How to open an Incognito/Private Mode Browser Window

Incognito or Private mode is a feature built in to virtually all Internet browsers. Basically, it allows users to browse the Web anonymously, sort of. Unfortunately, Incognito mode doesn’t hide your Internet activity from your internet service provider or any other prying eyes. Incognito mode will erase your browsing and search history once you end your Incognito web browsing session. In addition, it will also erase any tracking cookies you picked up while perusing the Internet. While your ISP may be able to see everything you do, others who are snooping around on your device will not. 

Incognito mode is useful for

  • Using a public computer to keep information from being retained on the local computer.
  • Logging into multiple email accounts within the same browser without having to log out each time.
  • Keeping ads from tracking your web browsing.
  • Testing a website that is not working for you. Incognito disables any cookies or remembered passwords to allow a clean use of the website. 

Chrome 

  1. Click on three vertical dots on the upper right of Chrome
  2. Select New incognito window
  3. Keyboard Shortcut: Windows - CTRL+SHIFT+N, Mac - SHIFT+COMMAND+N

Edge

  1. Click on three horizontal dots on the upper right of Edge
  2. Select New InPrivate window
  3. Keyboard Shortcut: Windows - CTRL+SHIFT+N, Mac - SHIFT+COMMAND+N

Firefox

  1. Click on three horizontal lines on the upper right of Firefox
  2. Select New Private Window
  3. Keyboard Shortcut: Windows - CTRL+SHIFT+P, Mac - SHIFT+COMMAND+P

Safari

  1. Click on File
  2. Select New Private Window 
  3. Keyboard Shortcut: Mac - SHIFT+COMMAND+N