Windows/Mac: How to switch to "incognito" mode (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

chrome edge safari firefox website incognito private secure inprivate

Overview

If a website is not loading or displaying correctly switching your web browser to "incognito mode" may resolve the issue. When your web browser is in incognito mode it prevents cookies and cached site data from being saved and stored to your computer.

This can be useful to protect secure or private information transmitted to or from a website from being saved or stored on the device and it can prevent other users of the device from seeing your web browsing history. It is also a common troubleshooting suggestion.

Incognito mode does not hide your internet history from your internet service provider (ISP).

Details / Instructions

How to switch to Incognito Mode, please note these directions can vary by software version:

Microsoft EdgeShow

Microsoft calls their incognito mode "InPrivate".

There are (3) ways to access InPrivate mode in Edge:

1) Right-click the Microsoft Edge logo in the taskbar and select New InPrivate window.

2) In Microsoft Edge, Right-click a link and select Open link in InPrivate window.

3) In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more and choose New InPrivate window. "Settings and more" is the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner of the Edge browser.

To open an InPrivate window, you can also use a keyboard shortcut:

Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + n

Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + n.

You may visit https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/browse-inprivate-in-microsoft-edge-cd2c9a48-0bc4-b98e-5e46-ac40c84e27e2 to learn more about InPrivate.

Google ChromeShow

On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, select More New Incognito window

A new window opens, on the right of the address bar, you’ll find the Incognito icon indicating you are in incognito mode.

To open an Incognito window, you can also use a keyboard shortcut:

Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + n

Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + n.

You may visit https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop to learn more about Incognito in Chrome as well as find directions to access Incognito on smart devices (Android & iOS).

Mozilla FirefoxShow

Mozilla Firefox calls their Incognito mode "Private Window".

There are two ways to open a new Private Window:

1) Open a new Private Window from the Firefox menu: Left-Click the menu button and then click New private window.

2) Open a link in a new Private Window: Right-click any link and choose Open Link in New Private Window.

Note: Private Browsing windows have a purple mask at the top indicating you are in Private Browsing mode.

To open an Incognito window, you can also use a keyboard shortcut:

Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + p

Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + p

You may visit https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/private-browsing-use-firefox-without-history to learn more about private browsing in Firefox.

Safari (MacOS)Show

Safari calls their Incognito mode "Private Window".

Click File -> New Private Window to start a new Private Window or to switch to a Safari window that’s already using Private Browsing.

Note: A window that’s using Private Browsing has a dark address and search field with white text.

To open a Private Window you can also use a keyboard shortcut ( Press ⌘ + Shift + n )

Smart Device (iOS) Safari Private Window instructions are available here: https://support.apple.com/en-me/guide/iphone/iphb01fc3c85/ios

You may visit https://help.apple.com/safari/mac/8.0/en.lproj/ibrw1069.html to learn more about Private Browsing in Safari.

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Windows/Mac: How to switch to "incognito" mode (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

Overview

Details / Instructions

See Also

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