Turn Off and Disable Private Browsing on Any Web Browser

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Learn how to exit private or incognito mode and permanently disable it
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Incognito Mode or Private Browsing is a feature that most web browsers have that allows you to browse the internet without saving your internet use as history. However, there are many inconvenient drawbacks to browsing in private mode. It can also be a challenge for parents and companies that want to monitor internet usage. This wikiHow article teaches you how to turn off private browsing as well as how to permanently disable it.

Turn Off or Disable Private Browsing

  • On most web browsers, you can tap the menu icon (with three dots or three lines) and tap the option to open a new window to exit private or incognito mode.
  • On Windows and Mac, you can use Command Prompt or Terminal commands to permanently disable private or incognito mode in various web browsers.
  • On mobile devices, enable content restrictions using Screen Time (iPhone/iPad) or the Family Link app (Android) to disable private mode in Google Chrome or Safari.
Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Turning Off Private Browsing

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  1. Use the following steps to turn off Incognito Mode in Google Chrome on your PC or Mac:
    • Click Incognito in the upper-right corner.
    • Click Close Incognito .
    • Alternatively, just tap the x button at the top right (Windows) or top left (Mac) of the Incognito window to close it. [1]
    • Open a new window or tab.
  2. Use the following steps to turn off Incognito Mode for Google Chrome on mobile devices:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a square with numbers (tabs) in the upper-right corner (Android) or lower right corner (iPhone/iPad).
    • If you’re in Incognito mode, you’ll be in the Incognito tab at the top of the page, which looks like a hat and glasses. Tap the tabs icon at the top center of the page to switch to normal browsing. You can also tap the x at the top right corner of any Incognito tabs to close them. [2]
    • Tap the Plus (+) icon to open a new tab.
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  3. Use the following steps to turn off private browsing for Safari on a Mac:
    • Close any windows that are open in Private Browsing mode.
    • Click File in the menu bar at the top.
    • Click New Window .
  4. Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing on Safari for iPhone
    • Tap the icon that resembles 2 squares stacked on top of each other in the lower-right corner.
    • In the Private tab at the bottom of the screen, tap the x in the top right corner of any private tabs you’d like to close.
    • Tap the " # Tabs " button at the bottom of the screen to open regular browsing mode.
    • Select one of the tabs that’s already open on this screen, or tap the plus (+) icon to start a new tab.
  5. Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing in Safari for iPad:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a screen with a menu in the upper-left corner.
    • Tap Start Page at the top of the menu.
    • Tap the plus (+) icon to start a new tab.
  6. Use the following steps to turn off InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge:
    • Click the icon with three dots ( ⋯ ) in the upper-right corner.
    • Click New Windows .
  7. Use the following steps to turn off InPrivate browsing on Microsoft Edge for mobile:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a square with numbers in the menu bar at the bottom.
    • Tap Tabs at the top.
    • Tap the plus (+) icon to open a new tab.
  8. Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing in Firefox for PC or Mac:
    • Click the icon with three lines ( ☰ ) in the upper-right corner.
    • Click New Window .
    • You can also go to File > New Window .
    • If you wish, close any open Incognito windows or tabs.
  9. Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing in Firefox for mobile:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a square with numbers (tabs) in the lower-right corner.
    • Tap the same icon again next to the icon that resembles a mask in the bar at the top.
    • Tap the plus (+) icon in the lower-right corner.
    • If you wish, you can also close any open tabs in the Incognito menu.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on Windows

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  1. Since this method involves editing sensitive components of your computer's operating system, backing up your information before continuing will prevent you from losing your data if your computer crashes.
  2. You must be logged in as an administrator to do this. Use the following steps to open the Command Prompt as an administrator:
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Type CMD .
    • RIght-click the Command Prompt icon.
    • Click Run as administrator .
  3. This will create a new registry rule that disables private browsing for your web browser in Windows. Copy and paste one of the following commands into the Command Prompt and press Enter : [3]
    • Disable Google Chrome Incognito Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome /v IncognitoModeAvailability /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Google Chrome Guest Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0
    • Disable Microsoft Edge InPrivate Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge /v InPrivateModeAvailability /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Microsoft Edge Guest Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0
    • Disable Firefox Private Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Mozilla\Firefox /v DisablePrivateBrowsing /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Brave Incognito Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\BraveSoftware\Brave /v IncognitoModeAvailability /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Brave Guest Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\BraveSoftware\Brave /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0
    • Disable Brave Incognito Mode with Tor: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\BraveSoftware\Brave /v TorDisabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1
  4. If there is already a registry item for Incognito Mode Availability, you will be asked if you want to overwrite it. Type yes and press Enter .
  5. If your web browser is currently open, close it and then reopen it.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on Mac

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  1. If you have a browser open, you'll need to close it in order for these steps to work.
  2. Use the following steps to open the Terminal on your Mac:
    • Click the magnifying glass icon in the upper-right corner.
    • Enter Terminal into the search bar.
    • Click the Terminal app.
  3. This will create a new system setting that disables Private or Incognito mode on your Mac. Copy and paste one of the following commands into the Terminal and press Enter : [4]
    • Disable Google Chrome Incognito Mode: defaults write com.google.chrome IncognitoModeAvailability -integer 1z
    • Disable Google Chrome Guest Mode: defaults write com.google.Chrome BrowserGuestModeEnabled -bool false
    • Disable Firefox Private Mode: defaults write /Library/Preferences/org.mozilla.firefox DisablePrivateBrowsing -bool TRUE
    • Disable Microsoft Edge InPrivate Mode: defaults write com.microsoft.edge InPrivateModeAvailability -integer 1
    • Disable Microsoft Edge Guest Mode: defaults write com.microsoft.edge BrowserGuestModeEnabled -integer 0
    • Disabling Brave Incognito Mode: defaults write com.brave.Browser IncognitoModeAvailability -integer 1
    • Disable Brave Guest Mode: defaults write com.brave.Browser BrowserGuestModeEnabled -bool false
  4. For the changes to take effect, you must restart your Mac. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner and click Restart to restart your Mac.
    • To reinstate Incognito Mode again, re-enter the command in the Terminal and change the integer value to "0" instead of "1".
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Disabling Private Mode in Safari on Mac

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  1. It's in the upper-left corner of the Window. This displays a drop-down menu.
  2. It's in the Apple menu.
  3. On newer versions of macOS, it's in the menu bar to the left. It has an icon that resembles an hourglass.
  4. It's next to a red icon that has a circle with a line through it.
  5. It's at the top of the page. This enables Content & Privacy restrictions.
    • You may be prompted to enter your administrative password before you can make any changes to your Screen Time settings.
  6. It’s at the top of the Content & Privacy menu.
  7. This option is in the dropdown menu next to “Access to Web Content” under the Safari header. Click Done to confirm.
    • If you want to allow certain websites, click Customize… under “Access to Web Content.” Click + under Allowed and enter the websites you want to allow.
    • Once this setting is enabled, the New Private Window option will be greyed out in the Safari File menu.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on Android

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  1. It has an icon that resembles a blue, green, and yellow striped kite. You can find the Family Link app in the Google Play Store on Android. [5]
    • You must have a Google account for yourself on your devices and a child's account to link to.
  2. Once you download the app, you'll need to log into your Google account and link your child's Google account. This is how you can set parental controls on their devices . Once connected, you'll be able to edit permissions and access.
  3. Your child will need to be signed into their Google account on their device. Once they are logged into their Google account on their device, Incognito mode will be disabled in Google Chrome. [6]
  4. This should be on the Family Link's home page.
  5. It's on the main page of your child's account.
  6. Since the Family Link app only applies to Google Chrome, you will need to make sure your child cannot download any other web browsers. Use the following steps to require approval for all Google Play purchases and downloads:
    • Tap Google Play .
    • Tap Require Approval for .
    • Tap the radio option next to "All content."
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad

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  1. It's a grey app with gears that you'll likely find on the Home Screen.
  2. It's next to a purple icon that resembles a magnifying glass. This displays the Screen Time Settings.
  3. It's next to a red icon with a cross-circle.
  4. This enables content and privacy restrictions on your device.
  5. It’s right under the Content & Privacy Restrictions setting.
  6. This will make it impossible to download new apps (including other browsers) from the App Store.
  7. This will return you to the Content & Privacy Restrictions menu.
  8. It’s in the first group of options under the Content & Privacy Restrictions setting.
  9. It’s roughly halfway down the menu.
  10. It's the second option in the menu. In addition to restricting adult content, this option also disables Private browsing.
    • If you want to allow certain websites, tap Add Website under the “Always Allow” header and enter the websites you approve of.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I turn off private browsing on my iPad?
    Community Answer
    If you choose "Limit Adult Content," under Settings/General/Restrictions/Websites it will not allow the history to be cleared until it is changed back to "All Websites."
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How can I block an Android device from my Netgear router?
    Community Answer
    Create a private network passcode, or limit the bandwidth allocation on outgoing data, adjustable by IP.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    How do I turn off private browsing on an Android device?
    Community Answer
    Close the private tab on your device. The first tab is under the options on the bottom left.
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      Warnings

      • Most browsers don't support disabling of private or incognito browsing. Your best course of action when attempting to prevent unauthorized private access is to install a set of parental controls that can monitor Internet use while in incognito/private mode.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid
      3. ↑ https://sc1.checkpoint.com/documents/Infinity_Portal/WebAdminGuides/EN/Harmony-Endpoint-Admin-Guide/Topics-Common-for-HEP-HB/Browser-Settings.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-disable-safari-private-browsing-on-mac/
      5. ↑ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink&hl=en_US&gl=US
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/families/answer/7087030?hl=en&sjid=16404751465167313741-NA

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Windows Start menu and type "Regedit".
      2. Click Registry Editor . 3. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_KEY" > "SOFTWARE" > "Policies" > "Google" > "Chrome".
      4. Right-click and add a new DWORD (32 Bit) value in "Chrome.
      5. Name the new value "IncognitoModeAvailability".
      6. Open "IncognitoModeAvailability" and change the value to "1".
      7. Click Apply followed by Ok .
      8. Restart your computer.

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