Private browsing or Incognito mode is a browser setting that prevents your browsing history from being stored. Whilst this is beneficial in numerous scenarios, there may be times when you need to disable this function on your iPhone. In this guide, we will provide detailed steps on how to turn off incognito mode on iPhone.
Understanding Incognito Mode
Incognito mode, sometimes referred to as private browsing, is a handy feature found in various web browsers. It’s designed to disable the recording of your browsing history and web cache, ensuring that your search queries and visited websites remain confidential. While this feature has its advantages, there may come occasions when you want to learn how to turn off incognito mode on iPhone.
How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Safari
If you’re wondering how to turn off incognito mode on iPhone in iOS 17 and iOS 16, follow these steps to enhance your privacy and restrict access to your private browsing history.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on Safari.
- Under Privacy & Security, toggle on the Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing switch.
- If you don’t have Face ID set up, you’ll see a Require Passcode to Unlock Private Browsing switch instead. Toggle that on instead.
After implementing this, you’ll be required to authenticate using Face ID or your passcode before accessing Safari’s private browsing mode.
By doing so, you’ll effectively safeguard your personal information and browsing history from unauthorised users. This added layer of security ensures that your online activities remain private and protected on your iPhone.
How to turn off incognito mode on iPhone in Chrome
To lock Incognito mode in Chrome on iPhone in iOS 17 and iOS 16, follow these steps:
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the three dots menu icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Swipe left on the top row of options and tap Settings.
- Tap Privacy and Security.
- Toggle on the switch next to Lock incognito tabs when you close Chrome.
- Tap OK in the pop-up prompt to confirm.
- Tap Done.
Once you have enabled this feature, your Incognito tabs will be locked when you close the Chrome app. To unlock them, you will need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, depending on your device model.
To unlock your Incognito tabs, follow these steps
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the three dots menu icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Swipe left on the top row of options and tap Settings.
- Tap Privacy and Security.
- Tap Unlock incognito tabs.
- Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID, or enter your passcode.
How to turn off incognito mode on iPhone in Firefox
- Open the Firefox app.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner.
- Tap on “Settings”.
- Tap on “Privacy & Security”.
- Scroll down and tap on “Use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock Incognito”.
Benefits and Limitations of Incognito Mode
While Incognito mode is a fantastic tool for maintaining privacy, it doesn’t make your browsing fully anonymous. Here are some benefits and limitations of using Incognito mode:
Benefits
- No Browsing History: When you surf the web in Incognito mode, your browsing history is not saved, making it perfect for surprise gift shopping or planning surprise events.
- Less Tracking: Incognito mode reduces the amount of tracking cookies placed on your device, preventing websites from personalizing content based on your browsing habits.
Limitations
- Not Entirely Anonymous: Incognito mode doesn’t hide your IP address, so your location, ISP, and browsing activities can still be tracked by third-parties.
- Doesn’t Prevent Viruses and Malware: While Incognito mode can provide some privacy protections, it doesn’t protect you from viruses or malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable Incognito mode on other browsers like Firefox or Opera?
Yes, most browsers including Firefox and Opera come with an Incognito mode. The steps to disable Incognito mode on these browsers are similar to those described above for Safari and Chrome.
Can I still download files and bookmarks in Incognito mode?
Yes, any files downloaded or bookmarks created in Incognito mode will remain on your device unless you delete them.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to maintain privacy or monitor the web use on a shared device, understanding how to turn off incognito mode on iPhone is a useful skill. We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with the steps to turn off Incognito mode on your iPhone or you can always get Apple Support. Remember, while Incognito mode can help maintain privacy, it does not fully anonymize your online activities and doesn’t provide protection against viruses or malware. Stay safe online!
