a specific extension tracking you, check its privacy policy or permissions before turning it on. Some extensions (like password managers) need to see what you type. Others (like ad blockers) need to see the websites you visit. These permissions are necessary for the extension to work, and they apply whether you are in incognito or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn on an extension for just one incognito window?
In Chrome, you can set an extension to On click instead of Allow in incognito. This way it stays off by default, and you click its icon only in the windows where you want it. In Firefox, Edge, and Safari, extensions are either on or off for all private windows — you cannot toggle them per window.
Will the extension see my incognito browsing?
Yes, while you are in the incognito window, the extension can see what you do. But once you close the window, nothing is saved to your computer. The extension itself may keep records depending on its design, so check its privacy policy if you are concerned.
What if I turn on an extension in incognito and then change my mind?
Go back to your browser's extension settings and toggle it off. In Chrome, change it back to Not allowed. In Firefox, Edge, and Safari, turn off the toggle. The extension will stop working in incognito windows immediately.
Do I have to turn on each extension separately?
Yes, each extension needs its own permission. If you use five extensions and want all of them in incognito, you turn on five toggles. There is no "allow all" option.