A web browser opens access to the World Wide Web, makes it possible to visit many sites and resources, study various information, download various kinds of content.
At the same time, you do not always want other users to be able to track all your actions on the network. And here the built-in function of the browser itself comes to the rescue, which allows you to surf the web in the so-called incognito mode.
Not everyone fully understands what it is and what opportunities this mode provides. Some are sure that we are talking about complete anonymity on the network. This is not entirely true. Plus, each browser has its own incognito activation features.
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What is this mode
To begin with, it is worth learning about why this incognito mode is generally needed and how much it makes the use of Internet resources anonymous.
Speaking about what this same incognito mode is in any web browser, for a start it is important to dispel a very popular and widespread myth. According to him, the transition to this mode creates complete anonymity when visiting certain sites. That is, everything that the user did on the Internet remains a secret for everyone. This is an erroneous opinion and a serious delusion that can play a cruel joke with a person.
To understand what the so-called incognito mode is and what possibilities it opens up in the browser, you should look at the key points. Incognito, aka private browsing mode, is positioned as a special mode in the work of a web browser. It provides a certain level of anonymity, that is, confidentiality. But only for those people who use your computer.
This is the question of why this incognito mode is needed then. With its help, all user activity on the Internet is hidden from those people who share the same computer with you.
To even better grasp the essence of what is happening, it is recommended to look at the data and information that will not be saved if you select a special privacy mode. Other users, sitting after you at the computer, will not be able to find out:
- what pages on the Internet you have visited;
- what was entered into the search query string;
- your data for authorization on different sites (logins and passwords);
- lists of uploaded files;
- cookies files;
- offline data;
- browser cache.
All this the other person will not see if you use private mode and then exit it.
Many do not quite understand why this very privacy mode is needed, that is, incognito. For some reason, they believe that the work on the Internet remains without a trace even for search engines, providers, special services, etc. Allegedly, in this case, it will not be possible to track the activity. This is mistake. After all, the IP address does not change in this case. That is, you will remain invisible exclusively for those with whom you share the same computer.
All this suggests that it will not work to achieve complete anonymity by using the privacy mode in the browser.
Having a clear understanding of the essence and capabilities of the mode in question, the user will be able to correctly dispose of it and use it for its intended purpose.
There is nothing difficult about activating incognito. However, each web browser has its own characteristics and corresponding instructions.
Activation of the mode depending on the browser
Each user has personal preferences regarding which web browser is easier and more convenient for him to manage.
It should be admitted that at the present time the leading line is occupied by Chrome, developed by Google. But this is far from the only browser.
Basically, users prefer these tools:
- Chrome;
- Firefox;
- Opera;
- Safari;
- Explorer;
- Edge;
- Yandex.
You should now provide separate instructions for each browser to take advantage of the incognito mode capabilities. And both on a computer and on a mobile device.
But first about hotkeys.
Hotkey activation
The use of such a concept as hot in relation to keyboard keys is conditional. Nothing is heated there. On the other hand, almost every key has additional features in addition to its main function. And this is especially true for their combination.
You can also open the tab in privacy mode using the buttons on the keyboard. The combination here depends not only on the particular web browser, but also on the Operating System.
For browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Explorer, depending on the OS, 2 combinations can be used:
- if it is a computer or laptop running MacOS, then press Command, Shift and p at the same time;
- For Chrome OS, Linux, and Windows users, Ctrl, Shift and p are combined.
The situation looks somewhat different for the browsers Opera, Safari, Chrome and Yandex. Namely:
- for MacOS, this is a combination of Command, Shift and n;
- for other operating systems, you need to press Ctrl, Shift and n.
Whether the user wants to memorize these combinations is a moot point. In addition, you can launch a special mode of partial anonymity in just a few clicks. For many, this is easier than pressing multiple buttons at the same time.
Chrome
To begin with, how to enable semi-anonymous incognito mode in Google Chrome as the most popular and widespread web browser.
Chrome is available in desktop (computer) and mobile versions.
If you need to enable privacy or incognito mode in Google Chrome while working on a PC or laptop, you need to do the following:
- open a browser;
- click on the icon in the form of three vertical dots;
- select the item “New window in incognito mode”.
That’s it, now you can provide yourself with an appropriate level of privacy through the new masonry.
In addition, Google Chrome allows you to automatically launch the selected tabs in this mode. But here you need to first install a special extension. It is the name of Inkognito Filter.
For the mobile version of Chrome, the procedure is no more complicated. After opening the browser, tap on the button in the form of three dots, and select the mode of opening a new incognito tab. Ready.
Yandex browser
This web browser also allows you to seamlessly switch to a partially anonymous mode called incognito. This is a popular product of domestic developers.
As in the previous case, the incognito mode in Yandex is available in the computer and mobile versions of the application. It is as easy to turn it on as it is to turn it off later.
Self-configuration in the desktop version of incognito mode for browser users from Yandex provides literally 3 steps:
- open the program;
- click on the 3 horizontal stripes in the upper right corner;
- in the list that opens, click on the “Incognito Mode” button.
If we are talking about the mobile version, then here, to enable privacy, you need to tap on the menu button to the right of the search bar, and select the appropriate mode in the list that opens.
Firefox
Not without incognito mode in Mozilla Firefox. Quite a popular web browser, although some users complain about its heavy weight and the ability to load the system. But this is a controversial point.
As for privacy, Firefox has a built-in feature. To use it, you need to press the button in the computer version in the form of three horizontal stripes. A menu opens through it, and it is located in the upper right corner of the browser window. From the drop-down menu, you just need to click on the button for creating a new private window. That is, the word “incognito” is not used here. This is misleading to some.
In the mobile version of this application, there are three vertical dots in the upper right corner. It is also a key for opening a menu, when you click on it, you can tap on the “Private tab” line. As in the desktop version, the word “incognito” itself is not used here.
Opera
It should be admitted that this browser was once the leader, but then dropped noticeably in the popularity rating.
This does not prevent you from enabling incognito mode in Opera if necessary. Moreover, the task is extremely simple.
To open the necessary private incognito mode in the computer (desktop) Opera, it is enough:
- start a web browser;
- move the cursor to the upper left corner;
- click on the button with the browser logo;
- wait for the drop-down list to appear;
- click on the “Create a private window” button.
That’s it, now you have launched Safe Mode in Opera, and you can go to any site, while maintaining your incognito status. No traces will remain after your surfing the Internet.
If you have a mobile version installed on your smartphone or tablet, then here too the incognito mode in the Opera browser was provided. The corresponding keys are used to enter it.
In a mobile browser, you need to click on a tabbed window, swipe the screen to the left. This allows you to switch between the two modes of operation. Namely, “Normal” and “Private”.
To open a new tab while in the “Private” position, simply tap on the plus button at the bottom of the display.
Internet Explorer
Explorer, as you probably already understood, also has a special privacy mode. He’s incognito. And launching it is no more difficult than that of competitors.
The user will be required to do the following:
- launch the browser;
- click on the settings button in the upper right corner (in the form of a gear);
- open the list;
- go to the “Security” menu;
- in this section, click on the “View In Private” button.
Although it’s worth agreeing that in the case of Explorer, you have to perform more actions. It’s not for nothing that this is one of the outsiders in the user popularity rating. Plus, Explorer already has a shift.
Microsoft Edge
This browser became the standard web browser on Windows 10. In fact, it is a transition from Explorer.
In the computer version of the program, you need to click on the icon in the form of three horizontal dots and in the drop-down menu click on the menu “New InPrivate Window”.
In the mobile version, there is a similar button in the lower right corner, consisting of three dots. This is a settings menu. By clicking on it, you need to press the same key as in the desktop version.
Safari
If you are a devoted user of the web browser Safari and want to remain anonymous when visiting pages on the Internet, then open the “File” menu and here click on “New Private Window”.
For the mobile version, just open the “Tabs” menu, which is located in the lower right corner, and then tap on the “Private Access” item. To start using the browser in anonymous mode, going to a particular site, press the button in the form of a plus sign.
Disabling privacy mode
It will also be natural to find out how you can turn off this incognito mode and thereby completely cover your tracks.
Everything is very simple. All browsers have the same principle of how to remove an activated incognito mode. To do this, it is enough to close the windows and tabs that were launched in the privacy status.
Before you turn off the running partial anonymity or incognito mode, make sure that you have completed all the necessary steps. Otherwise, when you run it again through history, you won’t be able to open the same links. They will have to look again.
It is important to understand that this mode does not provide full anonymity and will not be able to protect your personal data on the Internet. In many browsers, a corresponding warning appears before starting work.
How often and for what purpose do you use this mode? Do you find it useful? Or is it easier to use a VPN or other ways to get full privacy?
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