How to go incognito on mac

Privacy is a growing concern for many internet users, and for good reason. With the amount of personal information we share online, it’s important to take steps to protect our privacy. One way to do this is by using incognito mode on your Mac.

In this article, we’ll explain what incognito mode is, how to use it on a Mac, and how to disable it if needed.

What is Incognito Mode?

Incognito mode, also known as private browsing, is a feature available on most web browsers that allows you to browse the internet without leaving a trace of your activity. This means that your browsing history, cookies, and other data will not be saved on your device.

While incognito mode does not make you completely anonymous online, it can help protect your privacy by preventing websites from tracking your activity and storing your personal information.

How to Use Incognito Mode on a Mac

Using incognito mode on a Mac is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your preferred web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
2. Look for the “File” menu at the top of your screen and click on it.
3. In the drop-down menu, select “New Private Window” or “New Incognito Window” (depending on your browser).
4. A new window will open, indicating that you are now in incognito mode. You can also tell by the icon in the top corner of the window, which will usually be a hat and glasses symbol.

That’s it! You can now browse the internet without leaving a trace of your activity on your Mac.

How to Disable Incognito Mode on a Mac

While incognito mode can be useful for protecting your privacy, there may be times when you want to disable it. For example, if you are using a shared computer and want to ensure that your browsing history is not visible to others.

To disable incognito mode on a Mac, simply close the private window you have open. This will return you to your regular browsing mode.

If you want to disable incognito mode permanently, you can do so by changing your browser’s settings. Here’s how to do it for some popular browsers:

Safari

1. Open Safari and click on the “Safari” menu at the top of your screen.
2. In the drop-down menu, select “Preferences”.
3. Go to the “General” tab and look for the “Safari opens with” section.
4. In the drop-down menu, select “A new window” or “A new tab” (depending on your preference).
5. Close the preferences window and restart Safari.

Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner of your screen.
2. In the drop-down menu, select “Settings”.
3. Scroll down and click on “Advanced”.
4. Under the “Privacy and security” section, click on “Content settings”.
5. In the pop-up window, click on “Cookies”.
6. Look for the “Allow” section and click on “Add”.
7. In the “Site” field, enter “https://www.google.com” and click “Add”.
8. Close the settings tab and restart Chrome.

Firefox

1. Open Firefox and click on the three lines in the top right corner of your screen.
2. In the drop-down menu, select “Options”.
3. Go to the “Privacy & Security” tab.
4. In the “History” section, select “Use custom settings for history” from the drop-down menu.
5. Uncheck the box next to “Always use private browsing mode”.
6. Close the options tab and restart Firefox.

Other Ways to Protect Your Privacy on a Mac

While incognito mode can help protect your privacy while browsing the internet, there are other steps you can take to further safeguard your personal information on a Mac.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. This is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often unsecured and can leave your personal information vulnerable.

There are many VPN services available, both free and paid, so do some research to find the best one for your needs.

Clear Your Browsing History Regularly

Even if you use incognito mode, your browsing history can still be accessed by anyone who has access to your device. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to regularly clear your browsing history.

To do this on a Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open your preferred web browser.
2. Look for the “History” menu at the top of your screen and click on it.
3. In the drop-down menu, select “Clear History” or “Clear Browsing Data” (depending on your browser).
4. Choose the time range for which you want to clear your history (e.g. last hour, last day, all time).
5. Click on “Clear History” or “Clear Data” to confirm.

Use a Password Manager

Using a password manager can help protect your online accounts by generating strong, unique passwords for each one. This means that if one of your accounts is compromised, the others will still be safe.

There are many password managers available, such as LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane. These services often have a free version, but for more features and security, it’s worth investing in a paid subscription.

In Conclusion

Incognito mode on a Mac is a useful tool for protecting your privacy while browsing the internet. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable and disable incognito mode on your Mac, as well as take other steps to safeguard your personal information online.

Remember, while incognito mode can help protect your privacy, it is not a foolproof method. It’s important to also use other tools and techniques, such as a VPN and password manager, to further protect your personal information online.