You can browse the web more privately in Incognito mode.
Incognito limits what’s saved to your device
When you’re browsing in Incognito, Chrome limits the information that’s saved to your device. This can be useful, for example, when you're using a shared computer or shopping for a gift.
When you open an Incognito window, Chrome starts a separate browsing session. Your Incognito session ends when you close all Incognito windows.
When you browse in Incognito:
- Chrome doesn’t automatically sign you into your Google Account or other websites: This won’t change how data is collected by the websites you visit and the services they use, including Google. Sites may still be able to gather information about you even when you’re not signed in.
- After your Incognito session ends, Chrome doesn't retain site data or a record of the sites you visited: During your Incognito session, Chrome temporarily keeps some information, like cookies and site data, to help websites work and support navigation. This information is removed when the Incognito session ends.
- Chrome retains bookmarks that you save and files that you download when you exit Incognito: Bookmarks you add and reading list items you save will be available in your regular browsing sessions. Files that you download will remain on your device until you delete them.
While Incognito can help keep your browsing private on your device, it doesn’t make you invisible. Websites you visit, including Google sites, and organizations that manage your network, like your school, employer, or internet service provider, may be able to observe your activity in Incognito. Websites you visit that use Google services also share information about your activity on their sites with Google, including for advertising purposes, as described in the Privacy Policy.
Open Incognito mode
To start an Incognito session:
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, select More
New Incognito window.
- A new window opens.
- On the right of the address bar, you’ll find the Incognito icon
.
To open an Incognito window, you can use a keyboard shortcut:
- Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + n.
- Mac: Press ⌘ + Shift + n.
In Incognito mode, third-party cookies are blocked by default. If a site that relies on third-party cookies doesn’t work as expected, you can try temporarily allowing them for that site. Learn how to temporarily allow third-party cookies for a specific site.
Close Incognito mode
If you’re browsing in an Incognito window and you open another one, your Incognito session continues in the new window. To end your Incognito session, you must close all Incognito windows.
If you find a number, at the top right, next to the Incognito icon, you have multiple Incognito windows open. To close an Incognito window:
- On your computer, open the Incognito window.
- Close the window:
- Windows or Chromebook: At the top right, select Close
.
- Mac: At the top left, select Close
- Windows or Chromebook: At the top right, select Close