Browsing in private mode, also known as incognito mode, is a feature available in many web browsers, including Chrome, that allows you to browse the web without leaving a trace of your activity on your device. This means that your browsing history, cookies, temporary files, and downloaded files will not be saved, and your activity will not be visible to other users of your device.
How to browse in private mode with Chrome:
Open Chrome on your computer.
In the top right corner of the window, click More (three dots) and then select New incognito tab.
OR
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS) or ⌘ + Shift + N (Mac).
A new window will open with a dark background, indicating that you are in private browsing mode. Any browsing you do in this window will not be saved to your browser history or your device.
Things to keep in mind about private browsing:
- Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can still see your browsing activity, even if you are using private browsing mode.
- Websites can still collect data about your browsing activity, even if you are using private browsing mode. However, they will not be able to link that data to your Google account or other personal information.
- If you save files or cookies in private browsing mode, those files and cookies will still be stored on your device.
Here are some additional tips for protecting your privacy while browsing the web:
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address.
- Install ad blockers and trackers to prevent websites from tracking your browsing activity.
- Be careful about what personal information you share online.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your privacy and keep your online activity secure.