How to Use Incognito Mode for Better Privacy & Security

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.

What Is Incognito Mode?

Incognito Mode, also known as private browsing, is a feature that allows users to browse the web without storing search history, cookies, or login credentials on their local device. However, this does not mean you are invisible or anonymous online.

What Incognito Mode does:

• Prevents websites from saving cookies after a session
• Does not store browsing history on your device
• Logs you out of websites after the session ends

What Incognito Mode does NOT do:

• Does not hide your IP address – Websites and ISPs can still track you
• Does not stop browser fingerprinting – Unique browser traits can still identify you
• Does not block ads and trackers – Websites can still collect data from what you do
• Does not provide encryption – Your internet activity is still visible to network administrators unless otherwise encrypted

How to go Incognito in different browsers

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select New Incognito Window.
4. A new window opens with an Incognito Mode label.

Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select New Private Window.

Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + P (Mac).

Safari (Mac & iOS)

1. Open Safari.
2. Click File > New Private Window.
3. A private browsing window will open.

On iPhone

1. Open Safari
2. Tap the tabs icon > Private
3. Open a new private tab.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select New InPrivate Window.

Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).

Limitations of Incognito Mode & how to enhance privacy

Your ISP can still track you

Even in Incognito Mode, your internet service provider (ISP) can see your browsing history. This is because your ISP is what facilitates your connection with the public web. To prevent this, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address from your ISP.

Websites still collect data

Websites can use browser fingerprinting to identify users even in private mode. To mitigate this, use privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Tor and enable anti-fingerprinting extensions.

Employers & schools can monitor your activity

If you're on a work or school network, Incognito Mode will not hide your activity from administrators. Use a VPN or Tor Browser for greater anonymity.

Trackers & ads can still follow you

Incognito Mode does not block tracking scripts or ads. Use browser extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger to stop trackers, or a VPN with a built-in ad blocker stop invasive ads from connecting with your device in the first place.

Alternatives to Incognito Mode for better privacy

Use a privacy-focused browser

Brave – Blocks trackers and ads by default. Tor Browser – Hides your IP and encrypts traffic through a decentralized network.

Enable private search engines

Search engines like DuckDuckGo and Startpage do not track your searches or store personal data. Remember that Big Tech companies like Google are the biggest surveillance and data collection agents on the web today.

Use a VPN

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for ISPs, websites, and malicious surveillance systems to track you.

Block JavaScript & tracking scripts

Many trackers rely on JavaScript to collect data. Disabling JavaScript with NoScript or using a script-blocking extension can prevent some forms of browser fingerprinting.

Regularly clear cookies & cache

Even in Incognito Mode, some trackers persist. Regularly clearing cookies and cache can help reduce data collection.

Nym’s verdict on going Incognito

While Incognito Mode prevents local browsing history storage, it does not provide real anonymity. Websites, ISPs, network administrators, and many other forms of surveillance can still track your activity. To achieve better internet privacy and security, users should rely on privacy browsers, VPNs, and tracker-blocking extensions.

Incognito Mode alone isn’t enough to protect your online privacy. Whether you’re shopping, streaming, or researching sensitive topics, NymVPN provides a secure, encrypted connection to keep your digital footprint hidden and anonymous. And it is much more than a VPN: it combats even AI-surveillance through network noise and mixnet technology to provide the best anonymity currently available.

FAQs

Does Incognito Mode hide my IP address?

No, Incognito Mode does not hide your IP address. To mask your IP, use a VPN or Tor Browser.

Can my employer or school see my Incognito browsing?

Yes, if you are on a monitored network, your browsing activity is still visible. Use a VPN for better privacy.

Does Incognito Mode stop browser fingerprinting?

No, fingerprinting techniques can still identify you based on your device and browser settings.

Is there a completely anonymous way to browse the Web?

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.

What’s the best alternative to Incognito Mode?

A combination of a privacy browser, decentralized VPN, and encrypted search engine, and smart web practices provides better protection than Incognito Mode alone.