Don’t want Google Chrome to remember your browsing history? Learn how to go incognito on a Chromebook. Incognito is a great way to prevent others from seeing your movements while browsing and your search history. Here’s how to use Incognito mode on a Chromebook.
What Is Incognito Mode on a Chromebook?
Google Chrome’s Incognito mode comes built-in to Chromebooks. Enabling Incognito mode opens a private browsing session in a separate browser window, in which Chrome will not keep track of the following:
Information in this article applies to all Chrome OS devices regardless of the manufacturer (Acer, Dell, Google, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Toshiba, etc.).
- Your browser search history
- The websites you visit
- Cookies and other data from websites you visit
- Information you enter into forms
Any files you download and bookmarks you create while in Incognito mode will be kept, but Chrome won’t keep a record of your downloads.
How to Go Incognito on Chromebook
To begin a private browsing session on a Chromebook:
Chrome extensions and add-ons are disabled in Incognito mode.
- Open Google Chrome and select the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select New Incognito Window.
- You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N to open an incognito window on a Chromebook.
- A new browser window with a gray background will open, and you can begin using Chrome as you normally would in Incognito mode.
How to Disable Incognito Mode on Chromebook
Your private browsing session will end when you close the incognito window. Alternatively, select Incognito > Exit Incognito in Chrome to revert back to normal Google Search.
Open Google Chrome and select the three dots in the top-right corner.
Select New Incognito Window.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+N to open an incognito window on a Chromebook.
A new browser window with a gray background will open, and you can begin using Chrome as you normally would in Incognito mode.
Limitations of Chromebook Incognito Mode
When you visit a web page, Chrome automatically stores cookies and other data that help the page load faster the next time you visit it. In Incognito mode, such data doesn’t get downloaded, so pages won’t load faster upon repeat visits. Chrome also won’t remember any passwords or other information you provide to websites while in Incognito mode.
It’s also important to note that going incognito on Chromebook won’t hide your internet activity from your internet service provider (ISP). If you’re using a work or school computer, then the system administrator may still be able to see your search history. Any websites you visit can still collect information from you in Incognito mode, and you’re just as vulnerable to malware as you normally are.
How to Delete Browsing History on Chromebook
In addition to using Incognito mode, you can also delete your Chromebook history to hide your browsing activity or delete your private data for security. These are both great ways to ensure your private information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
It’s possible to add accounts to a Chromebook so that each person who uses the laptop has their own bookmarks and other browser preferences saved separately.
When you clear your Google Chrome browsing history, data will be deleted from all devices synced to your Google Account.
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