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 Android device, open Chrome
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- To open a new Incognito tab, tap More
New Incognito tab.
- A new window opens.
- You can switch between Incognito tabs and regular Chrome tabs.
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New Incognito tab.
By default, third-party cookies are blocked in Incognito mode. If a site that relies on third-party cookies doesn’t work as expected, you can temporarily allow them for that site. Learn how to temporarily allow third-party cookies for a specific site.
Lock Incognito tabs
Anyone who uses your device can access Incognito tabs left open. To keep your Incognito tabs open but hidden from other device users, you can lock your Incognito tabs.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 11 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
- On your Android device, open Chrome
- Tap More
- Turn on Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome.
Close Incognito mode
If you open another tab in Incognito mode, your Incognito session continues in the new tab. To exit Incognito mode, close all Incognito tabs.
- On your Android device, open Chrome
- At the top right, tap Switch tabs
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- At the top, tap Incognito tabs
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- At the top right of an Incognito tab, tap Close
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- Or, to close all Incognito tabs, tap More
- Or, to close all Incognito tabs, tap More
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