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iPhone User Guide

• iPhone models compatible with iOS 17
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• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Setup basics
• Make your iPhone your own
• Take great photos and videos
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Share features with your family
• Use iPhone for your daily routines
• Expert advice from Apple Support
• What’s new in iOS 17
• Turn on and set up iPhone
• Wake, unlock, and lock
• Set up cellular service
• Use Dual SIM
• Connect to the internet
• Sign in with Apple ID
• Subscribe to iCloud+
• Find settings
• Set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts
• Learn the meaning of the status icons
• Charge the battery
• Charge with cleaner energy sources
• Show the battery percentage
• Check battery health and usage
• Use Low Power Mode
• Read and bookmark the user guide
• Learn basic gestures
• Learn gestures for iPhone models with Face ID
• Adjust the volume
• Silence iPhone
• Find your apps in App Library
• Switch between open apps
• Quit and reopen an app
• Multitask with Picture in Picture
• Access features from the Lock Screen
• Use the Dynamic Island
• Perform quick actions
• Search on iPhone
• Get information about your iPhone
• View or change cellular data settings
• Travel with iPhone
• Change sounds and vibrations
• Use the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Create a custom Lock Screen
• Change the wallpaper
• Adjust the screen brightness and color balance
• Keep the iPhone display on longer
• Use StandBy
• Customize the text size and zoom setting
• Change the name of your iPhone
• Change the date and time
• Change the language and region
• Organize your apps in folders
• Add, edit, and remove widgets
• Move apps and widgets on the Home Screen
• Remove or delete apps
• Use and customize Control Center
• Change or lock the screen orientation
• View and respond to notifications
• Change notification settings
• Set up a Focus
• Allow or silence notifications for a Focus
• Turn a Focus on or off
• Stay focused while driving
• Customize sharing options
• Type with the onscreen keyboard
• Dictate text
• Select and edit text
• Use predictive text
• Use text replacements
• Add or change keyboards
• Add emoji and stickers
• Take a screenshot
• Take a screen recording
• Draw in documents
• Add text, shapes, signatures, and more
• Fill out forms and sign documents
• Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video
• Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos and videos
• Lift a subject from the photo background
• Subscribe to Apple Arcade
• Play with friends in Game Center
• Connect a game controller
• Use App Clips
• Update apps
• View or cancel subscriptions
• Manage purchases, settings, and restrictions
• Install and manage fonts
• Buy books and audiobooks
• Annotate books
• Access books on other Apple devices
• Listen to audiobooks
• Set reading goals
• Organize books
• Create and edit events in Calendar
• Send invitations
• Reply to invitations
• Change how you view events
• Search for events
• Change calendar and event settings
• Schedule or display events in a different time zone
• Keep track of events
• Use multiple calendars
• Use the Holidays calendar
• Share iCloud calendars
• Camera basics
• Set up your shot
• Apply Photographic Styles
• Take Live Photos
• Take Burst mode shots
• Take a selfie
• Take panoramic photos
• Take macro photos and videos
• Take portraits
• Take Night mode photos
• Take Apple ProRAW photos
• Adjust the shutter volume
• Adjust HDR camera settings
• Record videos
• Record spatial videos for Apple Vision Pro
• Record ProRes videos
• Record videos in Cinematic mode
• Change video recording settings
• Save camera settings
• Customize the Main camera lens
• Change advanced camera settings
• View, share, and print photos
• Use Live Text
• Scan a QR code
• See the world clock
• Set an alarm
• Change the next wake up alarm
• Use the stopwatch
• Use multiple timers
• Add and use contact information
• Edit contacts
• Add your contact info
• Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact info
• Use other contact accounts
• Use Contacts from the Phone app
• Merge or hide duplicate contacts
• Export contacts
• Get started with FaceTime
• Make FaceTime calls
• Receive FaceTime calls
• Create a FaceTime link
• Take a Live Photo
• Turn on Live Captions in a FaceTime call
• Use other apps during a call
• Make a Group FaceTime call
• View participants in a grid
• Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together
• Share your screen in a FaceTime call
• Collaborate on a document in FaceTime
• Use video conferencing features
• Hand off a FaceTime call to another Apple device
• Change the FaceTime video settings
• Change the FaceTime audio settings
• Change your appearance
• Leave a call or switch to Messages
• Block unwanted callers
• Report a call as spam
• Connect external devices or servers
• Modify files, folders, and downloads
• Search for files and folders
• Organize files and folders
• Set up iCloud Drive
• Share files and folders in iCloud Drive
• Use an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service
• Share your location
• Meet up with a friend
• Send your location via satellite
• Add or remove a friend
• Locate a friend
• Get notified when friends change their location
• Notify a friend when your location changes
• Turn off Find My
• Add your iPhone
• Add your iPhone Wallet with MagSafe
• Get notified if you leave a device behind
• Locate a device
• Mark a device as lost
• Erase a device
• Remove a device
• Add an AirTag
• Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone
• Add a third-party item
• Get notified if you leave an item behind
• Locate an item
• Mark an item as lost
• Remove an item
• Adjust map settings
• Get started with Fitness
• Track daily activity and change your move goal
• See your activity summary
• Sync a third-party workout app
• Change fitness notifications
• Share your activity
• Subscribe to Apple Fitness+
• Find Apple Fitness+ workouts and meditations
• Start an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Create a Custom Plan in Apple Fitness+
• Work out together using SharePlay
• Change what’s on the screen during an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Download an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Get started with Freeform
• Create a Freeform board
• Draw or handwrite
• Apply consistent styles
• Position items on a board
• Search Freeform boards
• Share and collaborate
• Delete and recover boards
• Get started with Health
• Fill out your Health Details
• Intro to Health data
• View your health data
• Share your health data
• View health data shared by others
• Download health records
• View health records
• Monitor your walking steadiness
• Log menstrual cycle information
• View menstrual cycle predictions and history
• Track your medications
• Learn more about your medications
• Log your state of mind
• Take a mental health assessment
• Set up a schedule for a Sleep Focus
• Turn off alarms and delete sleep schedules
• Add or change sleep schedules
• Turn Sleep Focus on or off
• Change your wind down period, sleep goal, and more
• View your sleep history
• Check your headphone levels
• Use audiogram data
• Register as an organ donor
• Back up your Health data
• Intro to Home
• Upgrade to the new Home architecture
• Set up accessories
• Control accessories
• Control your home using Siri
• Use Grid Forecast to plan your energy usage
• Set up HomePod
• Control your home remotely
• Create and use scenes
• Use automations
• Set up security cameras
• Use Face Recognition
• Unlock your door with a home key
• Configure a router
• Invite others to control accessories
• Add more homes
• Get music, movies, and TV shows
• Get ringtones
• Manage purchases and settings
• Get started with Journal
• Write in your journal
• Review your past journal entries
• Change Journal settings
• Magnify nearby objects
• Change settings
• Detect people around you
• Detect doors around you
• Receive image descriptions of your surroundings
• Read aloud text and labels around you
• Set up shortcuts for Detection Mode
• Add and remove email accounts
• Set up a custom email domain
• Check your email
• Unsend email with Undo Send
• Reply to and forward emails
• Save an email draft
• Add email attachments
• Download email attachments
• Annotate email attachments
• Set email notifications
• Search for email
• Organize email in mailboxes
• Flag or block emails
• Filter emails
• Use Hide My Email
• Use Mail Privacy Protection
• Change email settings
• Delete and recover emails
• Add a Mail widget to your Home Screen
• Print emails
• Get travel directions
• Select other route options
• Find stops along your route
• View a route overview or a list of turns
• Change settings for spoken directions
• Get driving directions
• Get directions to your parked car
• Set up electric vehicle routing
• Report traffic incidents
• Get cycling directions
• Get walking directions
• Get transit directions
• Delete recent directions
• Get traffic and weather info
• Estimate travel time and ETA
• Download offline maps
• Search for places
• Find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services
• Get information about places
• Mark places
• Share places
• Rate places
• Save favorite places
• Explore new places with Guides
• Organize places in My Guides
• Clear location history
• Look around places
• Take Flyover tours
• Find your Maps settings
• Measure dimensions
• View and save measurements
• Measure a person’s height
• Use the level
• Set up Messages
• About iMessage
• Send and reply to messages
• Unsend and edit messages
• Keep track of messages
• Forward and share messages
• Group conversations
• Watch, listen, or play together using SharePlay
• Collaborate on projects
• Use iMessage apps
• Take and edit photos or videos
• Share photos, links, and more
• Send stickers
• Request, send, and receive payments
• Send and receive audio messages
• Animate messages
• Send and save GIFs
• Turn read receipts on or off
• Change notifications
• Block, filter, and report messages
• Delete messages and attachments
• Recover deleted messages
• View albums, playlists, and more
• Show song credits and lyrics
• Queue up your music
• Listen to broadcast radio
• Subscribe to Apple Music
• Play music together in the car with iPhone
• Listen to lossless music
• Listen to Dolby Atmos music
• Apple Music Sing
• Find new music
• Add music and listen offline
• Get personalized recommendations
• Listen to radio
• Search for music
• Create playlists
• See what your friends are listening to
• Use Siri to play music
• Change the way music sounds
• Get started with News
• Use News widgets
• See news stories chosen just for you
• Read stories
• Follow your favorite teams with My Sports
• Listen to Apple News Today
• Subscribe to Apple News+
• Browse and read Apple News+ stories and issues
• Use Offline Mode to read downloaded News content
• Manually download Apple News+ issues
• Listen to audio stories
• Solve puzzles in Apple News
• Solve crossword and crossword mini puzzles
• Solve Quartiles puzzles
• Search for news stories
• Save stories in News for later
• Subscribe to individual news channels
• Get started with Notes
• Add or remove accounts
• Create and format notes
• Draw or write
• Add photos, videos, and more
• Scan text and documents
• Work with PDFs
• Create Quick Notes
• Search notes
• Organize in folders
• Organize with tags
• Use Smart Folders
• Export or print notes
• Change Notes settings
• Make a call
• View and delete the call history
• Answer or decline incoming calls
• While on a call
• Have a conference or three-way call on iPhone
• Set up voicemail
• Check voicemail
• Change voicemail greeting and settings
• Select ringtones and vibrations
• Make calls using Wi-Fi
• Set up call forwarding
• Set up call waiting
• Block or avoid unwanted calls
• View photos and videos
• Play videos and slideshows
• Delete or hide photos and videos
• Edit photos and videos
• Trim video length and adjust slow motion
• Edit Cinematic mode videos
• Edit Live Photos
• Edit portraits
• Use photo albums
• Edit, share, and organize albums
• Filter and sort photos and videos in albums
• Make stickers from your photos
• Duplicate and copy photos and videos
• Merge duplicate photos and videos
• Search for photos
• Identify people and pets
• Browse photos by location
• Share photos and videos
• Share long videos
• View photos and videos shared with you
• Watch memories
• Personalize your memories
• Manage memories and featured photos
• Use iCloud Photos
• Create shared albums
• Add and remove people in a shared album
• Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
• Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Import and export photos and videos
• Print photos
• Find podcasts
• Listen to podcasts
• Follow your favorite podcasts
• Use the Podcasts widget
• Organize your podcast library
• Download, save, or share podcasts
• Subscribe to podcasts
• Listen to subscriber-only content
• Change download settings
• Make a grocery list
• Add items to a list
• Edit and manage a list
• Search and organize lists
• Work with templates
• Use Smart Lists
• Print reminders
• Use the Reminders widget
• Change Reminders settings
• Browse the web
• Search for websites
• Customize your Safari settings
• Change the layout
• Use Safari profiles
• Open and close tabs
• Organize your tabs
• View your Safari tabs from another Apple device
• Share Tab Groups
• Use Siri to listen to a webpage
• Bookmark favorite webpages
• Save pages to a Reading List
• Find links shared with you
• Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
• Automatically fill in forms
• Get extensions
• Hide ads and distractions
• Clear your cache and cookies
• Browse the web privately
• Use passkeys in Safari
• Check stocks
• Manage multiple watchlists
• Read business news
• Add earnings reports to your calendar
• Use a Stocks widget
• Translate text, voice, and conversations
• Translate text in apps
• Translate with the camera view
• Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
• Add your TV provider
• Get shows, movies, and more
• Watch sports
• Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
• Control playback
• Manage your library
• Change the settings
• Make a recording
• Play it back
• Edit or delete a recording
• Keep recordings up to date
• Organize recordings
• Search for or rename a recording
• Share a recording
• Duplicate a recording
• Keep cards and passes in Wallet
• Set up Apple Pay
• Use Apple Pay for contactless payments
• Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
• Track your orders
• Use Apple Cash
• Use Apple Card
• Use Savings
• Pay for transit
• Access your home, hotel room, and vehicle
• Add identity cards
• Use COVID-19 vaccination cards
• Check your Apple Account balance
• Use Express Mode
• Organize your Wallet
• Remove cards or passes
• Check the weather
• Check the weather in other locations
• View weather maps
• Manage weather notifications
• Use Weather widgets
• Learn the weather icons
• Find out what Siri can do
• Tell Siri about yourself
• Have Siri announce calls and notifications
• Add Siri Shortcuts
• About Siri Suggestions
• Use Siri in your car
• Change Siri settings
• Contact emergency services
• Use Emergency SOS via satellite
• Request Roadside Assistance via satellite
• Set up and view your Medical ID
• Use Check In
• Manage Crash Detection
• Reset privacy and security settings in an emergency
• Set up Family Sharing
• Add Family Sharing members
• Remove Family Sharing members
• Share subscriptions
• Share purchases
• Share locations with family and locate lost devices
• Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
• Set up parental controls
• Set up a child’s device
• Get started with Screen Time
• Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
• Set up Screen Time
• Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
• Set up Screen Time for a family member
• Charging cable
• Power adapters
• MagSafe chargers and battery packs
• MagSafe cases and sleeves
• Qi-certified wireless chargers
• Use AirPods
• Use EarPods
• Apple Watch
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
• Connect to a display with a cable
• HomePod and other wireless speakers
• Pair Magic Keyboard
• Enter characters with diacritical marks
• Switch between keyboards
• Use shortcuts
• Choose an alternative keyboard layout
• Change typing assistance options
• External storage devices
• Bluetooth accessories
• Share your internet connection
• Allow phone calls on your iPad and Mac
• Use iPhone as a webcam
• Hand off tasks between devices
• Cut, copy, and paste between iPhone and other devices
• Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone
• Start SharePlay instantly
• Use AirDrop to send items
• Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable
• Transfer files between devices
• Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
• Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
• Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
• Intro to CarPlay
• Connect to CarPlay
• Use your vehicle’s built-in controls
• Get turn-by-turn directions
• Change the map view
• Make phone calls
• View your calendar
• Send and receive text messages
• Announce incoming text messages
• Play podcasts
• Play audiobooks
• Listen to news stories
• Control your home
• Use other apps with CarPlay
• Rearrange icons on CarPlay Home
• Change settings in CarPlay
• Get started with accessibility features
• Turn on accessibility features for setup
• Change Siri accessibility settings
• Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
• Change color and brightness
• Make text easier to read
• Reduce onscreen motion
• Customize per-app visual settings
• Hear what’s on the screen or typed
• Hear audio descriptions
• Turn on and practice VoiceOver
• Change your VoiceOver settings
• Use VoiceOver gestures
• Operate iPhone when VoiceOver is on
• Control VoiceOver using the rotor
• Use the onscreen keyboard
• Write with your finger
• Keep the screen off
• Use VoiceOver with an Apple external keyboard
• Use a braille display
• Type braille on the screen
• Customize gestures and keyboard shortcuts
• Use VoiceOver with a pointer device
• Use VoiceOver for images and videos
• Use VoiceOver in apps
• Use AssistiveTouch
• Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch
• Use Reachability
• Auto-answer calls
• Turn off vibration
• Change Face ID and attention settings
• Use Voice Control
• Adjust the side or Home button
• Use Apple TV Remote buttons
• Adjust pointer settings
• Adjust keyboard settings
• Control iPhone with an external keyboard
• Adjust AirPods settings
• Turn on Apple Watch Mirroring
• Control a nearby Apple device
• Intro to Switch Control
• Set up and turn on Switch Control
• Select items, perform actions, and more
• Control several devices with one switch
• Use hearing devices
• Use Live Listen
• Use sound recognition
• Set up and use RTT and TTY
• Flash the indicator light for notifications
• Adjust audio settings
• Play background sounds
• Display subtitles and captions
• Show transcriptions for Intercom messages
• Get live captions of spoken audio
• Type to speak
• Record a Personal Voice
• Lock iPhone to one app with Guided Access
• Use built-in privacy and security protections
• Set a passcode
• Set up Face ID
• Set up Touch ID
• Control access to information on the Lock Screen
• Keep your Apple ID secure
• Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites
• Sign in with Apple
• Share passwords
• Automatically fill in strong passwords
• Change weak or compromised passwords
• View your passwords and related information
• Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop
• Make your passkeys and passwords available on all your devices
• Automatically fill in verification codes
• Automatically fill in SMS passcodes
• Sign in with fewer CAPTCHA challenges
• Use two-factor authentication
• Use security keys
• Manage information sharing with Safety Check
• Control app tracking permissions
• Control the location information you share
• Control access to information in apps
• Control how Apple delivers advertising to you
• Control access to hardware features
• Create and manage Hide My Email addresses
• Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay
• Use a private network address
• Use Advanced Data Protection
• Use Lockdown Mode
• Use Stolen Device Protection
• Receive warnings about sensitive content
• Use Contact Key Verification
• Turn iPhone on or off
• Force restart iPhone
• Back up iPhone
• Reset iPhone settings
• Restore all content from a backup
• Restore purchased and deleted items
• Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
• Erase iPhone
• Install or remove configuration profiles
• Important safety information
• Important handling information
• Find more resources for software and service
• FCC compliance statement
• ISED Canada compliance statement
• Ultra Wideband information
• Class 1 Laser information
• Apple and the environment
• Disposal and recycling information
• Unauthorized modification of iOS

Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone

Visit sites privately

You can use Private Browsing to open private tabs that don’t appear in History on iPhone or in the list of tabs on your other devices. Tabs in Private Browsing aren’t shared with your other Apple devices, even if you’re signed in with the same Apple ID .

If you have a passcode set on your iPhone, Private Browsing locks when it’s not in use. Private Browsing may not lock immediately.

Swipe right on the tab bar at the bottom of the screen until Private Browsing opens, then tap Unlock.

Note: Any Safari extensions you have installed that have access to browsing data are automatically turned off in Private Browsing. To turn on an extension in Private Browsing, see Use extensions .

Choose a search engine for Private Browsing

Tap Private Search Engine, then choose a search engine.

View the Privacy Report

Safari helps prevent trackers from following you across websites and viewing your IP address. You can review the Privacy Report to see a summary of trackers that have been encountered and prevented by Intelligent Tracking Prevention on the current webpage you’re visiting. You can also review and adjust Safari settings to keep your browsing activities private from others who use the same device, and help protect yourself from malicious websites.

Use iCloud Private Relay to browse the web with more privacy

When you subscribe to iCloud+ , you can use iCloud Private Relay to help prevent websites and network providers from creating a detailed profile about you. When iCloud Private Relay is turned on, the traffic leaving your iPhone is encrypted and sent through two separate internet relays. This prevents websites from seeing your IP address and exact location while it prevents network providers from collecting your browsing activity in Safari.

See Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPhone to learn how to:

Turn iCloud Private Relay completely on or off for your iPhone.

Turn iCloud Private Relay on or off for a specific Wi-Fi or cellular network.

Turn iCloud Private Relay off temporarily.

Set the specificity of your IP address location.

Temporarily allow a website to see your IP address

If a website relies on IP filtering, monitoring, or rate-limiting, it might require your IP address to be visible. You can turn off iCloud Private Relay temporarily for that website only.

Note: iCloud Private Relay isn’t available in all countries or regions. See the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website .

Tap Show IP Address.

Your IP address remains visible to that website until you leave the website or close its Safari tab. iCloud Private Relay remains on for other websites.

To turn off or pause iCloud Private Relay for all websites, see Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPhone .

Control privacy and security settings for Safari

Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: Safari limits third-party cookies and data by default. Turn this option off to allow cross-site tracking.

Hide IP address: Safari automatically protects your IP address from known trackers. For eligible iCloud+ subscribers, your IP address is protected from trackers and websites as you browse in Safari. If this option is off, your IP address isn’t hidden.

Fraudulent Website Warning: Safari displays a warning if you’re visiting a suspected phishing website. Turn this option off if you don’t want to be warned about fraudulent websites.

Camera: Choose whether Safari websites can use your camera without asking you first. Tap Camera, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

Microphone: Choose whether Safari websites can use your microphone without asking you first. Tap Microphone, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

Location: Choose whether Safari websites can use your location without asking you first. Tap Location, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

Fix: Private Browsing Greyed Out in Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac

Is the Private Browsing Mode not working in Safari? This feature allows you to browse the internet without saving any history or syncing any browsing details with other devices, and it doesn’t even try to save AutoFill information. It is a great way to protect one’s privacy. Here’s how to make it work once again.

If you’re using Safari Private Browsing to hide your online activity, you should know that it can’t hide your search history because the DNS cache will store all your online searches. Because of that, we suggest a VPN like ExpressVPN to keep your online activity private with next-level encryption. Thus, your browsing usage will be impenetrable by third parties.

➡️ Get ExpressVPN

How to Use Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Some users aren’t aware of the steps to navigate to the Private Browsing Mode in Safari and think that the feature isn’t available or not working. So, before we get into the fixes, let me run you through the steps to use the Private Browsing Mode in Safari.

Steps to open a Private Browsing Window in Safari on iPhone or iPad. 

• Open Safari browser on your iPhone or iPad.

• Now, tap the “ Tab Groups ” button at the bottom.  

• Here, tap the + icon (Plus) to add tabs and use the Private Browsing Mode. Alternatively, you could also swipe right or tap the Private tab located at the bottom left corner. 

Steps to open a Private Browsing Window in Safari on Mac. 

• Open Safari on your Mac.
• Click the File option in the menu bar.
• Select the New Private Window option from the list and use Private Browsing Mode in Safari on Mac. 

How to Fix Private Browsing Not Working in Safari on iPhone, iPad, Mac

Following the aforementioned steps, we’re certain that you are fully aware of the steps to access the Private Browsing Mode in Safari. But, if you still can’t access Safari even after knowing the steps, it means there’s something wrong. 

Therefore, if the Private tab is grayed out or not working at all, here are some of the most effective troubleshooting methods that can help fix the Private Browsing Mode issues in Safari on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. 

1. Remove Content Restrictions on Web Content

Enabling Content Restrictions for the Web Content section in the Screen Time Settings leads to the removal of the Private Browsing Mode button from Safari. If you’ve recently made this change, or have accidentally set restrictions for web content, here’s how to change these settings and retrieve the Private Browsing Mode. 

Time needed:  2 minutes

Steps to remove Content Restrictions from the Web Content section in Screen Time Settings on iPhone or iPad.

Remove Content Restrictions from the Web Content section in Screen Time Settings on Mac 

• Click the Apple logo at the top left corner and click the System Settings… option. 

2. Update Safari Browser to Fix Private Browsing Not Working in Safari

If removing restrictions didn’t resolve the issue, software bugs in the Safari browser might be the reason why Private Browsing Mode has disappeared from your device. Since Safari is the native browser, you cannot manually update it from the App Store. It receives updates with software updates. Moreover, updating the software can also get rid of other bugs or glitches within the software that might be causing this issue.

Update iOS or iPadOS to the latest version 

• Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and head to the General option. 
• Select the Software Update option. 

• Enter your device’s passcode to continue. 

 Update macOS to the latest version

• Click the Apple logo at the top right corner of the menu bar and select the System Settings… option. 

• Then click the Agree button after you’ve read the terms to update macOS to the latest version. 
• Enter your Mac’s password and then click the OK button. 

3. Restart iPhone, iPad, Mac to fix Private Browsing not working in Safari

Restarting the device helps resolve most temporary software bugs and glitches and you will always find it in troubleshooting guides. If you’ve tried all the steps mentioned above and cannot access your device’s Private Browsing Mode in Safari, a quick restart might fix the issue. Especially because all the services running on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac restart alongside your device.

Moreover, even the settings you’ve just changed will be applied if they haven’t already. So go ahead and restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and it might fix the Private Browsing greyed out in Safari issue. 

Restart iPhone and iPad without a Home Button

• Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the slide to power off slider appears. 

• Now, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo. 

Restart iPhone and iPad with a Home Button

• Press and hold the side button until the slide to power off slider appears. 
• Drag the slider and wait for a few minutes. 

You can even ask Siri to restart your iPhone or iPad if your hands are preoccupied, etc. This is one of my favorite implementations and I use it quite often. 

Restart Any Mac 

• Click the Apple logo at the top right corner of the menu bar.

• Unselect the checkbox to the left of the “Reopen windows when logging back in” option.
• Then, click the Restart button to restart your Mac. 

4. Contact Apple Support 

The silver lining to every troubleshooting dark cloud is Apple Support. If you followed all of the above mentioned steps but none of them helped, the last option is to contact Apple Support . Alternatively, you could visit any official Apple Store nearby and ask the employees at the Genius Bar to inspect your device and help fix the Browsing Mode not working in Safari. 

Does the Private Browsing Mode in Safari Work as Promised?

Apple promises that when you’re browsing the internet using the Private Browsing Mode in Safari it doesn’t save any history. However, there’s a workaround using which you can view your Safari Private Browsing History on Mac . So, if someone wants to view your browsing history, they can. Therefore, we recommend using a VPN alongside the Private Browsing feature to ensure utmost safety. 

We hope this article helped fix the Private Browsing Mode not working in Safari on your iPhone or iPad. If you have any other doubts, do let us know in the comments below.  

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How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Turning on Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone is a simple process. Open the Safari app, tap the tabs button (which looks like two overlapping squares), then tap “Private” to turn on Private Browsing Mode. Now, Safari won’t remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information.

After you complete this action, your browsing activity will not be saved in Safari. This means that websites you visit won’t appear in your history, and information entered in forms won’t be saved for AutoFill.

Introduction

In today’s digital age, privacy is a hot commodity. With every click, tap, and scroll, we leave digital footprints that can tell a story about who we are and what we like to do online. That’s why learning how to turn on Safari Private Browsing on your iPhone is essential. Whether you’re entering sensitive information, researching a surprise gift, or simply want to keep your browsing history to yourself, Private Browsing Mode is your go-to feature.

This function is particularly handy for shared devices or when you want to keep your browsing habits under wraps. So, if you’re an iPhone user looking to browse the web without leaving a trace, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you how to enable this feature in just a few easy steps.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’ll achieve here. By following these simple steps, you’ll enable Private Browsing Mode in Safari, which prevents Safari from keeping track of your browsing history, search records, and AutoFill information.

Step 1: Open the Safari App

Navigate to your iPhone’s home screen and tap on the Safari app to open it.

Opening the Safari app is your gateway to the internet on your iPhone. Make sure you’re connected to the internet before you proceed.

Step 2: Access Your Open Tabs

Look for the tabs button, which resembles two overlapping squares, and tap on it.

This button will show you all your currently open tabs. If you have many tabs open, you may have to swipe left or right to find the “Private” option.

Step 3: Enable Private Browsing

Find the “Private” option at the bottom left of the screen and tap it.

Once you tap “Private,” you’ll notice the color of the browser interface changes, indicating that you’re now in Private Browsing Mode.

Additional Information

Now that you’re all set with Private Browsing Mode on Safari, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while your browsing activity isn’t saved on your iPhone, your internet service provider or employer can still track it. Also, if you download files while in Private Browsing, they’re saved to your phone and visible in the Downloads folder.

Moreover, not all Safari features are available in this mode; for example, you can’t use Handoff to pass browsing activity between devices. Lastly, remember to close all private tabs before returning to regular browsing to maintain your privacy.

• Open the Safari app on your iPhone.
• Tap the tabs button to view your open tabs.
• Tap “Private” to enter Private Browsing Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does private browsing hide my activity from my employer or internet service provider.

No, Private Browsing only prevents Safari from saving your browsing data on your iPhone. Your activity can still be tracked by your internet service provider or employer.

Will downloads in Private Browsing show up in my regular downloads folder?

Yes, any files you download while in Private Browsing Mode will be saved to your iPhone and visible in the Downloads folder.

Can I use Handoff with Private Browsing?

No, Handoff does not work with Private Browsing tabs, as your browsing activity isn’t saved.

Can websites track me while I’m using Private Browsing?

Some websites may still track your activity using cookies during your Private Browsing session, but they will not be saved once you close the tabs.

How do I turn off Private Browsing?

To exit Private Browsing Mode, open the tabs view, tap “Private” again, and it will switch back to regular browsing.

Turning on Safari Private Browsing on your iPhone is a surefire way to maintain your online privacy. Whether it’s to shop for a surprise, handle sensitive work, or simply because you value your digital privacy, navigating this feature is a breeze. Just remember that while Private Browsing protects your data on your device, it doesn’t make you invisible online. Always exercise caution and use additional privacy tools if needed. Happy private browsing!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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5 Ways to Fix Safari Private Browsing Not Available on iPhone or iPad

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer specializing in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Google web apps. Besides Guiding Tech, you can read his work at iPhone Hacks, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, MakeUseOf, and Switching to Mac.

Arshmeet has been a tech tinkerer since childhood, but she realized her love for technology and writing about 5 years ago. Since then, she has been honing her skills and helping people figure out how things work, troubleshoot problems, choose the right app and products, and dig deep into the new and old concepts of technology. She is a self-professed Apple Enthusiast who loves debating what’s good and what’s not. It is her passion for finding techniques, hacks, apps, and products that make everyday life simpler.

Private Browsing , aka, the incognito mode allows you to surf the internet without leaving a trace of your online activities. Whether you want to surf the web anonymously or avoid targeted advertising, it is a useful asset. Although what if Safari Private Browsing is not available on your iPhone or iPad? Well, read along for some quick, easy, and effective solutions.

There can be a few reasons behind your Private Browsing option is missing, greyed out, or not functioning as expected. This article explores the potential reason and offers solutions to restore the Private Browsing option on Safari for iOS devices. So, let’s get going.

Best Ways to Fix Incognito Mode Not Working On iPhone

1. unlock private browsing in safari on ios 17.

Do you see a ‘Private Browsing Is Locked’ message when accessing the incognito mode. This is because the latest iOS security features introduced with iOS 17 . The feature allows you to lock Private Browsing with Face ID.

Although, it should not prevent you from using Private Browsing, a glitch might be causing the issue. To test the theory and disable the lock, open the Settings app → Safari → Privacy & Security → toggle off ‘Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing’.

2. Check Screen Time Restriction

While it could be caused due to a bug or a minor settings error, the key reason behind the Private Browsing option missing from your device could be content restrictions . To check it out,

Step 1 : Go to Settings → Screen Time.

Step 2 : Select ‘Content and Privacy Restrictions’.

Step 3 : Enter your Screen Time passcode when prompted.

Step 4 : Here, you have two options,

• Toggle off Content Restrictions – However, this will completely disable all content restrictions, if you don’t want that, choose the next option.

• To just disable the block on Private Browsing, go to Content Restrictions → Web Content → Unrestricted.

Tip : If you’ve forgotten the Screen Time password , you can remove it or reset it from the attached link.

Turn off Screen Time Restriction From Parent’s Device

If your device is monitored by your parent or guardian, the Screen Time restriction can only be turned off from their device.

Step 1 : On the Screen Time settings screen, tap the name of a family member under the Family section.

Step 2 : Tap the Content & Privacy Restrictions option.

Step 3 : Here, select Web Content and select Unrestricted Access.

Afterward, the family member should be able to surf anonymously in Safari. Of course, you can re-impose the restrictions at any time by following the above steps to select the Limit Adult Content option instead.

3. Restart Safari

Sometimes, minor glitches in Safari can cause the Private Browsing option to disappear. And restarting the Safari browser may effectively fix the issue.

Step 1 : Bring upon the app switcher,

• On iPhone with Face ID : Swipe up from the bottom edge and pause in the center of the screen.
• On iPhone with Touch ID : Double-click the Home button.

Step 2 : Here, swipe right or left to find the app.

Step 3 : Then swipe up the app, to close it.

4. Restart iPhone

Another easy to fix any bug or glitch-related problem is to restart the iPhone or iPad. To do so,

• On iPhone with Face ID : Press and hold either the volume button or the side button until the power-off slider appears.
• On iPhone with Touch ID : Press and hold the side button until the power-off slider appears

To switch off iPhone, drag the slider.

5. Update Safari and iOS

If restarting the device isn’t working for you, the next logical solution is to update Safari. An updated Safari could resolve the bug by itself. However, updating Safari is not that easy, it’s automatically done when you update the iOS software.

So, check if a software update is available for your device and then update. Go to Settings → General → Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

FAQs Regarding Getting Private Tabs Back

Yes, Private Browsing works as any other Safari tab and you can open multiple private browsing tabs or windows. Notably, each private browsing session is isolated from the others, allowing you to perform different tasks simultaneously without them affecting each other.

Using private browsing should not significantly impact internet speed or performance. However, if you have many open tabs or windows, that consume a lot of system resources, the device will potentially slow down regardless of the browsing mode.

Private browsing does not offer protection against malware and viruses. It only deals with local data storage during the browsing session.

Private browsing may help bypass certain paywalls or restrictions imposed by websites that use cookies or cached data to track user visits. However, many websites have more sophisticated methods to detect and prevent paywall circumvention.

How to Restore Private Tabs on Safari

Private Browsing is an essential security feature for iOS and you should exercise the feature as regularly as possible. But if you can’t access the Private Browsing, all of this becomes a moo point. So, follow the guide and get your incognito mode fixes as soon as possible.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 01 August, 2023

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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Dilum Senevirathne

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David Nield

Incognito Mode May Not Work the Way You Think It Does

No matter which browser you prefer—Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari , Opera, or any of the others—it will almost certainly offer an incognito or private mode, one which ostensibly keeps your web browsing secret. (Google Chrome still shows a hat-and-glasses icon when you go incognito, as if you're now in disguise.)

Incognito or private mode does indeed keep certain aspects of your browsing private, but it's important to be aware of what it hides and erases from your computer or phone and what it doesn't. Once you understand exactly what these modes do in your browser, you'll know when they can be most useful.

Perhaps the easiest way to think about incognito mode is that as soon as you close the incognito window, your web browser forgets the session ever happened: Nothing is kept in your browsing history, and any cookies that have been created (those little bits of data that log some of your actions online) are promptly wiped.

Cookies are what keep items in your Amazon shopping cart even if you forget about them for days, for example, and they also help sites to remember if you've visited them before—which is why you normally only get pestered to sign up for a site's newsletter the first time you arrive. You might notice if you visit all your favorite sites in incognito mode, you won't get recognized, and are then asked to sign up for a whole load of newsletters and special offers all over again.

Chrome attempts to explain how incognito mode works when you open up a private session.

This sort of anonymity is what incognito mode is good at—it's like starting again with a blank slate, for better or for worse. Try loading up Twitter or Gmail, and these sites won't automatically log you in as they normally do. For the same reason, incognito mode can sometimes be a handy way of accessing more free articles from a paywalled site (the site won't instantly identify you as someone who's been before, although many paywalled sites use other methods to figure that out).

By Matt Burgess

By Andy Greenberg

By Matthew Gault

Your browser won't remember where you've been, what you've searched for, or the information you've filled into web forms while you've been in incognito mode—it's as if Chrome, Firefox, or whatever browser you're using has its back turned until you close down the incognito mode again.

With browsers now so personalized, you're probably familiar with your frequently visited websites appearing as you type into the address bar or search box. Anything you've visited or searched for while in incognito mode shouldn't appear in these suggestions (with a few caveats, as we'll mention below). You'll notice in some browsers that you can't pull the normal trick of reopening a tab you've just closed while in incognito mode—your browser has already forgotten that you ever opened it in the first place.

All modern browsers come with a private or incognito mode of some description.

Incognito mode certainly has its uses: You can sign into multiple accounts at the same time, for instance, rather than signing in and out. It's also helpful when you need to run a few quick searches on sensitive topics—like health issues—that you don't want to show up in your browsing or search history in the future.

While all traces of your incognito activities will be gone as soon as you close these windows, this is true only as far as your browser and the device you're currently using are concerned. These days, tracking and data mining extends way beyond a single browser and a single device.

As soon as you log into any of your favorite sites in incognito mode—Facebook, Amazon, Gmail—your actions are no longer anonymous or temporary, at least as far as those services are concerned. Although cookies and tracking data are deleted when your private session finishes, they can still be used while the session is active, linking your activities between various accounts and profiles.

That means if you're signed into Facebook, for example, Facebook might well be able to see what you're up to on other sites and adjust its advertising accordingly, even in incognito mode. Blocking third-party cookies in your browser can stop this to some extent (Chrome even offers you the option when you open incognito mode), but such is the reach of ad networks and tracking technologies that it's difficult to stop it entirely.

Sign into any of your accounts and you can easily be tracked, even in private mode.

Google has already been in trouble for this practice, though it's not alone. If you sign in to Google while using incognito mode, then your searches are once again being logged and associated with your account, assuming that's how your Google account preferences are set up —and Google is potentially also using its ad network and tracking technologies on other sites to keep tabs on you there too.

Even if you don't sign in anywhere, the websites that you visit can use various clues—your IP address, your device type, your browser—to figure out who you might be, and to tie this to other information that might already be associated with you. Certain browsers are fighting back against this type of tracking, called "fingerprinting," but it still goes on.

Any files you've downloaded in incognito mode remain on your system.

Incognito mode doesn't hide your browsing from your internet service provider or your employer, and it doesn't wipe out files you've downloaded. In other words, you need to think of it as a way of hiding your online activities from the particular browser on the particular device you're using, and from the other people using that device. When it comes to everything else, there are no guarantees.

The limits of incognito mode highlight just how hard it is to stay invisible on the web. To keep any tracking down to an absolute minimum, you need to pick a browser focused on privacy , use services like the DuckDuckGo search engine that don't mine your data, and deploy a reliable VPN program whenever you connect to the web. We've written more about the extra steps you can take here .

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The Private mode in Safari lets you browse websites without any trace in the app’s history. It’s a safe way to browse the web on your iPhone or iPad because it prevents recording your browsing history, storing cookies, website tracking, etc.

Enabling Private mode is easy but we just found out recently that sometimes, the “private” link doesn’t show up in Safari’s tab view. Given that this is the easiest way to enable private mode, it will be impossible to switch between private and normal modes without this link. Incidentally, you might also notice that the “Clear History and Website Data” option (in Settings → Safari) disabled. Fortunately, there is a fix for this. Here’s more on that.

Turns out, “Restrictions” plays a role in enabling/disabling the “Private” mode link in Safari’s tab-view. If you have website restrictions enabled, there’s a possibility that the private mode link will be hidden. Sometimes it looks like a bug too but anyway, here’s how to fix the missing Private link in Safari.

Is Private Browsing Button Grayed Out in Safari on iPhone or iPad? How to Fix It

Step #1. Open Settings → Tap on Screen Time (If you have set the passcode for Screen Time, it may ask you to enter to proceed further.)

Step #2. Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions then tap on Content Restrictions.

Step #3. Tap on Web Content and Select Unrestricted Access.

Step #4. If that’s selected already, tap on Limit Adult Websites and then tap on Unrestricted Access again.

Step #5. Quit Settings and Safari (if it’s open.)

Re-open Safari and go to the tab-view (tap on +). Hopefully, you should now see the “Private mode link.

Also, within Settings → Safari, check if Clear History and Website Data is now enabled. Note that you should have visited a few websites (basically, have some history) before the link/button becomes clickable again.

That’s all, folks!

Do share your feedback with us in the comment below.

Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com, who has a keen eye for news, rumors, and all the unusual stuff around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting content on social media.

🗣️ Our site is supported by our readers like you. When you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission. Read Disclaimer .

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Safari Private Browsing Button Missing? Fix (iOS)

UPDATE (November, 2018): With iOS 12, Apple replaced Restrictions with Screen Time. Your Screen Time password is your Restrictions password . This means that if the Safari Private icon is missing on your iPad or iPhone, now this is because of your Screen Time settings.  It is not available because your device settings restrict adult websites. You can change that easily. To change that, simply go to:

• Screen Time
• Content & Privacy Restrictions (you will need to enter your password, which is your old Restrictions password, if not, read this article to reset )
• Content Restrcitions
• Web Content (under the Web Content section)
• And select “Unrestricted Access”
• Now, open Safari, Safari has the private browsing option.

Private Browsing lets you browse the Internet without saving your browsing history. There may be occasions when you don’t want to leave a trace of your web browsing history.

You can easily turn on and off Private Browsing on your iPad or iPhone. Here is how:

Enable private browsing

1-Launch Safari

2-Tap the Pages icon (two squares icon).

3-Tap Private.

When you enable the Private browsing mode, you will notice that Safari appears black instead of white.

If you do not see the Private icon, here is how you can fix:

If your device is running iOS 12 or later, please see the update above. 

However, blocking websites using the Restrictions menu will cause the ‘Private’ button to disappear.This means that, If you the “private” link doesn’t show up, it is highly likely that Restrictions (aka parental controls) for websites is turned on. You need to disable website restrictions. Here is how:

1- Go to Settings > General > Restrictions (enter your passcode)

2-Tap Websites

3-Select “All Websites”.

See also:  How to Manage & Limit Cellular Data Usage On Your iPhone (iOS 9)

Dr. Serhat Kurt worked as a Senior Technology Director specializing in Apple solutions for small and medium-sized educational institutions. He holds a doctoral degree (or doctorate) from the University of Illinois at Urbana / Champaign and a master’s degree from Purdue University. He is a former faculty member. Here is his LinkedIn profile and Google Scholar profile . Email Serhat Kurt .

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32 Comments

I can’t find the restrictions from the general section. Is they any advice on that?

It is now Screen Time. Settings > Screen Time. Thanks

Can I say to whoever made this bright idea to have screen time on a child device is very dumb. I am just trying to live my life, why can’t I just be free and do whatever I please with my phone, I already learn what to not do, so why can’t I just be free. None of these steps ever help you have to turn it off completely which means getting ur parent device and turning it off. Plus who came up with the idea of Google WiFi? Cuz they are stupid making it block the child WiFi, so stupid cuz I can’t even be free when I don’t have work, or anything, along with Microsoft family blocking apps such as games or discord, my dad literally block Minecraft… yes you heard me right, Minecraft and I only get like 2 hours of it before it turns of and I can’t even play with my friends because of that. All I am saying is someone needs to rise up and stop this. This is unfair for the child.

I totally agree it’s helicopter parenting and completely ruins your child’s trust in you. IDK if it was my sister or my parents who turned on-screen time for me but it’s just so annoying that they feel they have the right to control someone else’s life.

Seriously like wtaf! I’m growing, I’m a teen, I’m gonna look at weird stuff, and I don’t need my parents dictating it or seeing it!

If anyone still has trouble just go to screen time click on content and privacy restrictions, content restrictions then under “web content” see if it’s on unrestricted, if it is turn it on allowed websites only, open safari for like 5 seconds fully quite Safari then go back go settings amd turn it on unrestricted it should get the private browsing back 🙂

Tried all the steps multiple times. Private mode still isn’t enabled and I cannot delete my search history even though my settings are correct.

Mine is the same way

I don’t think this is a bug. If your iphone/iPad is currently part of a family sharing mode and your parent has control over the main account and they in turn control your phone’s Screen Time through their iPhone/iPad. Then your parent will need to turn off screen time on their family sharing account for your iPhone /iPad first.This will disable private mode on your device.

I tried this and it didn’t work, so I turned off screen time altogether, then turned it back on and the private search icon came back. Don’t know if this’ll work for everyone 🙂

Bro I literally love you

I just have to say that I also have the problem and it’s really annoying, but, if you hold down the button in safari thats shows multiple windows ther’ll be an option for private browsing and you cam click that. However, since the button is gone, there’s no way to get out of private browsin and the only way is to close out of Safari completely, then it’ll go back to the regular browsing. It’s really frustrating but it’s a solution. At least your private browsing is harder to findd incase other people are looking.

I see what you mean about being quick but to be honest apple needs to fix this problem if its not an individual problem then it’s probably something that has to do with the iphone itself.

If screen time was activated, you need to deactivate it completely

I found a way to do it first power of you phone. Then turn it back on.After that go to safari at this point you have to be quick you press the tab button and then you’ll See the private button but you have to be quick and press it if the + is not there just press done make sure not to flip you phone or else it will go back

My private button has just gone too. while I was in private mode, the iPad switched itself to regular mode and private button missing

That’s what happened to mine. I was on it and switched me to normal mode. Have u been able to fix it yet? And if so how?

it still doesn’t work, the private button still isn’t there after i followed the stems and re did them about 10 times ?

same here! I can’t figure out how to fix it

Same here. Out of nowhere it just disappeared

This doesn’t work and isn’t helpful. I followed the steps and I still can’t get the private mode.

This is the second time this has disappeared on my phone and like you i can’t get it back. The last time it came back after an IOS update, but mine was there yesterday and gone today.

The same thing is happening to me! I have tried everything multiple websites have told me and it does not work. The Private Browsing button is just gone.

Same idk what to do it showed up for like 5 mins but then disappeared

Same! Mine has just disappeared. It’s nowhere to be seen. I don’t know how to fix it. Nothing is working.

Instead of clicking the + to add a new tab, click the cascaded windows icon. Private appears at the top.

The “+” with the Cascade Windows thing isn’t working. The private button is literally gone, i’ve tried everything!!

We just updated the article.

you probably already figured it out by now but just download the ggogle chrome app because that works

I’ve tried everything available On the web but settings>privacy>browsing>on device history is completely gone. My website restrictions are turned of,f I’ve updated google. My IOS is 10.1.1 I’d like to know what I’m doing wrong. Can anyone help?

Open a new tab by clicking on the cascaded window button instead of the “+” You will see PRIVATE at the top.

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What Your Web Browser's Incognito Mode Really Does

This tool can be useful as long as you understand its limitations

You don’t have to be a computer whiz to grasp the value of private browsing.

At a time when consumers are worried about sensitive information falling into the wrong hands—including the websites they go to and the content they view—it’s nice to have a browser tool that conceals some online activity.

All of today’s major web browsers—Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple’s Safari—offer a feature that provides a private browsing window and deletes the browsing history on your device after you close it.

This feature—commonly referred to as incognito mode—is available in desktop and mobile versions.

In Chrome, the world’s most commonly used browser , you simply click File > New Incognito Window for the desktop version or tap the three-dot menu near the top of your mobile screen and select New Incognito Tab.

Other browsers require similar steps, though Safari and Firefox call the feature Private Window, while Edge dubs it InPrivate.

These browsing tools can help reduce the amount of information collected on you by retailers and advertising companies. They have other smart uses, too. But it’s important to understand that they don’t necessarily conceal your activities from Facebook and Google, your employer, or law enforcement officials.

“I wouldn’t discourage anyone from taking these steps,” says Justin Brookman, director of privacy and technology policy for Consumer Reports. “You just need to know that they aren’t bulletproof. They’re effective at slowing down infringements on your privacy and security as long as you have a clear picture of their limitations.”

Here’s what these modes really do—and what they don’t do.

How Does Incognito Mode Work?

Generally speaking, when you browse the web in a regular, non-incognito window, your browser stores the web address, also known as the URL, of every page you go to and keeps that data even after you close the window. That makes it easier for you to retrace your steps and find the same pages again later on.

The browser also stores cookies, which are small files that websites and advertisers embed in websites . 

The next time your browser loads a page with elements (as little as a single pixel) from a company’s servers, the information is sent back. 

Cookies have a lot of functions, such as letting you go to password-protected sites without having to manually log in every time. They’re used to keep track of any items you place in a commerce site’s shopping cart, letting you fill the cart now and check out later. Cookies also let big advertisers, such as Google’s DoubleClick, track you across the web.

Incognito windows work differently.

Here, all of those cookies are deleted from your browser after you close the incognito window. Browser history isn’t saved, either, so if someone else uses that computer, smartphone, or tablet, it will not list the web pages you just went to. This can be useful if you share a device with roommates or live at home with your parents. It’s even more so if you’re searching for ways to escape domestic abuse.

Another benefit: You may notice less tracking from advertisers. 

If you search for a product— blenders , say—in a private window, you’re not as likely to see cooking supplies show up in web ads over the next few days.

Some browsers, including Firefox and Safari, also protect against fingerprinting, a technique employed by data collectors to identify you and track you across the web by using a collection of variables such as your IP address, which browser version and operating system you use, and which graphics card you have installed.

Why Is Incognito Mode Useful?

Despite some limitations, incognito mode may be useful in a variety of situations.

Let’s say you’re shopping for a gift for your spouse on the family laptop—maybe a day pass for a local spa. Using incognito mode will prevent anyone else who might later use that laptop after you’re done from seeing that you searched for “best spas near me.” And because any cookies that might be generated by your search are deleted as soon as you close the window, you’re unlikely to see ads for spas pop up over the following days in that browser.

Other somewhat “low stakes” cases for incognito mode may include looking at someone’s LinkedIn profile without the person finding out about it; checking the score of last night’s Yankee game without triggering all sorts of baseball-related alerts and notifications on your Android smartphone; or taking a quick gander at the latest celebrity gossip without condemning yourself to a future of nonstop pop culture nonsense filling up your feeds.

Incognito mode will also prove handy if you need to log in to your email account at, say, a public library or office supply store, perhaps to print out some documents if you don’t have a printer at home . As soon as you close the window, your information is zapped from that browser forever. We still recommend logging in to sensitive accounts from your home if at all possible, but incognito mode is a good plan B.

What Doesn't Incognito Mode Do?

Once you close an incognito window, most of the data about your web session will be deleted, but this only covers data that would have been saved locally on your device, such as cookies. Any data that may have been stored on the servers of the websites themselves won’t be affected by your use of incognito mode.

In other words, using incognito mode won’t erase the records of your visit from a website’s servers or from any networks you went through to get to a site. Crucially, this means that if you go to a website while connected to your employer’s WiFi network while using incognito mode, your company will know which sites you’ve visited. Depending upon your company’s policies, you may want to keep your Facebook, Twitter, or ESPN.com habit to yourself at your home.

Put another way, if it isn’t safe for work, then you shouldn’t go there even while in incognito mode.

Incognito mode also doesn’t do anything to protect you from malware. For that, you’ll want to take other steps, such as ensuring that your software is fully up to date with the latest security patches. (It’s best to make sure you have automatic updates enabled.) And while the latest versions of Windows and macOS do include robust anti-malware capabilities built into them, you might also want to consider using a trusted piece of dedicated anti-malware software. 

Lastly, know that any files you download while using incognito mode will remain on your device even after you close the window. If you’ve downloaded a sensitive file that you don’t want the next person who uses the device to find, be sure to delete it and then empty the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS).

Nicholas De Leon

Nicholas De Leon is a senior reporter for Consumer Reports, covering laptops, wireless routers, tablets, and more. He has been at CR since 2017. He previously covered tech for Vice, News Corp, and TechCrunch. He lives in Tucson, Ariz. Follow him on Twitter for all things tech and soccer @nicholasadeleon .

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The Keynote will be available to stream on  apple.com , the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app, and the Apple YouTube channel. On-demand playback will be available after the conclusion of the stream.

ios17 private browsing overrides DNS

When using private browsing on iOS 17, Safari overwrites your DNS settings and routes DNS queries to Apple even if you don't use iCloud Private Relay. DNS queries will be routed to this server. This affects businesses and families who are using DNS settings from Cloudflare and OpenDNS to block inappropriate content.

Posted on Sep 20, 2023 10:39 AM

Posted on Nov 14, 2023 4:07 PM

Turning off “Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection” in Safari’s advanced settings restored the use of my choice of DNS (1.1.1.3).

It would be great if Apple provided an option that offered the best of both worlds: fingerprint protection and DNS-based content filtering.

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Nov 14, 2023 4:07 PM in response to Jdub_3d

Oct 26, 2023 10:03 AM in response to Jdub_3d

Yes, I had the same issue. If you have a capable firewall at home, make sure you block DoH (DNS over HTTPS) and DoT (DNS over TLS). That should fix it.

Oct 26, 2023 11:31 AM in response to brykkonen

Thanks. I have a feeling my router (Airport Extreme) does not support that ability. May be time to get a new one.

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The incognito myth: how private browsing really works

How to use private browsing mode, what it doesn’t protect against, and why Google is deleting five billion dollars’ worth of user data.

Stan Kaminsky

June 5, 2024

Ask anyone how to protect your privacy online, and they’ll probably mention private browsing. Every major browser has it, although the names differ: it’s Incognito in Chrome, InPrivate in Edge, Private Window/Tab in Firefox, and Private Browsing in Safari. All these names evoke a sense of security — even invisibility: like you could browse the web safely and in full anonymity. Alas, this mode is far from being “incognito” in reality, although it is still helpful if you understand how it works and supplement it with anti-surveillance security .

How incognito mode works

In private mode, your browser doesn’t save your browsing history, remember information you enter in web forms, or store the graphics and code of the websites you visit in its cache. The tiny text files called cookies in which websites save your settings and preferences are only stored for as long as the private window stays open, and are deleted when you close it. This way, no traces of your browsing activity are left on your computer .

However, your actions are still visible from the outside. The websites you visit , your browser itself, browser extensions , your ISP, the office or school system administrator, and various advertising and analytics systems — such as those owned by Google — can all still track you.

Some browsers, such as Firefox, include additional privacy measures in private mode. These may include disabling browser extensions and blocking known analytics sites that track users and third-party cookies that weren’t set by the website you’re opening. However, even this doesn’t guarantee complete invisibility.

Five billion’s worth of incognito data

To get an idea of how much information can be collected about incognito users, look no further than the Brown v. Google lawsuit, which ended in the internet giant’s defeat. The company was ordered to destroy “billions of data records” pertaining to the activities of users who were browsing in incognito mode, and collected up until the end of 2023. Data that won’t be deleted immediately must be further de-identified, for example by removing part of each user’s IP address from the records. The court estimated the monetary value of the data to be deleted plus the data that will no longer be collected at a staggering $5 billion. However, affected plaintiffs will have to seek monetary compensation individually, so Google isn’t likely to lose much money.

More significantly for all users though, Google was ordered to start blocking third-party cookies in Incognito mode and generally provide a clearer description of how Incognito works. While Google’s methods for collecting information in Incognito mode weren’t fully disclosed to the public during the legal proceedings, some of the techniques were mentioned publicly: gathering data through Google Analytics, recording IP addresses, and collecting HTTP header data.

None of the above is news or a secret: any website on the internet can collect and use the same data, and this data gets sent out in private mode just fine.

How websites track incognito visitors

By login. If you enter your email, phone number or username, and password on a website, your browser configuration no longer matters: you’ve announced your identity to the website.

Cookies. Although the website can’t read “regular” cookies from your browser as long as it’s running in private mode, it can still set new ones. If you use a private browsing window day in, day out, without closing it, there’ll be plenty of information gathered about your movements around the web.

The IP address. Private browsing doesn’t hide your IP address in any way.

Digital fingerprinting. By combining information transmitted from your browser in HTTP headers with data that the webpage can collect with JavaScript (such as screen resolution, battery level for mobile devices, and the list of installed fonts), the website can generate a digital fingerprint for the specific browser on the specific device and use that later to identify you. Private browsing mode has no effect on this.

All of the above. Advanced analytics and tracking systems try to use a number of techniques to track you. Even if old cookies are unavailable due to private browsing, you can be remembered with an auxiliary method, such as digital fingerprinting. This means that even if you visit an online store in a private browsing mode without logging in, you might still see products you were interested in during previous sessions in your search history.

What you should and shouldn’t do in private browsing mode

😍 Search for a birthday present for a family member. Private mode will come in handy, as the keywords that could spoil the surprise won’t come up in the browsing and search history. It also will reduce the likelihood of the context ads that permeate today’s web, giving away your plan with banners about the subject. However, private mode will be of no help if you sign in to your account at the online store or marketplace and make a purchase, as the website will remember both you and the purchase. The search history and “recently viewed” items also may display on other devices where you’re logged in to the same account, so there’s still a chance of that surprise getting ruined. To sum it up, logging in to any account is a bad idea when browsing in private mode.

🤔 Look for a new job or secretly check medical symptoms . The computer will retain no traces of the activity, but your ISP will, and so will your office network’s system administrator. This isn’t something you should do at work for example, as you can’t rely on private browsing to help.

😡 Download illegal content. Don’t. And if you do download something like that in private mode, your ISP will still have recorded this activity under your account.

😎 Sign in to your account on someone else’s or a public computer. In this case, private browsing is the least you can do to protect yourself. It prevents you from leaving any undesired traces like an account name, web form data, a saved password, or locally stored cookies or personal files — unless you save something manually. That’s a start, but it doesn’t guarantee complete security: public computers are often infected with malware that can steal any data from the browser, with private browsing or not. So if you have to use someone else’s computer, it’s best to make sure it has reliable malware protection . If you’re not sure, we recommend changing your password for each account that you signed in to on that computer and enabling two-factor authentication after you log off and get back to your usual device.

🧐 Sign in to two accounts with the same site. Most browsers make this possible: you can sign in to one of the accounts in regular mode, and to the other — in private mode. This is about convenience rather than privacy, so private mode doesn’t really have any drawbacks when used this way.

What’s better than private browsing?

Private browsing mode is helpful, and there’s no reason to shun it entirely. For maximum privacy though, it should be combined with other measures:

• An encrypted data channel (VPN)  keeps your ISP and (work) system administrator from tracking your online wanderings, and allows you to change your IP address when visiting websites.
• Tracking and ad blockers reduce the likelihood of your being identified by your digital fingerprint. Every browser supports anti-surveillance extensions, available from the official browser extension marketplace.
• For maximum security in Do Not Track (DNT) mode, turn on Private browsing in Kaspersky Standard , Kaspersky Plus , or Kaspersky Premium .
• For added secrecy, you can set up a separate browser with the most rigorous tracking protection settings, which our guide can help you select.

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Incognito mode unmasked: What it does and what it doesn't do

Published on March 3, 2024

Smartphones are a vital life tool and yet also a privacy nightmare. If you don’t take the proper precautions, you could quite literally expose yourself to unwitting friends or family members who pick up your device and stumble into the wrong app or folder. Thankfully, companies offer a variety of ways to protect ourselves, such as the mysteriously named incognito mode.

But first, let’s back up a second: Use a screen lock . Pick whichever works for you, be it a PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, or face unlock. A screen lock provides the first layer of defense and should be (almost) all you need to protect yourself. There are, however, those with whom we share our screen locks, such as partners or trusted family members and friends. Also, if you’re a parent, don’t believe for one second that your kids haven’t figured out your password…they have.

Since some people may get past our screen locks, a second line of defense against undue embarrassment is required. One such bulwark is Google Chrome’s incognito mode, or private browsing. Incognito mode isn’t infallible, however. In fact, it has limitations you should know about.

Here’s what Google’s incognito mode does and what it doesn’t do.

What is incognito mode?

The word incognito means to hide one’s true identity. Incognito mode on Android devices is just that; it’s a way to hide as you travel the web. As realized in Google Chrome on Android, Incognito mode hides your browsing history so others can’t see the websites you’ve visited. In effect, it masks your footprints across the web.

How to turn on incognito mode

Incognito mode is available in the Chrome browser for all platforms it supports. This includes Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and, of course, Chrome OS. We’ll show you how to use it on multiple platforms here.

By the way, we will be showing you how to use incognito mode on Chrome. If you don’t have it yet, you can download Chrome from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store . If you’re using a PC (Windows or macOS), you can get Chrome straight from Google .

How to use Chrome incognito mode on Android:

• Launch the Chrome browser.
• Tap on the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
• Select New incognito tab .

How to use Chrome incognito mode on iOS:

• Tap on the three-dot menu button in the lower-right corner.
• Select New Incognito Tab .

How to use Chrome incognito mode on PC:

• Click on the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
• Select New Incognito window .

You’ll see the little spy-like icon with a fedora and glasses and a confirmation that “you’ve gone incognito.”Congrats, you are now browsing privately. You can jump between incognito tabs and regular tabs by tapping the tab tool in the address bar. You’ll only be browsing privately when you’re in an actual incognito tab.

What does it mean to browse privately?

Incognito mode, or browsing privately, is a device-specific safeguard. If you use incognito mode on one device but not another, that second device’s browser history is still vulnerable.

At its simplest, incognito mode prevents others who pick up the device from seeing your browser history. When in incognito mode, Chrome itself does not save your browser history or any data you type into web forms in this mode. Google Chrome will not sync your private browsing history across your account, assuming you’re signed into Chrome.

However, this doesn’t mean Chrome isn’t storing some things. Chrome will remember cookies, site data, and permissions granted while you’re browsing in incognito mode. Still, this information is deleted upon closing the incognito tab.

If you use private browsing, no one who picks up your device will know you visited your bank’s website or — ahem — “other sites,” which might cause embarrassment.

Some information is still visible to others

As stated, incognito mode prevents Chrome from logging your surfing sessions on your phone. However, it doesn’t prevent a whole range of others from seeing your online activity.

For example, any website you visit will know you visited, as will its advertisers. Any website you sign in to will know you browsed that site, especially if you logged in using an account. If you’re at work or school, whoever runs the network will have access to your browsing history. The same goes for your internet provider at home. Search engines, too, will have access to your browsing history and may even show search suggestions based on where you are or what you are up to. These will associate any private browsing to your IP address. Even Google itself may be tracking your incognito browsing habits.

What can these entities actually see? Here’s a list:

• Your IP address , which is a way of identifying your basic location.
• Your actual, real-time activity as you use a website or service.
• Also — and this is key — your identity if you sign in to any web service. That includes Google-owned sites such as Gmail.

Incognito mode does not hide you from law enforcement, which can task your wireless or wired internet provider to locate your IP address and reveal your history.

But wait: there’s more. Chrome does not store any files you may download while browsing in incognito mode; however, those files are saved to the main Downloads folder. The files are there even after you close your private browsing session. This means anyone using your device can find and open them.

Any bookmarks you create in private mode are saved to Chrome. That means if you save a bookmark for an adult website or service, it’ll show up in your bookmarks folder. Moreover, any preferences, settings, and accessibility adjustments you make during private browsing may be saved to Chrome, too.

Why bother using incognito mode?

There are specific reasons. You may not be wholly protected while browsing in incognito mode, but you’re at least shielded from some embarrassment and the potential of harming your close family and friends.

For example, please use private browsing if your family shares a tablet or PC — particularly if there are kids in your house. Kids can get into trouble on devices easily enough, so don’t give them easy access to your favorite adult or financial sites.

Another example: you’re using a public computer. Say you have to fill out some form on a machine in the doctor’s office or similar. Maybe you want to log into one of your accounts. See if you can switch on private incognito mode so others who use the device can’t go back to the page and stumble onto your data.

Last, if you don’t want your partner or significant other to know what you’ve been up to online, private browsing is the best way to keep that information to yourself. This is essential for things like gift-buying and surprise parties.

How do you turn off private browsing?

It’s pretty easy to turn off incognito mode. It’s simple to locate since incognito mode runs in its own tab or window apart from your regular Chrome tabs. On mobile, all you have to do is tap the tab button, and it should show two series of tabs: regular on the left and private on the right. Private tabs are often colored dark. Close the incognito tabs, and you’re done. On a computer, just close the incognito window.

Alternatively, some of you may still have a really convenient way to avoid trouble. Let’s say you were enjoying some adult content but shut your screen in a hurry and left the tab active in Chrome. Anyone who opens Chrome will land right smack in the middle of that content. In the past, Chrome allowed you to end all incognito tabs from the quick settings menu. It appeared as a silent notification. If you still have this feature, simply tap the Close all incognito tabs notification, and it will silently shut everything down on the sly. Crisis averted big time.

Closing incognito mode is critical. Everything remains in the open until you actually close the incognito tabs.

Do other apps and browsers have incognito mode?

They sure do. Google’s own Play Store and Maps apps have Incognito mode. The idea is to allow you to browse for and search through apps without recording your searches.

Incognito mode for Google Maps allows you to hide your travels and your searches. Neither of these solutions prevents other apps from seeing what you’re up to. YouTube has Incognito mode, as well. It prevents others from seeing your search and view history. The limitations are the same as they are with Chrome.

Safari for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac supports private browsing. Access it by tapping the tabs button in Safari and selecting “Private” to open a new tab. Apple says Safari won’t remember the pages you visited, your search history, or your AutoFill information after you close a tab in private browsing mode.

The Microsoft Edge browser for Windows machines has InPrivate mode, and Firefox supports Private Browsing for most platforms. As with other apps, these prevent the browser from recording your browsing history when in the proper mode. We also like Brave Browser and have a great roundup of all the best web browsers for privacy .

Can I actually hide my browsing from everyone?

If you feel like incognito mode is simply not enough, and you actually want to hide everything you do online, you may want to try using a VPN. A virtual private network works as an intermediary between your devices and the internet, rerouting all data through its servers, scrambling the data, and leaving no trace of who did what online. Of course, that is only if the VPN provider has a no-logging policy.

If you use incognito mode, in conjunction with a good VPN, all your browsing will be completely private. Not even your internet service provider will know what you’re doing. Websites won’t either, again, unless you actually sign into an account.

If you’re looking for a good option, we have a list of the best free VPN services here .

Google Chrome’s incognito mode isn’t a perfect solution, but it does have its uses. Keep in mind that it doesn’t impact most apps at all. If you download an adult content app, that’s totally on you to hide in a folder or lock it down with a passcode .

Whether you have anything to hide or not, safe browsing, folks!

How often do you use Incognito Mode when browsing in Chrome?

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Over 100+ million Ghostery downloads for privacy protection

Join the ghostery user community and protect your personal data online, faq: ghostery private browser for windows, how do i go into private browsing .

Browsing in private mode is different from one browser to another, here is how you can browse privately using the most popular browsers:

• Google Chrome calls browsing privately "Incognito mode" and the way you can open an incognito window is to click on “File” in the browser’s menu and select "New Incognito Window." 
• Mozilla Firefox named its private browsing mode "Private Window". To open the Private Window mode, you must click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the browser window and select "New Private Window." 
• InPrivate mode is what Microsoft Edge has named their private browsing mode and you need to click on the three dots in the top right corner of the browser window, then select "New InPrivate Window" to open an InPrivate session. 
• Safari has Private Browsing: To open a private browsing window, click on the "File" menu in the upper left corner of the screen, and then select "New Private Window." 

Neither of the browsers saves your browsing history, search history, or temporary files on your computer while in "private browsing mode". 

A better way of browsing privately is by using the Ghostery Private Browser. 

Ghostery offers a privacy-focused browser that enhances traditional private browsing by providing an always-on private browsing mode that blocks trackers, ads, popups, and cookies to ensure your online privacy. 

Unlike traditional private browsing modes, Ghostery never collects any personal user data. With Ghostery, you can browse the web faster and more securely, knowing that your personal data is protected. 

In summary, while all main browsers have a private browsing mode, Ghostery's Private Browser would be the best choice for someone looking to keep their browsing activities secure. Additionally, the Ghostery Private Browser has built-in ad blocking, and tracker blocking and it also blocks popups & cookies providing you with an extra layer of privacy & protection.

How to open a private browser on Mac?

By default, Apple has Safari on all their devices and to open a private browser window you need to click on the "File" menu in the top left corner of the screen, and select "New Private Window." 

Alternatively, if you are looking to browse in private, keep safe, block ads & cookies, Ghostery’s Private Browser is the ideal choice.

How to get a private browser?

You simply need to download Ghostery’s Private Browser. Download the best privacy browser here: Private Browser .

What is a private browser?

A private browser is an internet browser that never saves your browsing history, cookies, temporary files, or passwords you enter. This helps keep your internet browsing sessions safe and private.

Our Private Browser keeps you safe and secure and makes your browsing experience more enjoyable. Using the Ghostery Private Browser your pages will load faster, you will have an ad & tracker free session and we will also stop pesky cookies and pop-up banners.

Are private browsers really private?

Ghostery's private browser is indeed private, it blocks ads, trackers, cookies, pop-ups, and other forms of online tracking, that help protect your privacy while you browse the web. 

Ghostery helps you keep your personal data private. Our private browser doesn’t store user data and it lists all the trackers and advertisers that are found on a webpage. 

You are now back in control, you can choose what ads you want to see, and what trackers.

Do private browsers actually work?

Our Private Browser is exactly that. It provides you with all the tools you need to control the data you are willing to share. 

If you aren’t willing to share anything, you can choose to block ads, trackers, cookies and continue enjoying a faster and more secure internet. 

Does a private browser hide the IP?

The majority of private browsers will not hide your IP address. However, the TOR browser (The Onion Router), does hide your IP address by routing your internet connection through a network of servers, allowing for anonymous and private browsing sessions.

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a good alternative to TOR. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your IP address and making it more difficult for third parties to track your online activity.

Still have questions?

If there is anything you miss in Ghostery or have any questions, please drop a line to [email protected] . We’re happy to talk to you anytime.

Over 100+ Million Ghostery downloads

Built to protect browse and search privately.