Turn Off and Disable Private Browsing on Any Web Browser

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Learn how to exit private or incognito mode and permanently disable it
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Incognito Mode or Private Browsing is a feature that most web browsers have that allows you to browse the internet without saving your internet use as history. However, there are many inconvenient drawbacks to browsing in private mode. It can also be a challenge for parents and companies that want to monitor internet usage. This wikiHow article teaches you how to turn off private browsing as well as how to permanently disable it.

Turn Off or Disable Private Browsing

  • On most web browsers, you can tap the menu icon (with three dots or three lines) and tap the option to open a new window to exit private or incognito mode.
  • On Windows and Mac, you can use Command Prompt or Terminal commands to permanently disable private or incognito mode in various web browsers.
  • On mobile devices, enable content restrictions using Screen Time (iPhone/iPad) or the Family Link app (Android) to disable private mode in Google Chrome or Safari.
Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Turning Off Private Browsing

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  1. Step 1 Turn off Incognito Mode on Google Chrome for desktop.
    Use the following steps to turn off Incognito Mode in Google Chrome on your PC or Mac:
    • Click Incognito in the upper-right corner.
    • Click Close Incognito.
    • Alternatively, just tap the x button at the top right (Windows) or top left (Mac) of the Incognito window to close it.[1]
    • Open a new window or tab.
  2. Step 2 Turn off Incognito Mode on Google Chrome for mobile.
    Use the following steps to turn off Incognito Mode for Google Chrome on mobile devices:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a square with numbers (tabs) in the upper-right corner (Android) or lower right corner (iPhone/iPad).
    • If you’re in Incognito mode, you’ll be in the Incognito tab at the top of the page, which looks like a hat and glasses. Tap the tabs icon at the top center of the page to switch to normal browsing. You can also tap the x at the top right corner of any Incognito tabs to close them.[2]
    • Tap the Plus (+) icon to open a new tab.
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  3. Step 3 Turn off Private Browsing in Safari for Mac.
    Use the following steps to turn off private browsing for Safari on a Mac:
    • Close any windows that are open in Private Browsing mode.
    • Click File in the menu bar at the top.
    • Click New Window.
  4. Step 4 Turn off Private Browsing in Safari for iPhone.
    Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing on Safari for iPhone
    • Tap the icon that resembles 2 squares stacked on top of each other in the lower-right corner.
    • In the Private tab at the bottom of the screen, tap the x in the top right corner of any private tabs you’d like to close.
    • Tap the "# Tabs" button at the bottom of the screen to open regular browsing mode.
    • Select one of the tabs that’s already open on this screen, or tap the plus (+) icon to start a new tab.
  5. Step 5 Turn off Private Browsing in Safari for iPad.
    Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing in Safari for iPad:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a screen with a menu in the upper-left corner.
    • Tap Start Page at the top of the menu.
    • Tap the plus (+) icon to start a new tab.
  6. Step 6 Turn off InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge for desktop.
    Use the following steps to turn off InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge:
    • Click the icon with three dots (⋯) in the upper-right corner.
    • Click New Windows.
  7. Step 7 Turn off InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge for mobile.
    Use the following steps to turn off InPrivate browsing on Microsoft Edge for mobile:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a square with numbers in the menu bar at the bottom.
    • Tap Tabs at the top.
    • Tap the plus (+) icon to open a new tab.
  8. Step 8 Turn off Private Browsing in Firefox for desktop.
    Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing in Firefox for PC or Mac:
    • Click the icon with three lines (☰) in the upper-right corner.
    • Click New Window.
    • You can also go to File > New Window.
    • If you wish, close any open Incognito windows or tabs.
  9. Step 9 Turn off Private Browsing in Firefox for mobile.
    Use the following steps to turn off Private Browsing in Firefox for mobile:
    • Tap the icon that resembles a square with numbers (tabs) in the lower-right corner.
    • Tap the same icon again next to the icon that resembles a mask in the bar at the top.
    • Tap the plus (+) icon in the lower-right corner.
    • If you wish, you can also close any open tabs in the Incognito menu.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on Windows

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  1. Step 1 Consider backing up your PC.
    Since this method involves editing sensitive components of your computer's operating system, backing up your information before continuing will prevent you from losing your data if your computer crashes.
  2. Step 2 Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
    You must be logged in as an administrator to do this. Use the following steps to open the Command Prompt as an administrator:
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Type CMD.
    • RIght-click the Command Prompt icon.
    • Click Run as administrator.
  3. Step 3 Enter one of the following commands and press ↵ Enter.
    This will create a new registry rule that disables private browsing for your web browser in Windows. Copy and paste one of the following commands into the Command Prompt and press Enter:[3]
    • Disable Google Chrome Incognito Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome /v IncognitoModeAvailability /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Google Chrome Guest Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0
    • Disable Microsoft Edge InPrivate Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge /v InPrivateModeAvailability /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Microsoft Edge Guest Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0
    • Disable Firefox Private Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Mozilla\Firefox /v DisablePrivateBrowsing /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Brave Incognito Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\BraveSoftware\Brave /v IncognitoModeAvailability /t REG_DWORD /d 1
    • Disable Brave Guest Mode: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\BraveSoftware\Brave /v BrowserGuestModeEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0
    • Disable Brave Incognito Mode with Tor: REG ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\BraveSoftware\Brave /v TorDisabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1
  4. Step 4 Type yes and press ↵ Enter.
    If there is already a registry item for Incognito Mode Availability, you will be asked if you want to overwrite it. Type yes and press Enter.
  5. Step 5 Restart your web browser.
    If your web browser is currently open, close it and then reopen it.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on Mac

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  1. Step 1 Close your web browser.
    If you have a browser open, you'll need to close it in order for these steps to work.
  2. Step 2 Open the Terminal icon.
    Use the following steps to open the Terminal on your Mac:
    • Click the magnifying glass icon in the upper-right corner.
    • Enter Terminal into the search bar.
    • Click the Terminal app.
  3. Step 3 Enter one of the following terminal commands and press ↵ Enter.
    This will create a new system setting that disables Private or Incognito mode on your Mac. Copy and paste one of the following commands into the Terminal and press Enter:[4]
    • Disable Google Chrome Incognito Mode: defaults write com.google.chrome IncognitoModeAvailability -integer 1z
    • Disable Google Chrome Guest Mode: defaults write com.google.Chrome BrowserGuestModeEnabled -bool false
    • Disable Firefox Private Mode: defaults write /Library/Preferences/org.mozilla.firefox DisablePrivateBrowsing -bool TRUE
    • Disable Microsoft Edge InPrivate Mode: defaults write com.microsoft.edge InPrivateModeAvailability -integer 1
    • Disable Microsoft Edge Guest Mode: defaults write com.microsoft.edge BrowserGuestModeEnabled -integer 0
    • Disabling Brave Incognito Mode: defaults write com.brave.Browser IncognitoModeAvailability -integer 1
    • Disable Brave Guest Mode: defaults write com.brave.Browser BrowserGuestModeEnabled -bool false
  4. Step 4 Restart your Mac.
    For the changes to take effect, you must restart your Mac. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner and click Restart to restart your Mac.
    • To reinstate Incognito Mode again, re-enter the command in the Terminal and change the integer value to "0" instead of "1".
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Disabling Private Mode in Safari on Mac

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  1. Step 1 Click the Apple icon icon.
    It's in the upper-left corner of the Window. This displays a drop-down menu.
  2. Step 2 Click System Settings or System Preferences.
    It's in the Apple menu.
  3. Step 3 Click Screen Time.
    On newer versions of macOS, it's in the menu bar to the left. It has an icon that resembles an hourglass.
  4. Step 4 Click Content & Privacy.
    It's next to a red icon that has a circle with a line through it.
  5. Step 5 Click the toggle switch next to "Content & Privacy."
    It's at the top of the page. This enables Content & Privacy restrictions.
    • You may be prompted to enter your administrative password before you can make any changes to your Screen Time settings.
  6. Step 6 Click Store, Web, Siri, & Game Center Content.
    It’s at the top of the Content & Privacy menu.
  7. Step 7 Select Limit Adult Websites.
    This option is in the dropdown menu next to “Access to Web Content” under the Safari header. Click Done to confirm.
    • If you want to allow certain websites, click Customize… under “Access to Web Content.” Click + under Allowed and enter the websites you want to allow.
    • Once this setting is enabled, the New Private Window option will be greyed out in the Safari File menu.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on Android

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  1. Step 1 Download the Google Family Link app.
    It has an icon that resembles a blue, green, and yellow striped kite. You can find the Family Link app in the Google Play Store on Android.[5]
    • You must have a Google account for yourself on your devices and a child's account to link to.
  2. Step 2 Set up Google Family Link.
    Once you download the app, you'll need to log into your Google account and link your child's Google account. This is how you can set parental controls on their devices. Once connected, you'll be able to edit permissions and access.
  3. Step 3 Make sure your child is logged into their account.
    Your child will need to be signed into their Google account on their device. Once they are logged into their Google account on their device, Incognito mode will be disabled in Google Chrome.[6]
  4. Step 4 Tap your child's account.
    This should be on the Family Link's home page.
  5. Step 5 Tap Content restrictions.
    It's on the main page of your child's account.
  6. Step 6 Make sure all Google Play content requires approval.
    Since the Family Link app only applies to Google Chrome, you will need to make sure your child cannot download any other web browsers. Use the following steps to require approval for all Google Play purchases and downloads:
    • Tap Google Play.
    • Tap Require Approval for.
    • Tap the radio option next to "All content."
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Disabling Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad

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  1. Step 1 Open your iPhone's/iPad's Settings icon.
    It's a grey app with gears that you'll likely find on the Home Screen.
  2. Step 2 Tap Screen Time.
    It's next to a purple icon that resembles a magnifying glass. This displays the Screen Time Settings.
  3. Step 3 Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
    It's next to a red icon with a cross-circle.
  4. Step 4 Tap the toggle switch next to "Content & Privacy Restrictions."
    This enables content and privacy restrictions on your device.
  5. Step 5 Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
    It’s right under the Content & Privacy Restrictions setting.
  6. Step 6 Tap Installing Apps and select Don’t Allow.
    This will make it impossible to download new apps (including other browsers) from the App Store.
  7. Step 7 Tap Back, then tap <.
    This will return you to the Content & Privacy Restrictions menu.
  8. Step 8 Tap Store, Web, Siri & Game Center Content.
    It’s in the first group of options under the Content & Privacy Restrictions setting.
  9. Step 9 Tap Web Content.
    It’s roughly halfway down the menu.
  10. Step 10 Tap Limit Adult Websites.
    It's the second option in the menu. In addition to restricting adult content, this option also disables Private browsing.
    • If you want to allow certain websites, tap Add Website under the “Always Allow” header and enter the websites you approve of.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I turn off private browsing on my iPad?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you choose "Limit Adult Content," under Settings/General/Restrictions/Websites it will not allow the history to be cleared until it is changed back to "All Websites."
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How can I block an Android device from my Netgear router?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Create a private network passcode, or limit the bandwidth allocation on outgoing data, adjustable by IP.
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  • Question
    How do I turn off private browsing on an Android device?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Close the private tab on your device. The first tab is under the options on the bottom left.
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Warnings

  • Most browsers don't support disabling of private or incognito browsing. Your best course of action when attempting to prevent unauthorized private access is to install a set of parental controls that can monitor Internet use while in incognito/private mode.
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
  2. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid
  3. ↑ https://sc1.checkpoint.com/documents/Infinity_Portal/WebAdminGuides/EN/Harmony-Endpoint-Admin-Guide/Topics-Common-for-HEP-HB/Browser-Settings.htm
  4. ↑ https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-disable-safari-private-browsing-on-mac/
  5. ↑ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink&hl=en_US&gl=US
  6. ↑ https://support.google.com/families/answer/7087030?hl=en&sjid=16404751465167313741-NA

About This Article

Megaera Lorenz, PhD
Written by:
Megaera Lorenz, PhD
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Megaera Lorenz is an Egyptologist and Writer with over 20 years of experience in public education. In 2017, she graduated with her PhD in Egyptology from The University of Chicago, where she served for several years as a content advisor and program facilitator for the Oriental Institute Museum’s Public Education office. She has also developed and taught Egyptology courses at The University of Chicago and Loyola University Chicago. This article has been viewed 338,564 times.
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Co-authors: 20
Updated: September 22, 2024
Views: 338,564
Categories: Google Chrome
Article SummaryX

1. Click the Windows Start menu and type "Regedit".
2. Click Registry Editor. 3. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_KEY" > "SOFTWARE" > "Policies" > "Google" > "Chrome".
4. Right-click and add a new DWORD (32 Bit) value in "Chrome.
5. Name the new value "IncognitoModeAvailability".
6. Open "IncognitoModeAvailability" and change the value to "1".
7. Click Apply followed by Ok.
8. Restart your computer.

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