13 Things You Should Know About Chrome’s Incognito Mode
Incognito mode in web browsers has become a popular feature among internet users. But do you really understand what it is and how it works? In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Chrome's Incognito mode and uncover its true effectiveness in safeguarding your privacy.
1. What Does Incognito Mode Mean in Chrome?
Typically, when you browse the internet using Chrome, your browsing history, cookies, passwords, and other data are saved. However, if you don't want this information to be stored, Incognito mode comes to the rescue. It allows you to browse privately without leaving any traces behind. This means that other users who share your device won't be able to see your browsing activity.
In Incognito mode, each browsing session is isolated and independent. Your past browsing history will not affect the current session, and vice versa. Once you close Incognito mode, all your browsing history, cookies, and other data will be automatically deleted from your computer.
2. What Happens When You Browse in Incognito Mode?
When you use Incognito mode in Chrome, certain things are not recorded on your computer:
- Browsing history
- Cookies and site data (including login information)
- Permissions
- Information entered in forms
However, it's important to note that your activity can still be tracked by the owner of your network, such as your employer, school, or Internet service provider. Additionally, websites can remember your activity even if it's done in Incognito mode. For example, if you log in to Amazon and make a purchase, Amazon will still record your activity and order details.
3. What Happens to Downloaded Files?
In Incognito mode, any files you download can still be accessed from the Downloads folder on your device. So, if someone has access to your device, they can see and open those files. However, Chrome itself does not keep a record of the files you downloaded in Incognito mode.
4. What Happens to Bookmarks?
Your existing bookmarks are accessible in Incognito mode, including the Bookmarks bar if it's active in regular mode. However, if the login details for a bookmark are saved in regular mode, you won't be able to access them in Incognito mode. You'll need to sign in again.
Any new bookmarks created in Incognito mode will be saved to Chrome and will not be deleted when you exit the Incognito session.
5. How to Enable Incognito Mode in Chrome
Enabling Incognito mode in Chrome is simple:
On PC:
- Open the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Click on the three-dot icon at the top and select “New Incognito window.”
- A new window will open, indicating that you're in Incognito mode.
Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + N” on Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS to open an Incognito tab.
On Android and iPhone:
- Open Chrome on your phone.
- Tap on the three-dot icon and select “New incognito tab” from the menu.
- The Incognito window will open.
6. Browse in Regular and Incognito Mode Simultaneously
Incognito mode opens in a separate window from your regular browsing window. You can use both modes simultaneously and easily switch between them. Each Incognito window has the same session as the others.
To switch between regular and Incognito mode on PC, simply hover your mouse over the Chrome icon and switch to the regular window.
On Android and iPhone, tap on the tabs icon (represented by an “X”) to open the tab switcher screen. From there, you can switch between regular and Incognito mode.
7. How to Disable Chrome's Incognito Mode
To disable Incognito mode in Chrome:
On PC:
Close all the Incognito tabs or windows that are open on your computer. You can do this by clicking the “X” icon on each open Incognito tab or window.
On Android and iPhone:
Tap on the number of tabs button in Incognito mode to access the tab switcher screen. From there, tap on the “X” icon on each Incognito tab. To switch to regular mode, tap on the tabs icon again.
8. Lock Incognito Tabs (iOS)
If you're using Chrome on an iPhone or iPad, you have the option to lock your Incognito tabs. This feature keeps your Incognito tabs private and inaccessible to anyone who has access to your device.
To lock Incognito tabs on iOS:
- Open Chrome on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap on the three-dot icon and select “Settings.”
- Go to “Privacy” and enable the toggle next to “Lock Incognito Tabs When You Close Chrome.”
9. Identify Incognito Mode
To identify Incognito tabs in Chrome, look for the following signs:
- Incognito tabs or windows are usually black or dark-grey in color.
- You will see the Incognito icon (a cap with glasses) either in the address bar or as a new tab icon.
10. Disable Incognito Mode Completely
Unfortunately, Chrome does not offer a native way to completely remove Incognito mode on mobile devices. However, there are workarounds available to disable Incognito mode on Android and remove it from your PC.
11. Screenshots in Incognito Mode
You can take screenshots in Incognito mode without any issues on PC and iOS devices. However, on Android, you may encounter the “Can't take screenshot” error when trying to take a screenshot in Chrome.
12. Use Extensions in Incognito Mode
You can use installed extensions while browsing in Incognito mode. To do this, open “chrome://extensions” in a regular Chrome window. From there, you can enable the “Allow in Incognito” toggle for each extension you want to use in Incognito mode.
13. When to Use Incognito Mode
Here are some practical examples of when to use Incognito mode:
- To browse privately on a computer used by others.
- To search for something without your previous activity affecting the results.
- To view websites without saving them in your browser history.
- To avoid targeted ads based on your current browsing session.
- To sign into multiple accounts on websites that don't support multiple logins.
- To check your blog or website.
Now that you have a better understanding of Chrome's Incognito mode, you can use it effectively to protect your privacy while browsing the web. Remember, while Incognito mode offers some level of privacy, it's important to be aware of its limitations and take additional precautions when necessary.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”