As you navigate the internet, browsers like Chrome®, Firefox®, and Safari® save small files called cookies, which store information about your online activities. These cookies help websites recognize you, remember your preferences, and offer personalized suggestions or ads. While this can be convenient, there are times when you may prefer more privacy. That's where private browsing comes in handy. 

Verizon Security Advisor experts are here to help you make the most of your tech, whether it's finding new ways to use your old phone or protecting your personal information online.

Here’s a simple guide on how to browse privately using Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. 

What is private browsing? 

Most web browsers have a feature that allows you to browse privately. In Google Chrome®, this is known as Incognito Mode, while other browsers simply call it private browsing. Using this feature means your browsing history, search history, and cookies won’t be saved. Additionally, any information you enter in forms won’t be stored. 

When to use private browsing or incognito mode 

Private browsing is perfect for situations where you want to maintain some privacy, such as when using a shared device. If you’re shopping for a gift on the family computer and don’t want to spoil the surprise, Incognito mode will keep your browsing under wraps. Or perhaps you’ve been checking out gossip about your favorite reality TV show, and you’d rather not see related ads popping up in your social media feeds. Private browsing can help with that too. 

It’s also a good idea to use private browsing when accessing the internet on someone else’s device or a public computer, such as at a library or hotel. This ensures that your browsing activities aren’t left behind for the next person to see. However, it's important to remember that while private browsing can hide your activities on the device, it doesn’t protect against malware or other tracking software. 

Lastly, if you want to see how your new blog or profile looks to others, using Incognito mode can show you how it appears without any influence from your past browsing behavior. 

What private browsing can't do 

While Incognito mode and private browsing can enhance your privacy, they’re not the same as being anonymous online. They stop your activity from being recorded on the device you're using, but they don't prevent: 

• Third-party tracking 
• Websites from seeing your IP address 
• Your internet service provider, employer, or school from monitoring your activity 
• Sites like Google® or Twitter® from identifying you if you're logged in 

For a higher level of privacy protection, you can also consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Talk to a Verizon Security Advisor expert today for help setting up your own VPN. .  

How to enable private browsing on your computer 

Using Safari on Mac: 

1. Open Safari. 
2. Click File at the top-left corner and select New Private Window. 
3. You’ll know you’re in a private window because the URL bar will be dark gray. 

Using Chrome on Mac and PC: 

1. Open Chrome. 
2. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner and choose New Incognito Window. 
3. The Incognito window will have a dark background and a message explaining its function. 

Using Firefox on Mac and PC: 

1. Open Firefox. 
2. Click the three vertical lines (menu) in the upper-right corner and select New Private Window. 
3. The private window will have a purple theme and provide information about private browsing. 

How to enable private browsing on mobile devices 

Using Safari on iPhone or iPad: 

1. Open Safari. 
2. Tap the tabs icon and select Private. 
3. A new private browsing window will open. 

Using Chrome on iPhone or iPad: 

1. Open Chrome and tap the three dots. 
2. Select New Incognito Tab. 
3. Look for the Incognito icon to confirm. 

Using Firefox on iPhone or iPad: 

1. Tap the tab icon, then tap the mask icon. 
2. Open a new private tab by tapping the plus sign. 

Using Chrome on Android: 

1. Open Chrome. 
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and choose New Incognito Tab. 

Using Firefox on Android: 

1. Open Firefox. 
2. Tap the tabs icon, then tap the mask icon. 
3. Tap +Private to open a new private tab. 

Need more help? 

If you’re looking for more advice on keeping your browsing activity and personal information safe, turn to a Verizon Security Advisor expert. Call or chat to get in touch with a pro today.