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Incognito Mode: Does it really give complete privacy? Know the real truth
Samira Vishwas | November 16, 2025 7:24 AM CST

Incognito Mode Private Browsing: In today’s digital era, every web browser offers a private mode. Chrome I “Incognito“, which claims to give users a secret and secure browsing experience. At first glance, this feature seems very simple and safe. Just turn on Private Mode and no browsing history, cookies or site data will be saved.

But reports and analysis suggest that this mode provides only limited privacy. Your Internet activity may be visible to your Internet service provider (ISP), your boss at work, or the websites you visit. In such a situation, it is important to understand what private mode actually does and what it does not.

What does private browsing do?

When you open an incognito or private window, the browser stops storing only local data on your device. This feature is especially useful on shared or public computers.

  • Browsing history is not saved
  • Cookies and site data are deleted when the window is closed
  • Form entry, autofill and login information is not saved
  • Personal browsing traces do not remain on the local device

That means it gives you privacy only on the device, not on the internet.

What doesn’t private browsing do?

Despite having “Private” in the name, this mode doesn’t make you completely anonymous. It has several important limitations:

  • ISPs or network administrators may track the sites you visit as your traffic passes through their networks.
  • Visited websites and ad networks can link your online activity to your identity using your login status and tracking tools.
  • Your IP address remains completely visible unless you use a security tool like a VPN.
  • Private Mode does not protect you from malware, phishing, keyloggers or cyber attacks.

How to turn on private mode?

The methods for opening a private session differ in different browsers:

  • Google Chrome: Three-dot menu > New Incognito Window
  • Apple Safari (Mac): Menu bar > File > New Private Window


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