What Incognito Mode Really Does
Incognito or private mode is handy, but it protects you from less than its name suggests. It mostly keeps your browsing off your own device, not off the internet.
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What it does
- Doesn't save your history, cookies, or form data after you close the window.
- Starts you logged out, which is handy for shared computers.
- Lets you sign into a second account alongside your normal one.
What it does not do
- It doesn't hide your IP address. Websites still see it.
- It doesn't hide your activity from your ISP, employer, or school.
- It doesn't stop fingerprinting or block ads and trackers.
- It doesn't make you anonymous.
If you want real privacy
Combine a VPN to hide your IP, a privacy-focused browser to limit tracking, and good habits. Incognito is a convenience feature, not a privacy shield.