Using Incognito Mode for better privacy & security
We’ll explore how is works, how to enable in different browsers, and what additional steps to take for online privacy
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Many users believe that Incognito Mode or private browsing is a foolproof way to stay anonymous online. However, while it prevents your local device from storing your browsing history, it does not hide your identity from websites, internet service providers (ISPs), trackers, or malicious surveillance.
In this guide, we’ll explore how Incognito Mode works, how to enable it in different browsers, and what additional steps you should take for true online privacy and security.
Think Incognito Mode makes you invisible? Think again. While private browsing prevents local tracking, it does not hide your IP or block surveillance. NymVPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring your browsing remains truly private from ISPs, trackers, and prying eyes.
How to go Incognito in different browsers
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select New Incognito Window.
- A new window opens with an Incognito Mode label.
Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).
- Open Firefox.
- Click the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
- Select New Private Window.
Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + P (Mac).
MacOS
- Open Safari.
- Click File > New Private Window.
- A private browsing window will open.
On iPhone
- Open Safari
- Tap the tabs icon > Private
- Open a new private tab.
- Open Edge.
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select New InPrivate Window.
Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).
What is a VPN?
Incognito Mode: Frequently Asked Questions
No, Incognito Mode does not hide your IP address. To mask your IP, use a decentralized VPN or Tor Browser.
Yes, if you are on a monitored network, your browsing activity is still visible. Use a VPN for better privacy.
No, fingerprinting techniques can still identify you based on your device and browser settings.
Using a private browser like Tor Browser or Brave can be a good way to protect your web activities. However, being truly anonymous online requires many different tools and privacy-preserving practices. NymVPN combines many of these to provide the highest level of anonymity for users: anonymous and unlinkable payments, decentralized routing by default, and noise to protect metadata. So whatever browser you’re using, all of the data coming to and from your device will be protected.
A combination of a privacy browser, decentralized VPN, and encrypted search engine, and smart web practices provides better protection than Incognito Mode alone.
About the authors
Benjamin Nemeroff
Casey Ford. PhD
Technical reviewerTable of contents
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