How to Open Incognito Mode in Any Browser

Open Incognito Mode With a Keyboard Shortcut or Menu

Incognito mode (also called Private Browsing in some browsers) opens a window that does not save your browsing history, cookies, or search history to your device. The fastest way to open it is a keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+N on Mac in Chrome, Edge, or Opera. In Firefox, use Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows and Linux, or Command+Shift+P on Mac. Safari on Mac uses Command+Shift+N.

If you prefer using the menu instead, open your browser and click the three-dot menu icon (or hamburger menu) in the top right corner. Look for "New Incognito Window," "New Private Window," or "New Private Tab" depending on your browser. Click it, and a new window opens with incognito mode already active.

Key Takeaways

Chrome, Edge, and Opera use Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows/Linux) or Command+Shift+N (Mac) to open incognito mode instantly.
Firefox uses Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Command+Shift+P (Mac) for private browsing windows.
Safari on Mac opens private browsing with Command+Shift+N.
You can also open incognito mode through the browser menu by clicking the three-dot icon and selecting the private browsing option.
Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet provider or employer — it only prevents your browser from storing local history.

Chrome and Edge: The Keyboard Shortcut Method

In Chrome or Edge, press Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Linux. On a Mac, press Command+Shift+N. A new window appears with a dark theme (in Chrome) or a blue theme (in Edge), and you will see text confirming you are in incognito or InPrivate mode. The address bar is ready for you to type a web address or search term.

If the keyboard shortcut does not work, open the browser menu by clicking the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Scroll down and select "New Incognito Window." A new window opens immediately. You can open as many incognito windows as you need, and each one keeps its own separate browsing session.

Firefox: Private Browsing Windows

Firefox calls incognito mode "Private Browsing." Press Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+P on Mac. A new window opens with a purple mask icon in the address bar, showing you are in private mode. The window works the same as a regular Firefox window, but nothing you do in it is saved.

You can also open a private window through the menu. Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right, then select "New Private Window." If you want to open a private tab instead of a private window, use Ctrl+Shift+T on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+T on Mac — though Firefox will open a new private window rather than a tab in your existing window.

Safari on Mac: Private Browsing

On Safari for Mac, press Command+Shift+N to open a private browsing window. You will see "Private" displayed in the address bar area, confirming the mode is active. Safari's private windows work like any other Safari window but do not store history, cookies, or search history.

You can also open private browsing through the File menu. Click "File" at the top of the screen, then select "New Private Window." Safari does not offer a private tab option — private browsing only works as a separate window. You can have multiple private windows open at the same time if you need them.

Opera and Other Browsers

Opera uses the same shortcut as Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Linux, or Command+Shift+N on Mac. A new window opens with "Private" shown in the title bar. Opera's private mode works identically to Chrome's incognito mode.

For other browsers like Brave, Vivaldi, or mobile browsers, check the menu or settings. Most modern browsers have a private or incognito option, though the keyboard shortcut and menu location may differ. The concept is the same across all of them: a browsing session that does not save to your device's history.

What Incognito Mode Does and Does Not Hide

Incognito mode prevents your browser from saving your browsing history, search history, cookies, and temporary files to your device. If you close an incognito window, nothing from that session remains on your computer. This is useful if you share a device and do not want others to see what you looked at.

Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, your employer's network, or websites you visit. Those parties can still see what you are doing online. It also does not prevent websites from tracking you while you are browsing — it only prevents your browser from storing that data locally after you close the window. If you need true privacy from your internet provider or network administrator, you would need a VPN (virtual private network), which is a different tool entirely.

Opening Incognito Mode on Mobile Devices

On Chrome for Android, tap the three-dot menu in the bottom right corner, then tap "New Incognito Tab." A new tab opens showing the incognito icon. On Chrome for iPhone or iPad, tap the two-square icon at the bottom right, then tap "Incognito" at the bottom of the screen.

On Firefox for Android, tap the three-dot menu, then select "New Private Tab." On Safari for iPhone or iPad, tap the two-square icon at the bottom right, then tap "Private" at the bottom. Mobile incognito and private modes work the same way as desktop versions — they do not save history, cookies, or search data to your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does incognito mode hide me from websites I visit?

No. Websites can still see your IP address and track your activity while you are browsing in incognito mode. Incognito mode only prevents your browser from storing that information locally on your device. Websites themselves still know you visited them.

Can my employer see what I do in incognito mode?

Yes, if you are using a work device or work network. Incognito mode does not hide your activity from network administrators or employers. It only hides your browsing from the browser's local history. Your employer can see what websites you visit through network logs.

Will incognito mode stop cookies from being used?

Incognito mode allows cookies to work while you are browsing, but it deletes them when you close the window. Websites can still place cookies on you during an incognito session and use them to track you within that session. Once you close the incognito window, those cookies are gone.

Can I bookmark pages in incognito mode?

Yes. Bookmarks you create in incognito mode are saved to your browser permanently, even though the browsing history is not. If you bookmark something in incognito mode, it will appear in your bookmarks list in regular mode too.

What is the difference between incognito mode and private browsing?

They are the same thing. "Incognito mode" is what Chrome and Edge call it, while Firefox and Safari call it "Private Browsing." The functionality is identical — your browser does not save history, cookies, or search data to your device.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.