How To Turn on Private Browsing in Any Browser on any Device

Your browser knows a lot about you. From your shopping history to Google searches, it collects and stores as much information as possible.  

If you think that’s a lot of power to give to a browser, then you need to learn how to go incognito.

Pro tip: In private browsing mode, your data isn’t stored by a browser, but it can still be collected by your internet service provider (ISP), websites, and malicious third parties. To stay truly private on the web, enable incognito mode and use a VPN to hide your IP address. Here’s how to use a VPN for online privacy:

1. Download Clario
2. Create an account
3. Select a VPN location and start to browse privately

Read on to discover steps for enabling private browsing mode in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Opera. After following our simple advice, your browser will stop prying on your search queries, website visits, and other online activities.  

• Google Chrome > Incognito
• Safari > Private Browsing
• Mozilla Firefox > Private Browsing
• Opera > Private Tab/Private Window

How to go incognito on Mac

In 2005, Apple’s Safari was the first browser to introduce privacy features. These days, all major browsers offer private browsing options. Let’s see how to go incognito on Mac using Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.  

How to go incognito in Chrome

1. Click the three dots in the upper right corner of the Chrome window
2. Click New Incognito Window
3. Alternatively, use the Shift + ⌘ + N shortcut

How to go incognito in Safari

1. Open Safari
2. Select File and click New Private Window
3. Alternatively, use the Shift + ⌘ + N shortcut

How to go incognito in Firefox  

1. Click the menu button in the upper right corner of the Firefox window
2. Click New Private Window
3. Alternatively, use the Shift + ⌘ + P shortcut

How to go incognito in Opera

1. Open Opera
2. Select File and click New Private Window
3. Alternatively, use the Shift + ⌘ + N shortcut

How to go incognito on a phone

If you don’t want your phone browser to remember the websites you visit or collect other information you would like to keep private, then learn how to go incognito on iPhone or Android. Here’s how it’s done:

How to turn on private browsing in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome
2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the window
3. Tap New Incognito Tab

How to turn on private browsing in Safari

1. Open Safari on your iPhone
2. Tap the New Page button
3. Tap Private
4. Tap Done

How to turn on private browsing in Firefox or Firefox Focus

1. Open the Firefox app
2. Tap the tab icon at the bottom right corner of the screen
3. Tap the mask icon at the bottom right corner of the screen
4. Tap the plus icon to open a new private tab

How to turn on private browsing in Opera or Opera GX

1. Open the Opera or Opera GX app
2. Tap the tab icon at the bottom right corner of the screen
3. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the window
4. Tap the New private tab

How to turn off incognito mode

Exiting the private mode is as easy as closing your private browser window. Next time the browser should open in normal mode. Yes, this means you’ll have to open an incognito or private window every time you want to keep your browsing to yourself.

Some browsers might have the option to turn it off without closing the tab or window. For example, to exit private browsing mode on Safari (iPhone), tap Private followed by Done — just as you would to turn it on.

Make private browsing really private with a VPN

What private browsing mode actually does is hide your search requests and website visits from people who will use your device after you. However, it doesn’t block other parties from tracking your activities on the internet. Websites you visit, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or employer can see what you do online. To stay fully private, you will need to use both the private browsing mode and a VPN.

There are plenty of articles online that help you choose the best VPN extension for Chrome, but we recommend using the full desktop app instead for greater control and advanced features.

Here’s how to use a VPN for web privacy:
 

1. Download Clario and create an account.

2. Go to the Browsing section and click Next in the Browsing location tab.

3. Select a VPN server location and click Connect

The Clario app allows you to enjoy not only private but safe browsing. In addition to the unlimited VPN, the app also brings you 24/7 data breach monitoring, powerful antivirus, robust anti-tracking, and real-time anti-phishing protection.