A Beginner’s Guide to Chrome’s Incognito Mode

Many users believe incognito mode in Chrome is the ultimate privacy solution. While it does provide a layer of local privacy, its limits often confuse beginners. This guide explains what incognito mode is, how to enable it, and why you should combine it with tools like UFO VPN for complete protection.

Megan Sullivan

Updated on 12/08/2025

5 minutes

Table of Contents

What is Incognito Mode in Chrome?

what is incognito mode in chrome

Incognito mode Chrome allows you to browse without saving:

Browsing history
Site data and cookies
Form entries like email or login details

Once you close the incognito window, Chrome erases temporary data. However, downloads and bookmarks remain.

💡 Important: Incognito mode does not hide your activity from your ISP, employer, or the websites you visit.

How to Turn on Incognito Mode

how to turn on incognito mode

Enabling Chrome incognito is simple across devices:

macOS: Open Chrome → three dots “⋮” → New incognito window or shortcut ⌘ + Shift + N.
Windows: Open Chrome → three dots “⋮” → New incognito window or shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N.
Mobile (Android/iOS): Tap the three-dot menu in Chrome → New incognito tab.

A new window with the message “You’ve gone incognito” confirms it’s active.

How to Turn off Incognito Mode

how to turn off incognito mode

Windows
1. Press Win + R → type regedit.
2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
  - (Create keys if they don’t exist.)
3. Right-click → New > DWORD (32-bit) → name it IncognitoModeAvailability → set Value = 1.
4. Restart Chrome. (Set to 0 or delete the value to re-enable.)
macOS
1. Open Terminal.
2. Run:
  
  sudo defaults write com.google.Chrome IncognitoModeAvailability -integer 1
3. Restart Chrome. (Use 0 to re-enable:
  sudo defaults write com.google.Chrome IncognitoModeAvailability -integer 0)

Mobile notes

Android / iOS: Chrome doesn’t provide a native “disable Incognito” switch.
- For kids’ devices, use Google Family Link / Screen Time to manage browsing and app access.
- You can also simply close Incognito tabs to end the session.

Tip: If you’re turning off Incognito to help a family member browse more safely, also enable SafeSearch, restrict extensions, and use a reputable VPN (e.g., UFO VPN) on public Wi-Fi to keep connections encrypted.

What Incognito Mode Hides

what incognito mode hides

What it hides:

Local browsing history from other users of your device
Temporary cookies and trackers during the session
Autofill data like usernames or passwords (unless saved manually)

What it doesn’t hide:

Your IP address
Online activity from your ISP, employer, or school network
Tracking by websites and advertisers
Downloads saved to your device

So while private browsing prevents someone else at home from seeing your searches, it doesn’t stop the wider internet from knowing what you do.

Why Incognito Mode Alone Isn’t Enough

why incognito mode alone isn't enough

For many beginners, incognito mode Chrome feels like full anonymity. But without IP masking, advertisers and ISPs still profile you. For stronger privacy:

VPN + Incognito = Better Protection
UFO VPN hides your IP address and encrypts all traffic, so even if websites try to track you during an incognito session, they see only the VPN server’s IP, not yours.
Public Wi-Fi safety
On café or airport Wi-Fi, incognito mode doesn’t stop hackers. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe.
Bypassing restrictions
Incognito doesn’t unblock content. Free proxy VPN in UFO VPN lets you access geo-restricted platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer.

VPN vs. Incognito: Key Differences

Feature	Incognito Mode Chrome	UFO VPN
Hides browsing history	✅	✅
Hides IP address	❌	✅
Blocks ISP tracking	❌	✅
Encrypts traffic	❌	✅
Access to geo-blocked sites	❌	✅
Protection on public Wi-Fi	❌	✅

Clearly, the strongest privacy comes from using both.

🌟Get a VPN to protect your privacy in just 4 steps

Windows macOS iOS Android

Step 1

Download UFO VPN for Windows

Grab the free Windows VPN installer right below. UFO VPN is lightweight and secure on all Windows systems. Double-click the downloaded file and complete the installation. Once installed, launch UFO VPN.

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Step 2

Select a VPN Server

Inside the app, you can click the "Connect" button for quick connection, or browse the list of servers by Location or categroy: Video& Stream, Game, etc. Choosing the right server ensures fast speeds and smooth access.

Pro Tip

UFO VPN is an all-in-one VPN that offers unlimited access to 4D streaming like Netlfix, Disney Plus, no-ping gaming as PUBG, Roblox, CODM and social networking for YouTube, X, Facebook and more.

Step 3

Enable Advanced Features

In addition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on extra protections via Ad Blocker and features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling and Smart Hop. Users can optimize online gaming/streaming/chatting as much as possible.

Step 4

Check Your New IP

Use UFO VPN's built-in " What is My IP" feature to see your new IP address and location. This confirms your VPN is working, hides your real IP, and ensures privacy while browsing.

Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for macOS

Click the button below to download offcial Mac VPN free. Open the .dmg file, drag UFO VPN to your Applications folder, and launch it. You're just a few clicks away from secure browsing.

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Step 2 Pick Your IP Server

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Step 3

Unlock Pro Features

If you have upgraded to premium plan , feel free to enjoy premium servers for 4K streaming and advanced features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and gaming acceleration. Your Mac is now fully optimized and protected. Inaddition to basic functions, we recommend you turn on

Step 4

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Step 1 Download and install UFO VPN for iPhone/iPad

Download this free iOS VPN via official link or App Store. Once installed, launch the app to get started. UFO VPN is now trusted by over 2 million users worldwide with optimzed service.

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Step 3 Lookup IP and Enable Pro Features

Now you can check your current IP via built-in IP lookup tool. Pro features in premium plan offer you premium servers, blazing speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, so you can protect your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices all at once.

Step 1 install UFO VPN for Android

Get free Android VPN from offcial website or Google Play Store. Follow the instructions for easy download. Then open the app and get ready to surf safely.

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Step 2 Choose Your Ideal Server

UFO VPN is an all-in-one powerhouse for gaming, video streaming, social apps, and AI tools. The"Connect" button links you to the fastest server instantly, or you can choose among the server list manually via Location/ Video&Stream/Games for easy access.

Step 3 Power Up Pro Features

Pro users can look up current IP via built-in "What Is My IP" feature, and unlock premium features like 4K servers, turbo speeds, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-device login, keeping all your Android phones, tablets, and other devices safe at once.