In today's digital world, our privacy is under constant threat. From hackers to companies looking to sell our data, it seems like there's always someone trying to get their hands on our personal information.
That's why it's important to take steps to protect our privacy online, and one of those steps is using privacy mode (sometimes called incognito mode). But what exactly is privacy mode? Keep reading to find out.
What is the Privacy Mode?
In normal mode browsers track your actions and store it in a log. So when you visit a website, your browser will save information about that website like the URL, your IP address, and cookies. This data can then be accessed by anyone who has access to your computer or browser history.
Private mode (or incognito mode, depending on your browser) is a feature in some browsers that prevents this type of data collection. When you browse in private mode, your browser doesn't store information about the websites you visit. This means that if someone tries to access your browsing history, they can't see which websites you've visited.
If you want more than just the normal Privacy Mode, this article is for you:
The 4 most secure browsers that protect your privacy (and 4 that don't).
How to Use Privacy Mode
To use the private mode, simply open your browser's settings and look for the Privacy or Incognito Mode option. Once you find it, turn on the private mode and start browsing.
Here are the necessary steps for the most common browsers out there:
How do I use the incognito mode in Google Chrome?
Using incognito mode in Google Chrome is quite simple. Just follow these steps:
1. Open your Google Chrome browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Click on "New private window".
A new window will open up labeled "Incognito Mode." This means you're now browsing privately and your history will not be saved.
How to use Privacy Mode on Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge also has a private mode that is easy to use. Just follow these steps:
1. Open your Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Click on "New InPrivate window."
How to use the private mode in Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla Firefox's private mode is called "Private Window". You can use it by following the steps below:
1. Open your Mozilla Firefox browser.
2. Click on the three lines in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Click on "New private window".
A new window will open marked with a symbol of glasses. This means you're now browsing privately and your history will not be saved.
How to use Privacy Mode on Safari
Safari hat auch einen Datenschutzmodus, der einfach zu benutzen ist. Befolge einfach diese Schritte:
1. Open your Safari browser.
2. Click on "File" in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Hover over "New Private Window."
A new window will open up labeled "Private." This means you're now browsing privately and your history will not be saved.
How to use Privacy Mode on Brave
Brave is a newer web browser that puts privacy first. When you browse with Brave, your history is not saved and neither are cookies or site data. You can use Brave by downloading it from their website.
1. Open your Brave Browser.
2. Click on the three lines in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
3. Click on "New private window".
A new window will open marked with a symbol of glasses. This means you're now browsing privately and your history will not be saved.
What are the benefits of using Privacy Mode?
There are several benefits to using privacy mode when you're browsing the internet. First, it protects your privacy by not saving your browsing history or cookies. This means that if someone gets access to your computer, they won't be able to see what websites you've been visiting. Second, it can help improve your internet speed because it doesn't have to save your browsing history or cookies. Finally, it can help prevent targeted ads because companies won't be able to track your online activity.
What are the drawbacks of using Privacy Mode?
There are a few drawbacks to using privacy mode. First, it's important to remember that privacy mode does not make you completely anonymous online. Your IP address can still be tracked and your internet service provider will still have records of the websites you've visited. Second, some websites won't work properly in privacy mode, so you may not be able to access all the content you're looking for.
Do you use privacy mode when you're browsing the internet? Let us know in the comments below.
When should I use Privacy Mode?
There are a few instances when you should definitely consider using privacy mode:
- When you're using a public computer: If you're at a library or an internet cafe, for example, it's best to use privacy mode so that you don't leave your browsing history or cookies behind for someone else to access.
- When you're shopping online: If you're worried about companies collecting your data or tracking your online activity, shopping in privacy mode can help put your mind at ease. However, it's important to note that while your browsing history may not be saved, any items you purchase will still be saved by the website itself.
- When you want to keep your browsing history hidden from others: If you're worried about someone snooping on your computer and seeing what websites you've been visiting, using privacy mode will prevent them from being able to see your history.
- When you want to search for something without affecting your results: Have you ever noticed that after searching for something on Google, that thing seems to pop up everywhere you go online? That's because Google saves searches and uses that information to provide targeted ads. If you want to search for something without affecting your results, use privacy mode so that Google can't save your searches.
It is a good idea to use a so-called Privacy Browser. If you are looking for one and want to learn about their strengths and weaknesses this article is for you:
Are Privacy Browsers Private? What You Need to Know
When is Privacy Mode Useless?
Despite its many benefits, there are also some instances where the privacy mode will not be able to protect your information:
- When somebody else has access to your device: If someone else has physical access to your device—like if you let a friend borrow your laptop—they can still access anything you've looked at while not in incognito mode unless you've signed out of all of your accounts or used guest mode instead of incognito mode. The same goes for if your device gets lost or stolen; anyone who has access to it will be able to see everything on it unless it's password protected or encrypted.
- To surf anonymously: As we mentioned before, privacy mode will not make you completely anonymous online. Your IP address can still be tracked and your internet service provider will still know which websites you've visited. If you're looking to surf the web anonymously, you'll need to use a VPN. If you are using Brave on a desktop, you can even use the built-in Tor feature.
As you see: Privacy Mode is a great tool for protecting your information online but it's important to know its limitations so that you can properly safeguard yourself against potential threats to your privacy.
EN 
DE 