When and how should I use private browsing?

Flaticon Icon

You’ve entered “Incognito” or another form of private web browsing. However, your online browsing behavior and data may not be as private as you think!

Animated yellow triangle caution sign with an exclamation mark in the interior.

Correctly using private web browsing gives you specific privacy and safety protections.

Private Web Browsing Does a Specific Job

Private web browsing erases:

History of visited websites
Cookies(text files created when you visit a website)
User names and passwords
Auto-fill forms you completed

❗On that device, only❗

If you're using private browsing on your phone but not on your laptop, for example, the information will only be erased on your phone.

Laptop on table with several pairs of hands working on the same device

When Is Using Private Web Browsing a Good Idea?

Flaticon Icon

When you want an impersonal user experience. This way you can avoid suggested videos and ads relating to searches you don’t want your device to remember (i.e., gifts, sensitive topics, trending videos).

Animation of a hand scrolling a tablet device

2. When sharing a device with others. It keeps their eyes off your autofill information from online shopping carts, logins to favorite websites, and personal search results.

Animation of laptop as a table and business people sitting around the keyboard during a meeting

When logging in to multiple email, social media, or other accounts at the same time.

Animation of hands quickly typing on a keyboard

Quiz

Your best friend asks to quickly check their email on your laptop. Can private browsing mode keep both your and their email logins safe?

Yes

When Is Using Private Web Browsing a Bad Idea?

Flaticon Icon

When you want 100 percent privacy.

Woman looking annoyed stands up, holds out her and states, 'Okay, stop right there.'

What’s not private?

IP (internet protocol) addresses to websites visited
browsing history to your internet provider
browsing history to your work or school
your digital fingerprint

Quiz

You’re searching, “how to quit my job in 3 days” on your company’s work computer. Can private browsing keep your boss out of your business?

Yes

Did you know?

Private browsing mode won’t delete downloaded files, including malicious software (consumerreports.org “What Your Web Browser's Incognito Mode Really Does,” 2018).

How to Use Private Web Browsing

Chrome

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

Command-Shift-N (for macOS)
Control-Shift-N (for Windows)

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Select the three vertical dots in the menu bar and select New Incognito Window

Safari

Flaticon Icon

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

Command-Shift-N (for macOS)

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Select New Private Window from the Files menu.

Firefox

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

Command - Shift - P (macOS)
Control - Shift - P (Windows)

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Select the three lines in the menu bar and select New private window.

Microsoft Edge

Flaticon Icon

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

Command - Shift - P (macOS)
Control - Shift - P (Windows)

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Select the three lines in the menu bar and select New private window.

Take Action

Are you ready to start private browsing?

Young adult working on laptop. Raises pointed finger and says, 'I'm on it.'

Decide when private web browsing would work well for you.

Practice setting your devices in private web browsing mode.

Learn more about keeping your online information safe with this Byte: 5 Ways to Reduce Your Digital Footprint.

Strengthen the security of your devices with tips from this Byte: Improve Personal Device Security.

When and how should I use private browsing?

Private Web Browsing Does a Specific Job

Private web browsing erases:

❗On that device, only❗

When Is Using Private Web Browsing a Good Idea?

Quiz

When Is Using Private Web Browsing a Bad Idea?

When you want 100 percent privacy.

What’s not private?

Quiz

Did you know?

How to Use Private Web Browsing

Chrome

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Safari

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Firefox

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Microsoft Edge

✅ As a shortcut on your computer:

✅ On your computer or personal device:

Take Action

Are you ready to start private browsing?

This Byte has been authored by

Leslie Dolland