Quick Scoop: Incognito mode in Chrome is a private browsing window that stops Chrome from saving your history, cookies, site data, and form entries on your device while that window is open. It’s useful if you don’t want other people who use the same device to see what you looked at, but it does not make you anonymous online.

What it does

  • Keeps your browsing history out of Chrome’s normal history list.
  • Deletes cookies and site data when you close all Incognito windows.
  • Helps websites treat you more like a new visitor during that session.

What it does not do

  • It does not hide your activity from websites, your internet provider, your school, or your employer.
  • It does not protect you if you sign in to accounts inside the Incognito window.
  • Downloads and bookmarks can still be saved.

When people use it

  • Shopping for gifts on a shared computer.
  • Checking a site without old cookies affecting the experience.
  • Testing how a website looks to a new user.

How to open it

  • On desktop Chrome, use Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows/Linux/ChromeOS or ⌘ + Shift + N on Mac.
  • You can also choose New Incognito window from Chrome’s menu.

Bottom line: Incognito mode is best for local privacy on a shared device, not for full online privacy or anonymity.