What private browsing does—and what it doesn’t
Private windows can reduce local browsing traces. They don’t make your activity invisible online.
On this page
Private browsing changes how a browser handles session data on your device. It does not make you anonymous to every website, network operator, or service you use.
What changes on your device
Browsers generally avoid retaining private-session history and remove temporary session cookies after all private windows close. Exact behavior varies by browser. Files you download and bookmarks you create can remain.
Who can still identify you
A website can recognize an account you sign into. Your network operator may still observe network activity. Private mode does not hide activity from monitoring software installed on a device.
When it is useful
A private window can help separate a temporary sign-in from your main session. It can also help compare a website without some existing cookies. Extension behavior varies, so it is not a perfect troubleshooting environment.
What to do on a shared computer
Sign out of accounts, close every private window, and remove any downloaded files you no longer need. Avoid sensitive work on a computer you do not trust. Private mode does not protect against malicious software on that device.