3 Quick Ways to Activate Incognito Mode on Google Chrome

PDF download Download Article
Browse in privately in Google Chrome using Incognito Mode
PDF download Download Article

In Incognito Mode, you can use Google Chrome in private, without it saving sites you visit or files you download. Once you exit your incognito session, these will be removed. Here's how to activate Incognito Mode on Google Chrome using your iPhone, iPad, Android, or computer.

Quick Steps

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click â‹® in the top-right corner.
  3. Click New Incognito Window .
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Desktop

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Launch Google Chrome . You can find this in your app list. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is in the top-right corner.
    • A drop-down menu will open.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A new window will open in Incognito Mode. You'll see a hat and glasses icon near the tab and at the top-right corner of the window.
    • Alternatively, you can press CTRL + Shift + n (Windows. Linux, Chrome OS) or CMD + Shift + n (Mac) to open a new Incognito window.
    • To close Incognito mode , click the X at the top-right corner of the Incognito window.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This looks like a multicolored sphere.
    • If you don't have Chrome, you can download it from the App Store . [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find this at the bottom-right corner.
    • A pop-up menu will open.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will open the app in Incognito mode.
    • Alternatively, you can tap the rectangle icon at the bottom toolbar, and then select the Incognito tab (hat and glasses).
      • You can tap Edit and then Close All Tabs to close your tabs and exit Incognito mode.
      • If you want to exit Incognito mode but keep your tabs, tap the rectangle icon to switch to regular browsing mode.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/da\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This looks like a multicolored sphere. [3]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is at the top-right corner, near the address bar.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Activate-Incognito-Mode-on-Google-Chrome-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will open the app in Incognito mode.
    • Alternatively, you can tap the rectangle icon at the bottom toolbar, and then select the Incognito tab (hat and glasses).
      • You can tap Edit and then Close All Tabs to close your tabs and exit Incognito mode.
      • If you want to exit Incognito mode but keep your tabs, tap the rectangle icon to switch to regular browsing mode.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if I tried all of wikiHow's tips on incognito mode, but that option doesn't come up? Is my school blocking it?
    Blue Blur
    Community Answer
    Your school does have the power to block incognito mode. If incognito mode isn't there, then your school likely removed it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 20
  • Question
    What if I can't see the incognito icon on my browser?
    Palak Sharma
    Community Answer
    Just press D while holding down the CTRL button on your system. That is a shortcut to opening an incognito tab.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 42 Helpful 3
  • Question
    I have inadvertently activated incognito mode through goofy fingering. How do I turn it off when I have no idea how it got started?
    Community Answer
    There are two easy ways to turn off incognito mode. It is likely you are using a desktop or a laptop because in mobile devices, it is harder to turn it off. First, the easy way is just to click up right in the "x" button. The actual way to close it is again, at your tab in the app - there is a big black button that says "incognito mode". Press it and next select "close incognito mode" (the message may be different. It depends in the platform and the version you are using).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 7
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • You can use both regular and incognito tabs in the same session. The private mode will only apply to the incognito tabs.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Browse Incognito in Internet Explorer
      Turn Off and Disable Private Browsing on Any Web Browser
      How to
      Install Google Chrome Using Terminal on Linux
      Automatically Reload a Page in Chrome: Easy Extension & Script
      Why Your Pinned Tabs Disappear & How to Fix It
      How to
      Add Google Drive to File Explorer in Windows
      Easy Ways to View & Manage Bookmarks in Google Chrome
      3 Easy Ways to Install the Google Chrome Web Browser
      How to
      Turn Any Website Into an App Shortcut With Chrome
      Uninstalling Chrome Extensions Installed by Your Administrator
      How to
      Override the Ctrl+Shift+QQ Shortcut in Google Chrome
      4 Simple Ways to Block Adult Websites on Google Chrome
      How to
      Make Fake Discord Messages With Inspect Element
      2 Fast Ways to Remove Bing from Chrome: PC, Mac, & Mobile
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&oco=1
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&oco=1
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 94,156 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement