Want to browse on your Mac without saving your browsing history in the browser? In Safari, choose File > New Private Window or press Command-Shift-N. Below are the steps for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge too, plus how to finish a private session. Private browsing limits local session records; it does not make you anonymous to websites or network operators.
Open a private window in Safari
With Safari active, choose File > New Private Window. Safari calls this Private Browsing.
Prefer the keyboard? Press Command-Shift-N while Safari is active to open a new private window.
Check the Smart Search field before browsing. A private window has a dark field with white text.
Going Incognito in Chrome
In Chrome, select More > New Incognito window at the upper right.
Look for the Incognito icon beside the address bar to confirm you are in the right window.
For the keyboard shortcut, press Command-Shift-N with Chrome active.
If the shortcut fails, try More > New Incognito window. Administrators can disable Incognito on managed browsers. If the option is missing or disabled on a work or school Mac, ask your administrator to check the restriction.
If you use Firefox or Microsoft Edge
Already using Firefox or Edge? Firefox calls the feature Private Browsing, while Edge calls it InPrivate.
In Firefox, open the Firefox menu button.
Select New private window.
For the Firefox shortcut, press Command-Shift-P. Watch that last letter: Safari and Chrome use N.
In Microsoft Edge, select Settings and more > New InPrivate window.
For the Edge shortcut, press Command-Shift-N with Edge active.
Make Safari start with a private window
Safari’s startup menu lists A new private window only when macOS is set to close windows when you quit an application.
To set private browsing at startup, open Safari > Settings > General.
Set Safari opens with to A new private window.
Check that subsequent browsing stays in a private window. This setting controls how Safari starts.
If A new private window is not listed in the Safari opens with menu, open Apple menu > System Settings > Desktop & Dock.
Turn on Close windows when quitting an application.
Return to Safari > Settings > General.
Set Safari opens with to A new private window.
Finish your private session properly
Switching to a normal window leaves private windows open, so finish with these steps.
- 1.Close every private, Incognito, or InPrivate window in the browser to end the session.
- 2.Check any files you downloaded. Downloads can remain on your Mac after private browsing ends.
- 3.Review any bookmarks you saved. Those can remain too, so remove any you do not want to keep.
Protect open Safari private windows
Locking protects access to private tabs you want to leave open.
Open Safari > Settings > Privacy.
Select Require password to view locked tabs, or Require Touch ID to view locked tabs with compatible Touch ID hardware.
To lock an existing session manually, choose Window > Lock All Private Windows. This locks your private windows without creating a new one.
Unlock a private window with your password or Touch ID when you want to return to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a single link in a private window?
In Firefox, right-click or Control-click the link, then choose Open Link in New Private Window. In Edge, right-click the link, then select Open link in InPrivate window.
Should I use Chrome Guest mode when borrowing someone’s Mac?
Guest mode provides a temporary session separated from the owner’s existing Chrome profile data. Select Profile at the upper right, then open Guest profile. Close Guest mode when you finish.
What is the equivalent of Incognito in DuckDuckGo for Mac?
Select New Fire Window in the browser menu. It opens an isolated session, and closing it deletes its session data. The Fire Button clears chosen existing data.