What Is Private Browsing and How to Use It on Any Browser

The rising dependence on the Internet has raised concerns about online privacy. To address this issue, developers created Private Browsing, enabling users to explore the web without leaving significant digital footprints.

This feature protects personal information by preventing the storage of browsing history, cookies, and other data.

Over the years, private browsing has gained popularity. According to a study by DuckDuckGo, 46% of Americans utilize this feature, so many people are taking measures to safeguard their online activities.

If you want to join in and boost your privacy, read on to learn about private browsing and how to use it on your browser.

What is Private Browsing?

Private browsing, also known as Incognito or Private mode, is a feature most popular web browsers offer.

When you use private browsing, the browser will not store your online activities. Any activity online contributes to digital footprints, which leave trails that can be used to track you and compromise your security.

The browser creates a temporary session isolated from your regular online sessions. This adjustment provides a layer of privacy and anonymity.

This setting can also be beneficial when using a shared computer, as it helps protect your personal information from being accessed by others.

How to Use Private Browsing

Private browsing works by creating a separate browsing session that runs parallel to your regular browsing session.

Different browsers have their ways of letting you enjoy private browsing. For example, Chrome and Firefox have a private browsing feature that lets you change your device’s location. 

Now, understanding the concept of private browsing is essential, but knowing how to use it effectively is equally crucial. Learn more about the latter below.

In Safari (Private Browsing)

Safari is the default browser for iPhones, iPads, and macOS. Popular like Apple, Safari holds 21% of the overall web browser market share. 

One of the reasons for Safari’s considerable market presence is its convenient private browsing feature. The app allows users to enjoy a private browsing experience without the hassles of long configurations. 

Here’s how to access this feature:

Step 1: Launch Safari on your computer.

Step 2: Head to File on the top menu bar. Then, select New Private Window. You can also use its keyboard shortcut: Shift + Cmd + N.

Step 3: Once you open a private window, Safari will indicate you’re in private browsing mode.

Enabling private browsing means enjoying heightened privacy and control over cookies and other data. You can do this for other browsers, too.

In Firefox

Unlike Safari, Mozilla Firefox has seen a 75% decline in the market share it once boasted. At the same time, it lost around 500 million users. Regardless, it remains one of the most popular browsers in the world.

Firefox has a private browsing feature that enhances online privacy and protects browsing history. It gives users control over their privacy settings, even in private browsing mode. The browser allows you to customize cookies and tracking protection to better handle your privacy.

To use Mozilla Firefox’s private browsing feature, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch Mozilla Firefox on your computer.

Step 2: Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right and select New Private Window. You can also use its keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + P.

Step 3: Enjoy browsing privately.

Now that you’re in Firefox’s private browsing mode, remember it doesn’t make you completely anonymous. It also doesn't delete bookmarks or protect against many types of cyberattacks.

On Your Mobile Device

Mobile web browsers on Android and iOS also have a private browsing feature. However, enabling this feature depends on several factors, like the browser's interface and the device itself. Nonetheless, the process is as easy as the ones described above.

Here’s what you can do to activate private browsing on your smartphone.

1. Android Device

Android’s default browser is Google Chrome, but it hosts several other browsers, too. 

Here’s how you can set your Android device’s browser to private: 

1. Open your preferred web browser.
2. Access the browser menu.
3. Tap on the option labeled New Incognito Tab (Google Chrome), New Private Tab (Mozilla Firefox), and New InPrivate Tab (Microsoft Edge).
4. You will notice a distinct visual change once the private browsing tab opens.

The concept of accessing private browsing should be similar across different browsers on Android devices.

2. iOS Device

The iOS phone operating system is best known for its impeccable security. By default, iPhones are already considered secure. However, iOS offers other privacy features like private browsing on Safari–– its default browser.

Follow these steps to learn how to use private browsing on your iOS device:

1. Open Safari.
2. Tap the icon that resembles two overlapping squares at the bottom right corner of your screen.
3. You’ll see a Private button in the tab view. Tap it to activate private browsing.
4. A message will appear to confirm that you’re in private browsing mode.

Final Thoughts

Private browsing allows users to explore the Internet without having their history recorded or data tracked. It provides a temporary session that maintains a level of user privacy, which is valuable nowadays.

Moreover, private browsing is not limited to computers. It can also be accessed through mobile devices. By activating private browsing on your phone, you can enjoy a similar level of privacy and security on the go.

So, the next time you want to browse the web freely and without worrying about being tracked, try private browsing