Alex Ruben
How To Enable Incognito Mode in Google Chrome
Having a way to browse privately can be a big deal, especially if you’re dealing with shared devices or just don’t want your history piling up. Google Chrome’s Incognito Mode is pretty handy for that – it stops Chrome from saving browsing history, cookies, or site data for that session. But, honestly, some folks find it not so obvious how to fire it up, especially on different devices or setups. So, here’s a quick rundown with a few practical tips, including some details you might not find on the official docs, like shortcut keys or menu quirks.
It’s not a magic shield—sites can still see your IP, and downloads or bookmarks made in Incognito stay on your device, but it does a decent job when you don’t want things stored locally. If you want to keep popping open Incognito windows quickly, knowing the shortcuts or menu options makes life way easier. Sometimes it’s just about catching that setting under the right menu or hitting the right keys, especially when Chrome or your OS decides to be vague about it. Here’s what’s worked on a few setups without a lot of fuss.
How to Enable Incognito Mode in Google Chrome
Accessing Incognito Mode from the Chrome Menu
This is the most common way and works pretty much everywhere. Think of it as the “standard” method, but it’s not as quick if you’re in a rush. When Chrome is open, look for the three vertical dots in the top right corner (or the upper right corner of the window if you’re on desktop). Clicking that reveals a dropdown menu. From there, just select New Incognito Window. If you’re on mobile, simply tap the three dots or menu icon, then choose “New Incognito Tab.”
This immediately opens a new window where you can browse anonymously. The trick is remembering that Chrome usually remembers your last window style, so you might get a normal window first, then a new Incognito one. On some setups, clicking it once doesn’t always work, especially if Chrome’s laggy or has weird updates. Just redo it, or try the next method if that’s the case.
Quick Access via the Taskbar (Windows)
If clicking through menus sounds like too much hassle, you can set up a quick shortcut. Right-click the Chrome icon in your taskbar, then choose New Incognito Window. Sometimes, that’s the fastest way if you use Chrome a lot, and it skips the menu clicks altogether. Just keep in mind, this assumes Chrome is pinned to your taskbar already. If not, just drag the icon there.
Note: on some systems, clicking it from the taskbar immediately opens a new Incognito—including a neat shortcut if you prefer racing through your browsing sessions. But make sure your Chrome shortcut settings allow opening new windows from the taskbar—sometimes Windows or other launchers mess with that.
Keyboard Shortcuts (Fast & Dirty)
This is my favorite—because who really wants to click around? On Windows/Linux, just press Ctrl + Shift + N. On macOS, it’s the same combo: Cmd + Shift + N. That’s kind of weird, but it works like a charm most of the time. Definitely the fastest way if you’re toggling between modes often.
But heads up: on some Linux distros or custom setups, shortcuts might conflict with other apps, so it’s not always 100%. Still, if you’re a keyboard warrior, this is the one to remember.
Using Chromebook or Mobile Devices
Chromebooks tend to mirror the desktop menu, so tap the three dots in the corner, then pick “New Incognito Tab.” Mobile browsers usually show this option directly in the menu, sometimes under “New Incognito Tab” or just “New Incognito.” Not much magic there, but worth mentioning since it trips people up—especially on Android where sometimes you get a “new tab” instead of incognito.
Note: Some mobile browsers default to regular mode and you have to manually switch to incognito each time because of different interface quirks.
Extra Tips & Common Snags
Keep in mind, Incognito isn’t some invisible cloak—sites can still track your IP, and things like downloads or bookmarks aren’t wiped. Plus, the mode doesn’t block ads or trackers on its own. If Chrome isn’t opening incognito, maybe your browser’s out of date, or it’s been tweaked by extensions or policies (like in work or school). In those cases, check settings in chrome://settings or see if your device has restrictions or parental controls blocking incognito mode.
On a few setups, it’s kind of weird—if Chrome refuses to open incognito via the menu, restarting the browser or even rebooting the device has helped sometimes. Also, make sure Chrome is fully updated—old versions may have bugs with the incognito feature.
Wrap-up
Getting Incognito Mode up and running isn’t rocket science, but there are little quirks depending on the device, OS, and Chrome version. The menu option is always available, but shortcuts and taskbar tricks can save time once you get used to them. Just keep in mind that it’s privacy-lite, so don’t think it’s some magic bullet for remaining anonymous online.
Summary
- Open the Chrome menu by clicking the three dots in the top right
- Select New Incognito Window
- Or use Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows / macOS
- Right-click your taskbar icon for quick access
- Remember, incognito doesn’t hide you from websites, just makes sure Chrome doesn’t save local data