What is Private Browsing and Incognito mode?
Private Browsing and Incognito mode are two different names for the same feature, available in most modern web browsers, including those on iPhones. These modes create a temporary browsing session that is isolated from your main browsing session, offering a more discreet experience.
During a private browsing session, any websites you visit, search queries you enter, or forms you fill out are not saved in your browser’s history. Additionally, these modes typically prevent the storage of cookies, which are small data files used by websites to remember users and their preferences.
It’s important to note that Private Browsing is designed to prevent your activity from showing up on your browser, keeping it hidden from anyone who might share your computer. However, it does not keep your activity hidden from the sites you visit, your internet service provider, or your Wi-Fi admin.
How to Turn on Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad
There are several methods to access Private Browsing on your iPhone or iPad, depending on your browser. Here’s how to enable Private Browsing in Safari and Incognito mode in Google Chrome on iOS 17.
Private Browsing on Safari with iOS 17
To enable Private Browsing in Safari, follow these steps:
1. Open Safari.
2. Tap on the Tabs button (two overlapping squares) at the bottom right of your screen.
3. Swipe the button indicating the number of tabs you have open to the right, or tap the grayed-out Private button.
4. Tap Done on the bottom right to start browsing.
You can ensure that Private Browsing is enabled in Safari by looking at the search/address bar. It will appear in dark gray.
Shortcut for Private Browsing on Safari with iOS 17
To enable Private Browsing quickly, follow these steps:
1. Open Safari.
2. Press and hold the Tabs button.
3. Choose either New Private Tab or Private.
You’ll immediately start browsing in private mode.
Incognito mode on Google Chrome with iOS 17
If you prefer to use Google Chrome on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps to enable Incognito mode:
1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Tap the three horizontal dots at the bottom right corner of your screen.
3. Tap New Incognito Tab.
Now you’re ready to start browsing in Incognito mode.
How to Make Private Browsing the Default Mode on Safari
If you prefer your browser to never store cookies or browsing history, you can make Private Browsing the default setting in Safari. Here’s how:
1. Open Safari.
2. Tap the Tabs button at the bottom right of your screen.
3. Tap on the list icon at the bottom center of your screen.
4. In the menu, ensure Private is selected.
Once you’ve chosen that, new links and pages will open with Private Browsing enabled.
How to Turn off Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad
Turning off Private Browsing on your iPhone and iPad on iOS 17 involves similar steps to the ones above.
Turn off Private Browsing on Safari with iOS 17
To disable Private Browsing in Safari, follow these steps:
1. Open Safari.
2. Tap the Tabs button at the bottom right of your screen.
3. Swipe the Private button to the left, or tap the grayed-out Tabs button just to the right of the Private button.
4. Tap Done.
You can ensure you’ve disabled Private Browsing by checking the search/address bar. It should be back to its usual almost white color.
Turn off Incognito mode on Google Chrome with iOS 17
To turn off Incognito mode on Google Chrome, follow these steps:
1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Tap the Tabs button at the bottom of your screen.
3. Tap Edit.
4. Select close all tabs.
5. Tap the tabs button. This changes the browser from Incognito to normal mode.
6. Tap any tab or create a new one by pressing the plus sign at the bottom.
Is Private Browsing Actually Private?
Private Browsing, whether in Safari, Chrome, or another browser, offers a limited form of privacy. It prevents your browsing history, cookies, and site data from being stored on your device, making it harder for others using your device to see your activity. However, it does not hide your online activity from third parties such as your internet service provider, websites you visit, or network administrators.
Private Browsing also does not shield you from web tracking technologies like browser fingerprinting, nor does it encrypt your traffic like a VPN. For a higher level of privacy, additional measures such as using a VPN or privacy-focused browsers are advisable.
Alternatives to Private Browsing and Incognito
While Private Browsing and Incognito modes offer a basic level of privacy, they may not suffice for those seeking a higher level of online anonymity, privacy, or security. Here are some alternative tools and methods that enhance your online activities’ privacy and security.
Using a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an effective way to increase your privacy on your iPhone. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a VPN server in your chosen location, effectively changing your IP address and making you appear to be in a different location. This enhances your privacy and allows access to censored content.
To use a VPN on your iPhone:
1. Sign up for a VPN service.
2. Download the VPN app from the App Store.
3. Open the app and sign in.
4. Follow the app’s instructions to connect to a server location.
Using a Privacy-Focused Browser
There are browsers available that prioritize privacy even more than Safari and Chrome. Brave, DuckDuckGo, and Aloha are examples of browsers that provide better privacy and security as you browse the web. They don’t track your activity and go as far as blocking pop-ups and trackers. You can even use them alongside a VPN for maximum privacy.
Here are some privacy-focused browsers for iOS:
– Brave: Very fast, open-source architecture, blocks trackers and ads.
– Aloha: Tracker protection, ad and tracker blocker, analyzes downloads on iOS.
– DuckDuckGo Browser: Doesn’t store your browsing history, uses the DuckDuckGo search engine by default, faster than Safari, ad and tracker blocking.
– Firefox Focus: Always-on ad blocking, very fast, one-button browsing history deletion, built by the trustworthy Mozilla Foundation.
– Red Onion: Offers Tor network browsing, can bypass some censorship, supports user agent spoofing.
Can iPhone Private Browsing Mode Be Tracked?
Yes, the iPhone’s Private Browsing mode can still be tracked by external sources such as internet service providers (ISPs) and websites. While it prevents the storage of browsing history, cookies, and site data on your device, it doesn’t hide your online activity from third parties such as ad companies and website trackers.
Network administrators and digital fingerprinting techniques can still see where you connect, even in Private Browsing mode. For more comprehensive privacy, additional measures such as using a VPN are advisable.
Is There a Way to See Private Browsing History on iPhone?
No, there isn’t a straightforward way to view Private Browsing history on an iPhone. Private Browsing mode in Safari is designed to leave no trace of your browsing activity on your device. Once you close a Private Browsing tab, the information about the websites you visited and your search history is not saved and cannot be retrieved through Safari.
It is possible to set up your phone to record all browsing history, including Incognito, by using special software. Parental control apps are one type of software that can achieve this. However, it’s important to note that using such software without the knowledge of the person being tracked is unethical.
Which Browser is Private on iPhone?
As an Apple product, the iPhone comes with Safari built-in, which includes Private Browsing mode. While this mode prevents your activity from being saved to your phone, Safari is not a privacy-focused browser like Brave, Firefox, or DuckDuckGo browser, which can all be downloaded from the App Store.
Is There Private Browsing on Safari?
Yes, similar to all mainstream browsers, Safari offers a Private Browsing mode. After you close a Private tab, Safari won’t remember the pages you visited, your search history, or your AutoFill information.
Why Can’t I Open a Private Tab on Safari iPhone?
If you’re unable to open a private tab on Safari iPhone, it’s likely that your device has some sort of restriction on browsing through parental controls. To enable Private Browsing, go to your settings and deactivate the Content & Privacy Restrictions completely. This should reinstate your ability to use Private Browsing.
Conclusion
Private Browsing and Incognito modes offer a basic level of privacy by preventing your browsing history, cookies, and site data from being stored on your device. However, they do not provide complete anonymity or protection from third parties. To enhance your online privacy and security, consider using a VPN and privacy-focused browsers. Remember to always be aware of the limitations of Private Browsing and take additional measures to protect your online activities.
FAQs
1.
Can Private Browsing hide my online activity from my internet service provider?
No, Private Browsing does not hide your online activity from your internet service provider. They can still track your activity.
2.
Are there any privacy-focused browsers available for Android?
Yes, there are privacy-focused browsers available for Android, such as Brave, Firefox, and DuckDuckGo browser.
3.
Can I use a VPN on my computer?
Yes, you can use a VPN on your computer to increase your privacy and security while browsing the internet.
4.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, it’s important to use a VPN for legitimate purposes and not engage in illegal activities.
5.
Can I use Private Browsing on my Android device?
Yes, Android devices also have Private Browsing modes available in their web browsers.