About
Incognito mode is a useful feature within many browsers which allows you to use your web browser without saving your history, cache, cookies, and other data. This is especially useful for troubleshooting any issues such as cache, if you have trouble logging into a website using two different log in credentials, etc.
Environment
Browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge all have incognito or private modes.
Steps
Opening an Incognito Window in Google Chrome:
- To open an incognito window, navigate to the More button found in the top right corner of your screen within Google Chrome.
- In the dropdown menu that appears, select New Incognito Window. This can also be done by selecting these buttons on your keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + N.
- Now a incognito window will appear.
Hint: Incognito windows will always have a dark theme distinguishing it from a normal window. The icon shown below will also let you know that you are in an incognito window. Note that no history or data will be saved in this mode. This can even be used when logging into a website on someone else's computer, just be sure to exit the window when done.
Opening an Incognito Window in Mozilla Firefox:
- To open an incognito window in Firefox,
- Navigate to the hamburger icon at the top right and then select New Private Window. You can also use the CTRL + SHIFT + P keyboard shortcut.
- A new window with a purple mask will open. This is your incognito window.
Opening an Incognito Window in Safari:
- To open an incognito window, navigate to File, found in the upper left of the screen, close to the Apple icon.
- In the drop down menu that appears, select New Private Window. This can also be done by selecting these buttons on your keyboard: Up Arrow + Command + N.
- The Safari incognito window has a dark Smart Search background, the text you type will appear white.
Opening an Incognito Window in Microsoft Edge: