How to browse the Internet in private mode

Browsing the Internet involves leaving a series of traces hidden incookies , web cache and history, which many people are still unaware of. Fortunately, the different browsers are already prepared to remedy this. Thus, they include the function of browsing in private mode so that the user can enter the web without any worries.

What is private browsing?

It's been a decade since Safari, Apple's native browser, incorporated private browsing mode among its options so that users could browse without leaving a trace of cookies, history and cache. And although it initially went unnoticed by users, today it is a tool that extends to all browsers, offering a wide range of new possibilities. There are many traces that we leave behind when we open our usual browser. Through these, and often without being aware of it, we can easily obtain information about our browsing habits. Thus, private browsing , private or incognito mode is a temporary function that can be selected in web browsers and that, once closed or deactivated, deletes data such as browsing history and web cache, logins, cookies and form information. Therefore, this functionality serves to make Internet activity safer, protecting the user's privacy .

Advantages of browsing in private mode

The difference from normal browsing is mainly that the user can browse partially anonymously, as the IP address is not hidden. In general, this mode is responsible for hiding the following information:

• Cookies , which disappear when you close the session.
• No web cache files are maintained.
• History of pages visited.
• Autocomplete form data.
• Passwords and download lists .

However, each browser offers different options. One of the most popular among users is the ability to open multiple Gmail accounts (using Google Chrome) without the browser going crazy. This advantage also extends to any other means of communication that requires registration, such as Facebook and Twitter. This is very useful when you have multiple accounts for the same service. All of this helps to increase security on shared computers or when browsing on someone else's computer. Thus, the user can stop worrying when filling out forms for online purchases or where the ID is required. In this way, it will be impossible for future users who use the same computer to access previously used accounts. Likewise, the secure mode benefits the purchase of airline tickets , since many airlines vary the price of flights and seat availability by tracking the information that cookies store in the normal browser mode. Also, if for example you want to buy something for the first time , without the influence of your previous purchases or searches, it is a good option to browse privately, because this way you will avoid pop-ups or suggestions derived from your search history, and you will be able to choose without distractions.

Disadvantages of browsing in incognito mode

Like everything, this way of browsing the web has some disadvantages or limited functions, since there will always be a series of data that will be stored, even if we use this tool:

• The Google Analytics tracking code will not be able to be prevented.
• As we mentioned above, the IP address is not hidden .
• The information can be controlled by the network administrator.
• Avoid secure or encrypted connections .
• It does not prevent security-related attacks , such as spyware, from being installed on your computer.
• By not registering cache, it is likely that the process of loading pages in the browser will take longer than usual.

How to browse without leaving a trace of your IP?

Internet Explorer

In Internet Explorer , you can access it from the Tools > InPrivate Browsing menu, as well as through the shortcut Control + Shift + P. An advantage of this browser is that it offers the possibility of accessing both modes simultaneously, although in different windows.

Firefox

The keyboard shortcut to start a private session in Firefox is Control + Shift + P or in the Tools > Start Private Browsing menu. Using the Stop Private Browsing option in the same menu will restore previous windows.

Opera

In Opera , as in Internet Explorer, windows with private sessions and with a normal session can coexist. There is no shortcut, only a tab, New Private Tab , is offered in the menu button.

Safari

If you want to enable incognito mode in Safari, you'll need to go to File at the top right and select New Private Window , or use the shortcut Shift + Command + N . When incognito mode is enabled, you'll notice it because the Smart Search field is grey and the text is white, unlike search windows without this mode. The advantage of entering private mode in Safari is that you'll lose all the tabs you have open, but you can return to regular mode at any time by clicking on that option again.

Microsoft Edge

To perform a traceless browsing in Microsoft Edge , you will need to click on the menu, which corresponds to the horizontal dots located at the top right. Then, select the New InPrivate Window option; or press Ctrl + Shift +P .

Google Chrome

In Chrome, at the top right, you have to click on the three dots and then on New Incognito Window. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Control + Shift + N .

Put incognito mode on your mobile phone depending on the device

Of course, just like with browsers installed on your computer, you should know that you can also activate private browsing mode on your mobile device .

Incognito mode on apple

If you want to enable incognito mode on your iPhone or iPad , you'll need to open the Safari app. There, tap the Tabs button at the bottom right of your device and the Private Browsing option will appear on the left. When you select it, Safari's address bar will be dark instead of white or grey, and you can turn off the mode and go back to normal mode in the same way.

Incognito mode on Android

If you're using an Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app. To the right of the address bar, tap More > New incognito tab. A new window will open, with the incognito icon at the top left. You can also switch between an incognito tab and a regular tab, so you'll only browse privately when you're in the incognito tab. We hope that all this information has been very interesting to you and, if you have any questions, at Línea Gráfica we will be happy to help you. We are experts in services such as digital marketing and app creation , so if you are interested in obtaining more information, do not hesitate to contact us and we will help you get the most out of your online business.