Quick answer: Incognito (private) mode stops your browser from saving history, cookies, and form data on the device you’re using. Your internet provider, employer, and the websites you visit can still see everything you do.
What incognito actually hides
Private browsing is local privacy. When you close the window, the browser discards the session on that device:
- Browsing history — the pages you visited are not saved to history.
- Cookies and site data — logins and trackers from the session are dropped on close.
- Form entries and passwords typed during the session.
- Permissions you granted during the session (such as camera or location access).
What incognito does NOT hide
- Your IP address — websites and your network provider still see it.
- Your internet provider — it can still log every domain you visit.
- Your employer or school — if you’re on their network, their IT can see the traffic.
- The websites themselves — they still see your browser, approximate location, and any account you log into.
- Downloads and bookmarks — files you download and bookmarks you save are kept.
Incognito vs VPN vs Tor
| Goal | Incognito | VPN | Tor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hide history from the device | Yes | No | No |
| Hide traffic from your provider | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hide your IP from websites | No | Yes | Yes |
| Speed | Normal | Slightly slower | Much slower |
Good uses for incognito
- Booking a surprise gift or trip so suggestions don’t appear for someone else on that device.
- Logging into a second account without signing out of the first.
- Using a shared or public computer so your session isn’t left behind.
- Testing how a website looks to a first-time visitor (no saved cookies).
The false sense of security
The most common mistake is treating incognito as invisibility. It is not. If your goal is to stop your network provider, employer, or the websites themselves from seeing your activity, incognito does nothing — you need a VPN or Tor. If your goal is simply to leave no trace on the device you’re holding, incognito does exactly that and nothing more.
Frequently asked questions
Does incognito hide my IP address?
No. Your IP address is still visible to websites and your network provider.
Can my employer see incognito browsing?
Yes, if you’re on the company network. Incognito only hides activity on the device, not on the network.
Related resources
Optional resources
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For stronger privacy on public or shared networks, a paid VPN such as NordVPN is one option to compare — see current plans.