What private browsing does and why you might use it
Private browsing is a mode in your web browser that stops it from saving a record of the websites you visit, the searches you make, or the files you download. When you close the private window, your browser deletes that history automatically — it does not store cookies, cached images, or login information the way normal browsing does.
This is useful if you share a device with other people and do not want them to see your browsing history. It is also useful if you are shopping for a gift and do not want ads following you around the internet, or if you want to log into the same website with two different accounts at the same time. Private browsing does not hide your activity from your internet service provider, your employer, or the websites you visit — it only hides it from other people who use the same device.
Key Takeaways
- Private browsing stops your browser from saving your history, cookies, and downloads, but only on that device — your internet provider can still see where you go.
- Every major browser has private browsing built in: Chrome calls it Incognito, Firefox calls it Private Window, Safari calls it Private, and Edge calls it InPrivate.
- You open a private window the same way you open a normal window, usually through a keyboard shortcut or the menu.
- Websites can still track you in private mode, and you can still be tracked by your internet provider or workplace network — private browsing only hides your activity from other people using the same device.
How to open private browsing in Chrome
On Windows or Mac, press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac). A new window will open with a spy icon in the top left corner and the words "You are in Incognito mode" displayed. Any websites you visit in this window will not appear in your history.
If you prefer using the menu instead of a keyboard shortcut, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome, then click "New Incognito window". The result is the same — a private window where your activity is not saved.
On Android, open Chrome, tap the three vertical dots at the bottom right, and tap "New Incognito tab". On iPhone or iPad, open Chrome, tap the two overlapping squares at the bottom right, then tap the plus sign and choose "New Incognito Tab".
How to open private browsing in Firefox
On Windows or Mac, press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Command + Shift + P (Mac). A new window will open with a purple mask icon and the words "You are in a Private Window" at the top. Everything you do in this window stays private.
You can also open a private window through the menu: click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, then click "New Private Window". On Android, tap the three dots at the bottom right, then tap "New Private Tab". On iPhone or iPad, tap the tabs icon at the bottom, then tap the plus sign and choose "Private".
How to open private browsing in Safari
On Mac, press Command + Shift + N to open a new private window. The address bar will turn dark gray to show you are in private mode. On iPhone or iPad, open Safari, tap the tabs icon at the bottom right (two overlapping squares), then tap "Private" in the bottom left corner, and tap the plus sign to open a new private tab.
You can also use the File menu on Mac: click File, then click "New Private Window". Any tabs you open in this window will not be saved to your history or your reading list.
How to open private browsing in Microsoft Edge
On Windows or Mac, press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Command + Shift + P (Mac). A new window will open with a blue icon in the top left and the words "InPrivate browsing" displayed. On Windows, you can also right-click the Edge icon on your taskbar and select "New InPrivate window".
On Android or iPhone, tap the three dots at the bottom right, then tap "New InPrivate tab". Your activity in this window will not be saved to your browsing history.
What private browsing does not protect you from
Private browsing hides your history from other people who use your device, but it does not hide your activity from websites, your internet service provider, your workplace network, or your school network. Websites can still track you using cookies and other methods — they just cannot use your browser history to do it. Your internet provider can still see which websites you visit because they control the connection itself.
If you are on a work or school network, the network administrator can see your activity even in private mode. If you want to hide your activity from your internet provider or network, you would need to use a VPN (virtual private network), which is a different tool entirely. Private browsing is only meant to keep other people who share your device from seeing where you have been.
Common mistakes when using private browsing
The most common mistake is thinking that private browsing makes you anonymous on the internet. It does not. Websites can still see who you are, your internet provider can still see where you go, and if you log into an account, that website knows it is you. Private browsing only stops your browser from remembering what you did.
Another mistake is forgetting to close the private window when you are done. If you leave it open, anyone who picks up your device can still use it and see what you are doing in real time. Close the window completely when you are finished, just as you would close any other browser window.
A third mistake is assuming that downloads in private mode disappear. They do not. Files you download in a private window are saved to your Downloads folder just like normal downloads, and they stay there until you delete them manually. Only your browser history is deleted when you close the private window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does private browsing stop ads from following me?
Private browsing stops your browser from storing cookies that advertisers use to track you across websites, but it does not stop ads from appearing. Websites can still show you ads based on what you search for in that moment. For stronger ad blocking, you would need to use a browser extension or a different tool.
Can my employer see what I do in private mode?
Yes, if you are on a work network or using a work device. Private browsing only hides your activity from your browser history — it does not hide it from your network administrator or your employer's monitoring software. If you want privacy at work, you would need to use your own device on your own internet connection.
If I log into my email in private mode, will I stay logged in?
No. When you close the private window, your login information is deleted. The next time you open a private window, you will need to log in again. This is by design — it prevents someone else who uses your device from accessing your accounts.
Does private browsing work the same way on my phone as on my computer?
Yes, the concept is the same, but the steps are slightly different because phones have a different interface. On any phone, you open private mode through the tabs menu or the browser menu, and it works the same way — your history is not saved when you close the window.
Can I set my browser to always open in private mode?
Most browsers do not allow you to set private mode as the default, because it is meant to be a choice you make for specific browsing sessions. If you want all your browsing to be private, you would need to manually open a private window each time, or use a different privacy tool like a VPN.