Private browsing: How to stay safe online

Are you concerned that someone might come across your online search history? Do you want to go gift shopping without having anyone else find out? Or, maybe you’d like to watch videos on YouTube without having to manage the recommended videos once you log in again? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then you should consider private browsing.

What is private browsing?

Private browsing is a privacy feature found in some web browsers. When enabled, a web browser creates a temporary session that is isolated from the main browser session and user data. When the session is closed, browsing history, web cache, and cookies are immediately cleared from the device, preventing others from seeing your online activities.

While private and anonymous browsing is often thought to be the same, they’re actually two different things. Anonymous browsing masks your IP address and any other identifying information related to internet activity so that you can’t be traced.

How to enable private browsing

Enabling and disabling private browsing is simple, no matter which web browser you choose to use. Just follow these simple steps.

Google Chrome

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the browser’s upper-right corner and choose New Incognito window.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + Shift + N in Windows and Command + Shift + N on a Mac to open a new incognito window.

Google Chrome Mobile

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen and choose New Incognito window.

Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the browser’s upper-right corner and select New Private Window.

You can also open a new private window by using the keyboard shortcuts CTRL + Shift + P on Windows and Command + Shift + P on a Mac.

Firefox on Android

1. Open Firefox.
2. Tap the eye mask icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Safari

1. Open Safari.
2. Go to File > New Private Window.

Safari on iPad or iPhone

1. Open Safari.
2. In the bottom-right corner of the screen, tap the Tabs icon > (number) Tab > Private > Done.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right part of the browser and select New InPrivate window.

Alternatively, you can open an InPrivate window using the keyboard shortcut CTRL + Shift + P.

Microsoft Edge on mobile

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Tap the three dots at the bottom of the screen and choose InPrivate.
3. You can tap on an existing InPrivate window to continue your session, or tap the + button to open a new window.

If you want to learn more about protecting your online activities, give our experts a call today.