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How to use private browsing?

Learn how to use private browsing mode on your computer, phone, or tablet’s browser.

In this article

  • What is private browsing mode?
  • How to turn on private browsing

What is private browsing mode?

When you set your browser to private, any browsing data like cookies, search history and passwords, won’t be saved to your device when you’re done. It’s handy when using public computers or someone else’s device. This way, you can protect your information from strangers.

There’s more you can do to protect yourself online. Learn how to improve your online security.

How to turn on private browsing

How you turn on private browsing depends on what browser you’re using. Select your browser from the options below to find out more.

To open a private browsing window in Safari on a Mac:

  1. Open the Safari browser

  2. Click File

  3. Select New Private Window

You can now use the new private window to browse without saving any browsing data. Find out more about Apple browsing in private mode.

To open a private browsing page in Safari on an iPad or iPhone:

  1. Open the Safari browser

  2. Tap New Page

  3. Select Private

  4. Tap Done

When you turn on private browsing, the browser will be black or dark, rather than white or grey.

To open a private browsing window in Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome

  2. Click More

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  • Select New Incognito Window

    • This will open a new private browsing window. Look out for the icon in the top corner.

    To open a private browsing tab in Chrome on your Android phone or tablet:

    1. Open the Chrome app

    2. Tap More

    3. Select New Incognito tab

    This will open a new private browsing tab. Look out for the icon in the top corner.

    You can open a private browser in Microsoft Edge in one of the following ways:

    • Right-click Microsoft Edge in the taskbar and select NewInPrivate window

    • Right-click a link in Microsoft Edge and select Open link in InPrivate window

    • Open Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more and then New InPrivate window

    You can then use your new browser window for private browsing.

    To open a private browsing window in Mozilla Firefox:

    1. Open Mozilla Firefox

    2. Click Menu

    3. Select New Private Window

    You can use the new window to browse, safe in the knowledge that none of your data will be saved.

    To open a private browsing window in Opera:

    1. Open Opera

    2. Click Menu

    3. Select Private mode

    You can now use the new window to browse privately, and your data won’t be saved to your device.

    For internet explorer, you can open in Private browsing window by Selecting tools and the inPrivate browsing.

    To confirm private browsing is on, you will see the word inPrivate beside your address bar.

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    How to use private browsing?

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