Are you concerned that someone might come across your online search history? Do you want to go gift shopping without having anyone else find out? Or, maybe you’d like to watch videos on YouTube without having to manage the recommended videos once you log in again? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then you should consider private browsing.
What is private browsing?
Private browsing is a privacy feature found in some web browsers. When enabled, a web browser creates a temporary session that is isolated from the main browser session and user data. When the session is closed, browsing history, web cache, and cookies are immediately cleared from the device, preventing others from seeing your online activities.
While private and anonymous browsing are often thought to be the same, they’re actually two different things. Anonymous browsing masks your IP address and any other identifying information related to internet activity so that you can’t be traced.
How to enable private browsing
Enabling and disabling private browsing is simple, no matter which web browser you choose to use. Just follow these simple steps.
Google Chrome
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Click on the three dots in the browser’s upper-right corner and choose New Incognito window.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + Shift + N in Windows and Command + Shift + N on a Mac to open a new incognito window.
Google Chrome Mobile
- Open Google Chrome.
- Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen and choose New Incognito window.
Firefox
- Open Firefox.
- Click on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the browser’s upper-right corner and select New Private Window.
You can also open a new private window by using the keyboard shortcuts CTRL + Shift + P on Windows and Command + Shift + P on a Mac.
Firefox on Android
- Open Firefox.
- Tap the eye mask icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Safari
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- Open Safari.
- Go to File > New Private Window.
You can also open a new private window by using the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + N.
Safari on iPad or iPhone
- Open Safari.
- In the bottom-right corner of the screen, tap the Tabs icon > (number) Tab > Private > Done.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click on the three dots in the upper-right part of the browser and select New InPrivate window.
Alternatively, you can open an InPrivate window using the keyboard shortcut CTRL + Shift + P.
Microsoft Edge on mobile
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Tap the three dots an the bottom of the screen and choose InPrivate.
- You can tap on an existing InPrivate window to continue your session, or tap the + button to open a new window.
If you want to learn more about protecting your online activities, give our experts a call today.
Private browsing: South Florida Business Takeaways
Private browsing matters when a growing company depends on reliable devices, cloud tools, cybersecurity, and responsive support. Nextek IT helps South Florida businesses turn this topic into practical technology standards that employees can follow.
The right technology habit is easier to maintain when it is part of a managed standard instead of a one-time fix. Nextek IT helps South Florida teams turn practical tips into repeatable IT support processes.
- Document the recommended process so employees apply Private browsing consistently.
- Review settings across managed devices, Microsoft 365, cloud apps, and user accounts.
- Confirm backups, cybersecurity controls, and support escalation steps before a small issue becomes downtime.
For help with Private browsing, explore Nextek IT’s fully managed IT services, server and desktop support, and cybersecurity services.
Contact Nextek IT when your South Florida team wants these improvements handled by an IT support partner instead of manually page by page.