What is incognito browsing? A Quick Overview

Incognito browsing lets you surf the web without leaving a local footprint. It’s also called private browsing or secret mode. When you open an incognito window, the browser stops saving your history, cookies, and form data.

It keeps your local browsing tidy and stops accidental clicks on saved passwords or auto‑filled forms. Still, it’s not a full‑on shield. Your IP address stays visible, device fingerprinting isn’t blocked, and sites can track you if you’re logged into an account. Picture it as a temporary umbrella that keeps the rain out of your local files while the sky still sees you.

For stronger privacy, pair incognito mode with a VPN like Forest VPN. Forest VPN encrypts all traffic, hides your IP, and blocks trackers that rely on IP addresses or device fingerprints. As one user, Alex, says: “Using Forest VPN with incognito mode gave me peace of mind while traveling.”

Practical usage tip: open a new incognito window, then connect to Forest VPN before you start browsing. That way every request is encrypted right from the address bar.

Call to action: Try Forest VPN today. Sign up for a free trial and enjoy secure, private browsing without compromising speed or convenience.

In the next section we’ll walk through step‑by‑step instructions for turning on incognito mode across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and mobile devices. Stay tuned for detailed guidance and a quick comparison of what data actually stays hidden.

What is incognito browsing? How to Activate Incognito Mode on Every Major Browser and Mobile Device

We’ve all clicked the little padlock in our browser and wondered: what is incognito browsing? It lets us surf without leaving a local footprint. Think of it as a stealth cloak for your device, but it’s not a full‑on invisibility cloak. Ready to pull it on?

When you launch a private session, your browser stops storing history, cookies, and form data locally. It keeps your device tidy while still browsing. However, it doesn’t hide your IP or block third‑party trackers. Some users mistakenly think incognito mode is the same as incognito browsing, but it’s not.

Google Chrome

• Click the three‑dot icon at the top right.
• Hover over New Incognito Window or press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+N (macOS).
• A gray window opens with a lock icon.
• Close the window to erase data.

Microsoft Edge

• Click the three‑dot icon at the top right.
• Hover over New InPrivate Window or press Ctrl+Shift+N.
• A dark window appears with a shield icon.
• Close to clear session data.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click the three‑line menu icon.
• Select New Private Window or press Ctrl+Shift+P.
• A blue window shows a mask icon.
• Close to wipe local data.

Apple Safari

• Click File → New Private Window or press Cmd+Shift+N.
• A white window with a lock appears.
• Close to delete history.

Android

• Tap the three‑dot menu.
• Select New incognito tab.
• A dark tab with a lock icon opens.
• Close to discard data.

iOS

• Tap the tab bar icon.
• Tap Private → Create new private tab.
• A dark tab with a lock appears.
• Close to clear browsing data.

What Happens Behind the Scenes?

• Browser history is not stored locally.
• Cookies are deleted when the window closes.
• Cached files are cleared on exit.
• Form data is not saved.
• Your IP address remains visible.

Privacy Features Comparison

Quick Cheatsheet of Shortcuts

Use these shortcuts to jump straight into private mode.

FAQ

• Does incognito protect me from tracking? No, it does not prevent websites or ISPs from tracking your activity. It only limits local storage of history and cookies.
• Is incognito the same as a VPN? No, it only affects local storage.
• Can I still be tracked? Yes, sites and ISPs can still see your activity.

Remember, incognito is not a VPN. Combine it with Forest VPN for extra privacy. Forest VPN offers convenience, affordability, and a variety of options to help you protect your online activity. Try it on a new device and feel the difference.