How to Browse In Private

Private browsing is a feature allowing you to use any web browser whilst preventing other users of the same computer from viewing the pages you visit, your search history, downloads or autofill information.

If you use a public computer, are worried about your privacy or even if you’re doing some secret shopping for a loved one, private browsing can be an extremely handy feature. We’ve put together a guide to enabling private browsing, depending on which web browser you choose to use.

Chrome – Incognito Mode

If you’re a Chrome user, go to the Chrome menu (the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of the browser window) and select ‘New Incognito Window’. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Control, Shift and N (or Command, Shift and N if you’re a Mac user).

 

Firefox – Private Window

Go to File in the top-left corner of the browser (it will appear in the top toolbar for Macs) and select New Private Window. This will open up a new window that will allow you to browse in private. If you want to open a link in a new window, hold down Control when you click on the URL and select ‘Open Link in New Private Window’ from the drop-down menu.

 

Safari – Private Browsing

Go to the Safari menu (in the top-left corner of the screen) and select Private Browsing. You’ll be prompted to activate it by pressing OK. Once you’ve pressed it, you’ll be browsing privately. To turn it off, you can either go to the Safari menu and deselect Private Browsing, or click ‘Private’ next to the URL bar and press OK when prompted (pictured).

 

Internet Explorer – InPrivate Browsing

Go to the Settings cog (in the top-right corner) and, under the Safety drop-down menu, select InPrivate Browsing. Internet Explorer will open up a new private window and you are free to browse. Alternatively, you can press Control, Shift and P at the same time.

 

Please bear in mind that browsing privately may not fully prevent others from seeing your history. Your Internet Service Provider and employers still have access to your online activity.