Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Protect Your Browsing Privacy
Use a private window to prevent your browser from saving history on your device.
Before You Start: Important Safety Information
These tips help hide your activity from someone who checks your browser. They do NOT protect you if:
- Monitoring software or spyware is installed on your device. Programs like keyloggers record everything you type and view — private browsing won’t help. If you suspect monitoring, use a safer device instead.
- You’re signed into a shared account. If you’re logged into Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox with an account someone else can access, your history may sync to their devices before you can clear it. Consider signing out before browsing or checking your sync settings.
- An abuser is likely to monitor your activity closely. They may notice gaps in browsing history and become suspicious.
The safest option is often using a device your abuser cannot access — a public library computer, a work computer, or a trusted friend’s phone.
How to Open a Private Window
Chrome (Incognito)
- Keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac)
- Menu: Three-dot menu → New Incognito Window
Safari (Private Browsing)
- Keyboard: Command + Shift + N
- Menu: File → New Private Window
- iPhone/iPad: Tap Tabs button → tap Private → tap +
Edge (InPrivate)
- Keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac)
- Menu: Three-dot menu → New InPrivate Window
Firefox (Private Browsing)
- Keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Command + Shift + P (Mac)
- Menu: Three-line menu → New Private Window
Opera (Private Window)
- Keyboard: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac)
- Menu: Opera menu → New Private Window
How to Clear Your Browsing History
Chrome
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac)
- Select time range (choose “All time” to delete everything)
- Check “Browsing history”
- Click Clear data
Safari
Mac:
- Click Safari in menu bar → Clear History
- Select time range
- Click Clear History
iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Safari
- Tap Clear History and Website Data
Edge
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac)
- Select time range
- Check “Browsing history”
- Click Clear now
Firefox
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac)
- Select time range
- Check “Browsing & Download History”
- Click Clear Now
Opera
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac)
- Select time range
- Check “Browsing history”
- Click Clear data
Things That May Still Be Visible
- Downloaded Files: They stay on your device even in private mode. Delete them manually.
- Bookmarks: Private browsing still saves bookmarks. Don’t bookmark sensitive pages.
- Address Bar Suggestions: Some browsers suggest URLs based on what you type, even after clearing history.
- Your Internet Provider and Network: Private browsing hides activity from your device, not from your internet provider, employer, or network administrator.