Incognito Mode: What It Hides — and What It Doesn’t

I use it all the time. Whether I’m shopping for a gift to surprise my partner or just looking up something I’d rather not have in my search history, I open a new private Browse window. It feels like a clean slate, a private corner of the internet. But I’ve often asked myself: what Incognito Mode hides is not always clear. It provides a sense of privacy, but how much is real and how much is just a feeling?Incognito Mode: What It Hides — and What It Doesn’t

I use it all the time. Whether I’m shopping for a gift to surprise my partner or just looking up something I’d rather not have in my search history, I open a new private Browse window. It feels like a clean slate, a private corner of the internet. But I’ve often asked myself: what Incognito Mode hides is not always clear. It provides a sense of privacy, but how much is real and how much is just a feeling?

This mode—called Private Browse in Safari and Firefox, and Incognito in Chrome—is one of the most misunderstood features of modern browsers. Let’s break down what’s really happening behind that dark-themed window.

What Private Browse Actually Hides From Your Device

When you close an incognito window, the browser’s main job is to forget that session ever happened on your local device. Think of it as a short-term memory wipe for your computer or phone.

Your Browse History

This is the most obvious one. Any sites you visit in a private window won’t be saved to your Browse history. Once you close the window, there’s no local record of where you’ve been. This is perfect for tasks like looking up sensitive health information or planning a surprise party without leaving a trail for other users of the same device.

Cookies and Site Data

Cookies are small files websites use to remember you. They track your login information, shopping cart contents, and site preferences. In a private session, the browser stores these cookies temporarily. However, as soon as you close the window, it deletes them all. This means websites will treat you like a new visitor the next time you arrive.

Information Entered in Forms

Have you ever started typing in a search bar and had your browser autocomplete your query? Incognito mode prevents this. Any information you type into forms or search bars won’t be saved by the browser for future autofill use.

In short, Incognito Mode is primarily about local privacy. It prevents the browser from saving your activity on the device you are using. It’s a great tool for hiding your tracks from anyone else who might use your computer.

The Big Misconception: What Incognito Mode Doesn’t Hide

Here’s where things get tricky. While your browser forgets your session, the rest of the internet doesn’t. Believing Incognito makes you anonymous online is a common and risky mistake. The real story of what Incognito Mode hides has some major exceptions.

Your IP Address Is Still Visible

Your Internet Protocol (IP) address is like your home’s mailing address for the internet. It’s a unique identifier for your connection. Private Browse does absolutely nothing to hide your IP address. This means the websites you visit can still see where you’re connecting from.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) Knows

Your ISP—think Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon—provides your internet connection. They can see all your internet traffic, whether you’re in a private window or not. They know which websites you are visiting because your data requests pass through their servers. In many countries, including the United States, ISPs are legally allowed to log this data.

Your Employer or School Can See Your Activity

If you’re using a computer on a work or school network, assume you’re being monitored. Network administrators have tools that can track employee or student internet activity, regardless of which browser mode you use. The private window won’t shield you from the network’s watchful eye.

For more details on what Google Chrome’s Incognito saves, you can check out their official support page.

Websites You Log Into Still Know Who You Are

This one seems obvious, but it’s worth stating. If you open a private window and log into your Google, Facebook, or Amazon account, that website knows exactly who you are. The act of logging in connects your activity directly to your profile. Incognito doesn’t prevent the service itself from tracking what you do while you’re signed in.

Here is a simple breakdown:

“Private Browse modes will not make you anonymous on the Internet.” – Mozilla Firefox Support

So, When Should I Use Incognito Mode?

Understanding its limitations helps you use the tool correctly. Private Browse is not for total anonymity. Instead, it’s for specific, temporary privacy.

Use it when:

• You’re using a public or shared computer and don’t want to leave your history or logins behind.
• You want to log into a second account on a website without logging out of your primary one.
• You’re shopping for gifts and want to keep them a secret from family members who share the device.
• You want to see how a webpage appears to a first-time visitor, without your personalized cookies affecting the view.

If you are looking for stronger online privacy that hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic from your ISP, you should consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). For a deeper dive into digital privacy tools, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is an excellent resource.

A Clearer View of Privacy

I still use Incognito Mode regularly, but now I do it with a clear understanding of its purpose. It isn’t a cloak of invisibility. It’s more like closing the blinds in a room. People outside can still see that the lights are on, but they can’t see what you’re doing inside.

The next time you open a private window, remember what it’s for: keeping your session off your local device. For true online anonymity, you’ll need to look beyond your browser’s built-in features and explore more robust tools like VPNs.