how to view safari in private mode

How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Turning on Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone is a simple process. Open the Safari app, tap the tabs button (which looks like two overlapping squares), then tap “Private” to turn on Private Browsing Mode. Now, Safari won’t remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information.

After you complete this action, your browsing activity will not be saved in Safari. This means that websites you visit won’t appear in your history, and information entered in forms won’t be saved for AutoFill.

Introduction

In today’s digital age, privacy is a hot commodity. With every click, tap, and scroll, we leave digital footprints that can tell a story about who we are and what we like to do online. That’s why learning how to turn on Safari Private Browsing on your iPhone is essential. Whether you’re entering sensitive information, researching a surprise gift, or simply want to keep your browsing history to yourself, Private Browsing Mode is your go-to feature.

This function is particularly handy for shared devices or when you want to keep your browsing habits under wraps. So, if you’re an iPhone user looking to browse the web without leaving a trace, you’re in the right place. We’ll show you how to enable this feature in just a few easy steps.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’ll achieve here. By following these simple steps, you’ll enable Private Browsing Mode in Safari, which prevents Safari from keeping track of your browsing history, search records, and AutoFill information.

Step 1: Open the Safari App

Navigate to your iPhone’s home screen and tap on the Safari app to open it.

Opening the Safari app is your gateway to the internet on your iPhone. Make sure you’re connected to the internet before you proceed.

Step 2: Access Your Open Tabs

Look for the tabs button, which resembles two overlapping squares, and tap on it.

This button will show you all your currently open tabs. If you have many tabs open, you may have to swipe left or right to find the “Private” option.

Step 3: Enable Private Browsing

Find the “Private” option at the bottom left of the screen and tap it.

Once you tap “Private,” you’ll notice the color of the browser interface changes, indicating that you’re now in Private Browsing Mode.

Additional Information

Now that you’re all set with Private Browsing Mode on Safari, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while your browsing activity isn’t saved on your iPhone, your internet service provider or employer can still track it. Also, if you download files while in Private Browsing, they’re saved to your phone and visible in the Downloads folder.

Moreover, not all Safari features are available in this mode; for example, you can’t use Handoff to pass browsing activity between devices. Lastly, remember to close all private tabs before returning to regular browsing to maintain your privacy.

Open the Safari app on your iPhone.
Tap the tabs button to view your open tabs.
Tap “Private” to enter Private Browsing Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does private browsing hide my activity from my employer or internet service provider.

No, Private Browsing only prevents Safari from saving your browsing data on your iPhone. Your activity can still be tracked by your internet service provider or employer.

Will downloads in Private Browsing show up in my regular downloads folder?

Yes, any files you download while in Private Browsing Mode will be saved to your iPhone and visible in the Downloads folder.

Can I use Handoff with Private Browsing?

No, Handoff does not work with Private Browsing tabs, as your browsing activity isn’t saved.

Can websites track me while I’m using Private Browsing?

Some websites may still track your activity using cookies during your Private Browsing session, but they will not be saved once you close the tabs.

How do I turn off Private Browsing?

To exit Private Browsing Mode, open the tabs view, tap “Private” again, and it will switch back to regular browsing.

Turning on Safari Private Browsing on your iPhone is a surefire way to maintain your online privacy. Whether it’s to shop for a surprise, handle sensitive work, or simply because you value your digital privacy, navigating this feature is a breeze. Just remember that while Private Browsing protects your data on your device, it doesn’t make you invisible online. Always exercise caution and use additional privacy tools if needed. Happy private browsing!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

How to Use Safari's Private Browsing Mode

This article explains how to use Safari's Private Browsing mode, which prevents your browsing history from being logged on your Apple devices. It's a useful feature if you're buying gifts online for friends or family, for instance, and you don't want anyone with access to your devices to find out what you're up to.

Using Safari's Private Browsing Mode

Enabling Private Browsing limits Safari in three important ways: It prevents the browser from creating a history of the pages you visit, it stops AutoFill information like website usernames and passwords from being remembered, and any tabs you open won't be stored in iCloud .

Also, for added peace of mind when you browse privately, Safari automatically prevents cross-site tracking , and requests that sites and third-party content providers don't track you as a rule. Additionally, the privacy mode stops sites from modifying any information stored on your iOS device, and deletes cookies when you close the associated tab.

To enable Private Browsing in Safari, follow these steps.

Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad , tap the Pages icon (consisting of two squares) to bring up the open tabs view, and then tap the profile icon, centered at the bottom of the screen.

When you're done browsing, return to the open tabs view, individually swipe any open tabs to close them if you wish.
Tap the profile icon again, then choose your regular profile at the top. Your private browsing session is now cleared from memory.

Clearing Existing Browsing History

When you clear your browsing history on a device running iOS 11 or higher, the same logs are cleared on any other devices signed into your ‌iCloud‌ account. The following methods also clear all cookies and web data on the device you're currently using, although AutoFill information remains unchanged.

The first method outlined below allows you to either limit the clearing of history, cookies and website data to a specific timeframe, or to delete your existing web history altogether.

Open Safari and with a tab open, tap the Bookmarks icon (the open book) located at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the tab at the top of the screen with a clock symbol, and you'll see a history of your browsing activity.
To remove instances of recorded visits to specific web pages, swipe leftwards across individual logs in the list and tap the red delete button that appears.
To delete the entire browsing history list, tap Clear .
Choose the timeframe to clear ( Last hour , Today , Today and yesterday , or All history ), choose the profile or select All Profiles , then tap Clear History .

The second method of wiping your browsing history might be considered the 'nuke' option, since it clears all history, cookies and website data on that device, regardless of when the sites were accessed.

Open the Settings app and scroll down to Safari in the list.

And that's it. Note that these built-in Safari features only make you safer from discovery by other people in the same household.

If your privacy concerns extend to a desire for enhanced security and anonymity online, consider subscribing to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that offers an iOS client or supports OpenVPN ( Private Internet Access and ProtonVPN are two popular options), and using a Tor-powered browser for iOS .

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Top Rated Comments

This article explains how to use Safari's Private Browsing mode, which prevents your browsing history from being logged on your Apple devices. It's a useful feature if you're buying gifts online for friends or family, for instance, and you don't want anyone with access to your devices to find out what you're up to.

I can really use this info, because I’m always “buying gifts”. ;) :cool:

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How to browse the web privately in Safari

Use Safari’s private browsing mode to surf the internet without having all of your information tracked and recorded. Private browsing prompts Safari to block websites from tracking your search behavior. The browser won’t remember any webpages you visit and your search history won’t get logged. Follow along with us to learn how to open Safari in private browsing mode on your iPhone, iPad and Mac.

A screenshot showing Apple's Safari browser running in private mode in iOS 15 on iPhone

How private browsing mode works

Browsing the internet in Safari’s private-browsing mode strengthens your online privacy. When surfing the web privately, website tracking is limited and none of your browsing history or login information is saved. This prevents others with have access to your device to view a list of websites you visited. Read: How to turn off Safari website tinting

Browsing certain websites privately in Safari ensures that those histories don’t pop up in everyone’s faces. For instance, you may want to perform a web search incognito or browse adult websites privately. As mentioned, private tabs don’t appear in Safari’s history. And to boost your privacy even further, private tabs also won’t show up in the list of synced tabs on your other devices.

Private browsing : Private browsing won’t remember your search history, show the pages you visit or reveal any automatically filled passwords. Private browsing also blocks some websites from tracking your search behavior.
Regular browsing : Public browsing isn’t private so it will in fact record your browsing and searching history, as well as your Autofill information like saved passwords.

Of course, Safari allows you to manually clear your browsing history and website data, including cookies, at any time. But with private browsing mode, you don’t need to do that because nothing gets remembered in the first place.

How to use private browsing in Safari for iPhone

To open a new private browsing tab on your iPhone or iPod touch, you must choose the Private tab group from the browser’s New Tab screen.

Open Safari on your iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 15.0 or later.
Touch the New Page icon in the bottom-right corner.
Hit “ ⌄ ” in the center of the tab bar at the bottom of the screen, then choose Private.
Touch Done to start browsing the web privately.

When in private browsing mode, Safari appears black or dark instead of white or gray. Specifically, the URL field turns gray and uses white text. You will also see a message near the top of the private window saying “Private Browsing Mode”.

When opening multiple private tabs, Safari nests them under a group titled “Private”.

A screenshot showing a new private tab group in Apple's Safari browser in iOS 15 on iPhone

To close a single private tab, hit the New Page icon to get thumbnails of all your private tabs, then swipe left each of the private tabs you wish to close. To exit private browsing mode, first touch the New Page button in the bottom-right corner, then choose Private . Now simply select a different, non-private tab group and then hit Done in order to switch to it.

How to use private browsing in Safari for iPad

Entering private browsing mode in Safari for iPad requires bringing the browser’s sidebar into view. The sidebar includes all the private tab options you need.

Open Safari on your iPad with iPadOS 15.0 or later.
Hit the sidebar icon near the top-left corner to open the Safari sidebar.
From the Safari sidebar on the lefthand side, choose the option labeled Private .

Doing so creates a new tab in a group dubbed “Private”. You can open multiple private tabs in this tab group. Private tabs don’t leave traces in the Safari history nor do they appear in the list of tabs on your other devices.

To hide your private tabs and exit private browsing mode, switch to a different tab group from the Safari sidebar. Don’t worry, any open private tabs you have will reappear the next time you invoke the private browsing mode.

Forcing mobile Safari to always open in private mode

Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t provided a toggle in iOS/iPadOS to force Safari to always open in private browsing mode similar to macOS Monterey. Thankfully, there’s a simple trick that’ll let you do just that.

The trick is in creating a new private tab like you normally would and leaving it intact when you exit Safari. Doing so makes your private tabs persist across sessions, with Safari automatically showing your private tabs the next time you launch the browser.

A screenshot showing a private mode message in Apple's Safari browser in iOS 15 on iPhone

If you exit private mode though, the next tab you open won’t be private. Safari will default to opening private windows each time you launch it.

How to use private browsing in Safari for Mac

You can open a new private browsing window in Safari on your Mac either by leveraging a dedicated menu option or invoking a special keyboard shortcut.

Open Safari on your Mac
Click Safari’s File menu, then choose New Private Window .

Doing so creates a new private window that has dark-colored borders, with the URL field set against the white text to distinguish it from regular Safari windows. You will also see a message near the top of the private window saying “Private Browsing Enabled”.

A Mac screenshot showing Apple's Safari browser on macOS Monterey with a regular window in the background and a private one in the foreground

To open a private window faster, hit Shift (⇧) – Command (⌘) – N on the keyboard.

Forcing desktop Safari to always open with a private window

You can also force Safari for Mac to automatically launch in private browsing mode.

Open Safari on your Mac.
Click the Safari menu, then choose Preferences .
In the Safari preferences window, select the General tab.
Click the menu next to Safari opens with , then choose A new private window .

Safari will default to opening in private browsing mode each time it’s launched.

A Mac screenshot showing preferences for Apple Safari on macOS Monterey with a setting to always open the browser in a new private window

A support document on the Apple website instructs people who don’t see this option to tick Close windows when quitting an app in System Preferences → General .

To close the current private window, simply close it. Switching to a non-private Safari window or opening one will also turn off private browsing temporarily until you click the private window again. Apple advises closing all private windows when you’re done using Safari’s private browsing mode in order to prevent other people from clicking Safari’s back and forward buttons to see pages you visited in the private windows.

What private browsing mode in Safari actually does

Wondering what all of the features of Safari’s private browsing mode are? Apple notes in support documents for Safari for iPhone , iPad and Mac that all of the following are true:

All of your tabbed windows are isolated from one another, so none of the websites that are open in your private window can see what other websites you might have open in the same window.
All of your login sessions and AutoFill information will be forgotten the next time the web browser is used.
Any of the webpages that you have open are kept out of iCloud so that other devices won’t have access to any of the webpages you have open in the private browsing window. Also, your recent searches won’t appear as suggestions when typing a search phrase into the URL field.
All of your search results from searches performed in a private browsing window are hidden and not stored.
Anything you download while in the private browsing window is not saved in your download history (downloaded items still end up in your Downloads folder or designated download location).
Private windows are not passed to other devices when Handoff is turned on.
All websites you visit are asked not to track you and Safari won’t remember cookie information from your current private browsing window when you begin your next browsing session.
Any plug-ins you have installed will also be limited to tracking your information from the private browsing window.

Use private browsing to surf the web anonymously

Your online privacy is important, and you should never give it up!

Most people won’t want to do all their web surfing privately. Browsing the internet publicly has its advantages, like better website personalization, the ability to view your browsing history and so forth. Read: How to reverse Safari’s polarizing redesign in iOS 15

Browsing certain websites privately in Safari ensures that those histories don’t pop up in everyone’s faces. Private browsing is useful even if you’re the only user of your device because you never know when you’ll be sharing a screen with someone in the future when you go surfing the web. For instance, you may wanna prevent others from knowing what you were looking up in the past such as when you were shopping for the holidays.

So whenever you feel like hiding all traces of your online activity in Safari, remember to switch to the private browsing mode before doing any web surfing.

How to Use Private Browsing in Safari

Private browsing, also known as incognito mode, lets you surf the web without storing your browsing or search history. Here's how to quickly turn private browsing on or off in Safari.

It's worth noting that private browsing won't disguise you from the sites you visit. They could still record your IP address and any information you enter into their sites, such as search terms. Additionally, private browsing won't protect you from web-based malware attacks, so you'll still need to be careful about what you click on whether you're in private or normal browsing mode.

Private browsing mode is helpful when you don't want other users to discover (accidentally or not) the sites you've been looking at. Apple iCloud syncs your browsing history between the Mac and the iPad and iPhone , so if you share devices, you can protect your privacy with private browsing mode. This also comes in handy if you're using a public computer and don't want to leave any AutoFill information behind.

Turn on Private Browsing on the Mac

In OS X, the quickest way to open a new private browsing window is with the keyboard shortcut.

1. Hold down Command+Shift+N. This will open a new window with private browsing enabled. Alternatively, go to File > New Private Window.

2. Search or browse the web as you normally would. The web pages you visit, your search history, and AutoFill information while you use the private browsing window won't be recorded.

3. Close the window when you're done with private browsing.

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Note that private browsing is OS X applies only to the private browsing window you have opened. If you open a new window with Command+N or File > New Window, that window will save your search history and other private browsing information.

Turn on Private Browsing in iOS

Safari on the iPad has a private browsing mode as well.

1. Tap the Pages button , which is shaped as two squares in Safari's menu.

2. Tap Private.

3. Tap the Search field to search for a site to visit.

4. Tap Pages then Private again to turn off private browsing mode.

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Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing

Ever wondered what Safari Private Browsing does exactly? Chances are it might not be giving you the level of online privacy you expect. Safari Private Browsing does have some perks, including:

Stopping Safari from remembering the websites you’ve visited
Not storing any new usernames, passwords, payments cards, and other information you input into private browsing
Forgetting any search engine queries you’ve run
Allowing you to save money by avoiding marketing cookies that might inflate prices

However, this is pretty much all the privacy that you’ll get with Safari Private Browsing. This incognito mode won’t cloak your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, or make you safe on public Wi-Fi . Private browsing still leaves you pretty exposed to a lot of the risks that come with connecting to the internet.

For true online anonymity, you’ll need to use a VPN to change your IP address . We’re big fans of ExpressVPN, one of the fastest VPNs in the industry.

Below, you’ll find more information on how to use Safari Private Browsing on all your Apple devices, as well as more details on how this incognito mode does and doesn’t protect your privacy.

If you use a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, then chances are you’ve encountered Safari Private Browsing before. Whether you’re shopping for a partner’s gift or want to snoop on a long-lost colleague’s LinkedIn, there are many reasons why you might want to use private mode in Safari.

In this article, we answer the question, what is Safari Private Browsing ? We’ll also tell you what this handy tool can’t do to save you any embarrassment or risk to your online security.

What is Safari Private Browsing?

There’s a little more to this method of browsing than meets the eye, but we’ll go into specifics further down in this article. The point is, for a more private experience, you can use Safari’s incognito mode . You’ll be logged out of all accounts, and Safari won’t autofill user logins, passwords, or payment information. When you turn on private browsing, Safari won’t remember :

Your search engine history
Webpages you’ve visited
Browsing activity or history

You should, however, be aware of a major drawback of this tool on Macs: your browsing activity likely isn’t as hidden as you might think. Websites you visit can still see who you are and what you’re doing . You can read more about this in our general incognito mode article .

With Macs, Private Browsing information is logged in a different place, as well: your Terminal archive.

Beware the Mac Terminal archive

On Macs, there’s something called the Terminal archive , and it’s as scary as it sounds — well, for fans of privacy at least. It’s a treasure trove for snoops. The Terminal archive contains all of the websites you visit , whether you’re using Safari Private Browsing or not. This is because your Mac stores static images and other files when you visit a website for the first time. This makes future visits to these sites and page loading much faster, as your Mac pulls the relevant files from the Terminal archive.

This command-line function also lets you make systemic changes to your Mac . For most users, there’ll never be a need to make any changes in the Terminal archive, and you shouldn’t if you don’t know what you’re doing. You could end up breaking something critical in your computer’s operating system if you tinker with the Terminal.

Screenshot of iOS user interface, Access Terminal app

However, it is good to know that, even when you’re using Safari’s Private Browsing mode, your online activity is logged here.

Make your Safari Private Browsing truly private

By now, you might be asking yourself: how do I clear the cache on my Mac? Well, today’s your lucky day. Below, you’ll find a brief, step-by-step guide to clearing the cache on a Mac . Just make sure not to do anything else while inside the Terminal.

Open “ Finder ,” then search for “ Terminal ” in the search bar.
Run the Terminal application.
Paste the following text into the Terminal and hit enter: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

You may have to enter your Admin password to proceed. This is going to flush the DNS cache.

Remember that you shouldn’t do anything else inside of the Terminal application unless you know what you’re doing. It only takes a short command to nuke files or entire directories in this app forever! So, tread carefully.

Why You Should Use Safari Private Browsing on Macs and iOS

We can hypothesize all we want, but you’ve probably got a good idea of why you use private browsing. According to a 2018 research study , the most common reason people use private browsing is so others that are using a shared device can’t see what they’re doing. This comes down to protecting two things from other users of your device:

Their personal data
Their browsing activity

Fortunately, these are two things that Safari Private Mode manages to do wonderfully. Below, you can read more about what else Safari Private Browsing does for you .

Online privacy

Your browser won’t remember what websites you’ve visited. Anything you browse while you’re in private browsing mode won’t be remembered by Safari. So, if you start shopping online for gifts or a product that you find embarrassing, you won’t usually have to worry about your friends or family coming across your browsing history.
Safari won’t suggest usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and so on. You’ve probably noticed that Safari can remember usernames, passwords, credit cards, and other information when you use it for the first time. If you tell your Mac, smartphone, or tablet to remember those details, they’ll be automatically filled in the next time you visit the website. With Safari Private Mode enabled, these kinds of details won’t be stored: you won’t be prompted to save or autofill them at all.
Your search engine queries won’t be remembered . If you’ve been shopping for gifts or trying to self-diagnose, you probably don’t want other users of the computer to see what you’ve searched for . Normally, you’ll see suggested searches popping up in search engines like Google. Based on your past searches and clicks, some links might be colored purple instead of blue, too. In private browsing mode, these won’t appear, nor will any new searches be stored.

How to pay less with Safari Private Browsing

There’s more to private mode options than just online security. You could also save money with Safari Private Browsing, as you won’t be quoted higher prices for products you’ve already viewed. When you visit a website, cookies (small text files) are stored on your computer by your browser.

These kinds of cookies aren’t delicious or rewarding at all. Instead, they allow the site to track you and figure out that you’re interested in, for example, a particular holiday destination. This can result in you seeing higher airfares, hotel booking fees, and more. Just turn on Safari’s Private Browsing to s top cookies from being stored on your browser and avoid hiked prices.

How to Go Incognito on Safari

Safari Private Browsing on a Mac

Using Safari Private Browsing on a Mac is simple. If you’re reading this on a Mac, you can skip step one in our step-by-step guide below:

Open Safari on your Mac.
Click on “ File ” in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Select “ New Private Window .” This will open a new private tab, but you can open as many private tabs in your tab bar as you need.

Screenshot how to open a New Private Window on Safari

It’s that simple. Now, any new tab you open within this new private browsing window will be a private browsing tab. Give it a whirl by opening some new private tabs and navigating to a website you frequently log into. You’ll notice that your username and password aren’t suggested for autofill as they usually would be .

Also, you’ll know that you’re in private browsing, as the URL bar will have a gray background rather than the usual white. Just remember to ignore or close your existing browser window if you had any open. If in doubt, check the background color of the URL bar.

Finally, to turn off private browsing in Safari , simply click the red cross in the corner of the browser window as you usually would.

Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Using Safari’s private browsing mode on an iPhone or iPad is fairly straightforward and could increase your privacy on an iPhone . If you’re running iOS 14 or earlier , simply follow the steps below:

Open Safari on your phone.
Tap on the “ Tabs ” button. That’s the two small squares in the bottom-right corner of your Safari window on iPhone.
A new option called “Private” should appear.
Tap “ Private ” and you’ll be taken to a blank screen confirming that you’re using Private Browsing Mode . You’ll notice that it’s using the same gray color scheme as Safari for Mac.
Lastly, click on the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a private browsing window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode

If you’re using Apple’s latest iPhone update, iOS 15.1.1 , you’ll need to follow a slightly different (and hey, we’ll say it — more confusing) set of steps:

Tap on the “ Tabs ” button.
Tap where it says “ X Tab(s) ” – this number will reflect the number of windows you have open.
Tap “ Private .”
Now, you’re in Private Browsing mode and can click the small “ + ” (plus) icon to launch a new private window.

Screenshots of iOS Access Private Browsing mode latest Apple update

Again, turning off private browsing in Safari for iPhones or iPads is simple. Just press the same “ Private ” button that you used to enable the feature. Don’t forget, if you have multiple private tabs open, they won’t close automatically. Swipe each tab closed before you exit private mode if you want to leave no trace.

How to Set Safari Private Browsing as the Default

If you’d rather always browse privately, you can also set Safari Private Browsing as your default, so that it opens automatically whenever you open a new tab or window. Check out the step-by-step instructions below for a Mac :

Make sure your active application is Safari, then select “ Safari ” from your Mac’s toolbar at the top of your screen. Click on “ Preferences ” next, which can also be accessed using the keyboard shortcut “ Command ” + “ , ” (that’s Command, plus a comma).
Now, you should see the Privacy window for Safari. Click on the “ General ” tab.
Next to “Safari opens with”, select “ A new private window ” from the drop-down list.

While you can’t automatically use Safari Private Browsing by default on mobile , there are some options for minimizing what’s remembered, stored, or recommended. Here’s how you get there:

Open the “ Settings ” application.
Scroll down until you see “ Safari ” and tap on that option.

Now, you’ll have the choice to use a number of features. You can:

Disable search engine suggestions
Disable Safari suggestions specifically
Turn off autofill for Safari , either for personal information, payment information, or both
Disable “ Favorites “, which you can save in your Safari app’s home screen
Turn off “ Frequently Visited Sites “, which appear below your favorites

In this menu, you can also prevent cross-site tracking and block all cookies on the websites that you visit. In the event that you forget to launch Safari Private Browsing, these options should give you at least a little more privacy whenever you go online.

Is Safari Private Browsing Safe?

That last risk is surprisingly common on public Wi-Fi networks too. Bear in mind that private browsing doesn’t protect you against malware (malicious software) either, nor does it protect your payment information or other personal details . For true online anonymity and to improve your online security , you should give serious thought to using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) .

How to use a VPN with Safari Private Browsing

Using a VPN along with Safari Private Browsing should give you the online security you’re looking for. In addition to avoiding any logged browsing history or search history , you’ll be much harder to track and enjoy greater online anonymity. You can check out the many advantages of a VPN for more information. Want to get started right away? The following steps will only take a few minutes of your time:

Choose a VPN provider and create an account. We recommend checking out our list of the best VPNs if this is new ground for you. Alternatively, ExpressVPN is a market-leading VPN provider that we’re always happy to recommend.
Download and install the VPN software onto your Mac. You can also download ExpressVPN for mobile on your iPhone. Other premium providers like NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark all offer really slick mobile apps for iOS, too.
Log into your account , either in the desktop software or the mobile app.
Choose a VPN server in a country of your choice. If you’re purely interested in online security, then the location you choose isn’t too important (though some will be faster than others). However, if you want to save money on subscriptions , for example, you should give it some more thought.
Connect to the VPN server . When you connect, you’ll be changing your IP address to mirror the VPN server’s IP. It’s safe, legal ( in most countries ), and best of all, it’ll give you far greater online security than simply using Safari Private Browsing alone.

Safari Private Browsing is perfect for hiding those Christmas or birthday purchases from your family before the big day. It’s also a great way to save money on flights, hotels , or other purchases. However, it won’t do much for your online security. If you want truly private browsing , then use a VPN along with Safari private mode.

Interested in exploring other private browsers? Check out these articles below:

How Anonymous Is DuckDuckGo?
Is Vivaldi Browser Safe?
How to Set Up Firefox as an Anonymous Browser

Do you want to know how to enable private browsing on Safari? Are you wondering how much privacy Safari Private Browsing actually gives you? You’ll find these answers and more in our frequently asked questions below.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for Mac, follow these simple steps:

Make sure Safari is the active application that you’re using.
Click on File in the menu bar along the top of the screen.
Click on New Private Window to switch to private browsing mode.

To turn on Private Browsing in Safari for iPhone or iPad, the process is much the same:

Open the Safari application.
Tap on the Tabs icon (the two small squares in the lower-right corner of your screen).
Tap on Private to switch to private browsing.
Click on the small + (plus) icon to open a new private browsing tab.

Check out our full article for more information on Safari Private Browsing.

No. Safari Private Browsing, like any browser’s private mode, won’t protect you against a lot of online threats. Your IP address will still be visible to many third-party individuals and organizations. For example, your ISP will know what websites you’ve visited, and hackers could determine your location using your IP (though some private modes do limit location tracking). For true online privacy and anonymity, you’re safer using a VPN like ExpressVPN .

With Private Browsing, it’s more difficult for websites to track you, since cookies are cleared the moment you close the browser — but it’s not impossible. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider), employer, school, or college could still see your internet history . That is, unless you use a VPN along with the incognito mode.

Yes. The owner of an internet connection can absolutely check up on your browsing session if they have the right technical knowledge. Some routers can be set up to remember all URLs a device accesses. So, if you’re trying to fly under your parents’ radar, for example, they could potentially bust you using the family router, even if you’re exclusively using private browsing modes.

For true anonymity , you’ll want to use a VPN. With a VPN connection, all of your internet traffic is encrypted, which gives you far better anonymity and privacy than using private browsing on its own.

Chris Bluvshtein Author

Senior journalist.

Chris is a tech journalist with many years’ experience covering online privacy and cybersecurity. He’s also a published author and works as a Product Manager for some of the most innovative software development companies.

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Hi Chris , I’m finding while using private mode in safari my sound is being cut out and I have not been able to find a way to reconnect it. I use it on a iPad with a vpn and trend anti spam for protection as much as it can in private mode. I have not been able to find any reason as to why this is happening.

Hey Wayne, I've done a bit of digging, and I've found something that might be worth a try. It seems that recent versions of Safari have a built-in feature that can prevent audio from playing when you visit a website; it's enabled by default too. Give this a try and let me know if the issue goes away: 1. Open the Safari menu and click preferences 2. Click on the websites tab 3. Look for the setting: "When visiting other websites", which has a drop-down selection beside it 4. Change this setting so that it allows websites with media to play sound. You can alternatively add individual websites to this list if you'd rather have control over which ones can play sound by default.

Hi Chris Just tried your Terminal Commands, I am running macOS Monterey The Terminal Commands Below are not working dscacheutil -cachedump -entries Host dscacheutil -flushcache

You're right. Thank you for pointing it out to us! There is a new terminal command you'll now need instead: "sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder". We've adjusted the article to reflect this. Hope this helps!

Looking for a VPN?

Take a look at our overview of the most trustworthy, fast, and safe VPN services. Extensively tested by our experts.

How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac

In case you’re not aware, Apple’s Safari browser, like other popular browsers, offers a Private Browsing mode . Simply put, when you use this feature while using Safari, the browser won’t log or save any of your activity. Other browsers call this Incognito Mode. The downside is that all your saved preferences for websites you frequently visited are disabled. Still, it won’t hurt to browse websites using the feature from time to time for some private browsing experience. But is there really no way to browse your Private Browsing history? Well, there is, and that’s what I’m going to show you in this guide on how to view Private Browsing history in Safari on your Mac.

How Does Private Browsing Work in Safari

When you opt to browse websites in Safari using Private Browsing, it opens up a new private window in your browser. As previously mentioned, when privately browsing in Safari, your activity will not be logged or saved. Although it’s not a foolproof way of browsing privately, the feature still offers some level of privacy. As such, Private Browsing in Safari won’t record your search engine history, webpages you’ve visited, browsing activity, and most especially passwords you used on different websites.

It should be noted that this feature doesn’t really prevent the websites you visited from knowing who you are and your browsing activity on the website.

How to Browse Privately in Safari on Your Mac

Before I discuss the procedure on how to view your Private Browsing history on Mac, let me walk you through the steps on how to browse privately. You can either do it one time or opt to always browse privately.

To browse privately in Safari one time:

Open the Safari app on your Mac.

To always browse privately in Safari:

Click General.

What is the Mac Terminal Archive?

Now that you know how to use Private Browsing in Safari on your Mac, it’s time for you to know that your Mac actually logs that browsing history. This can be found in your Mac’s Terminal archive. You’ll be surprised to know that this Terminal archive contains information about all of the websites you visited. That’s even when you use the Private Browsing feature. So, you can view Private Browsing history via the Terminal archive.

How to View Private Browsing History in Safari on Mac

Time needed: 1 minute

You will notice that the website names have been translated into their corresponding IP addresses. You won’t see the exact name of the websites. That’s because your Mac has consulted a DNS directory to translate the website names into IP addresses.

We think you might also be interested in how to clear browser cache on Mac for Chrome, Firefox and Safari .

Final Words: Is It Really Safe to Browse Privately in Safari?

According to Apple, when you browse privately in Safari :

The browser won’t save the web pages you visit and your Autofill information.
Safari won’t store webpages you open in iCloud.
Safari won’t include your recent searches in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.
Safari won’t include items you downloaded in the download list.
Changes to your cookies and website won’t be saved.

Knowing all that, Private Browsing in Safari would seem safe. But then, when you browse privately, are you really browsing anonymously, or does the feature just hide your information from anyone who could access your Mac? However, if somebody gets physical access to your Mac and knows their way around, they can still see the websites you visited, since the information is stored in the DNS cache of your Mac.

Even worse is when you are using a public network. The network administrator can still see the websites you are visiting using your Mac. The bottom line is that advertisers can still track you even if you browse privately on your Mac, and then serve targeted ads. If you don’t mind that at all, then there’s no harm in always browsing privately in Safari on your Mac.

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When it comes to private browsing, Utopia P2P ecosystem’s web proxy function is the gold standard. Its advanced encryption and anonymity features are unmatched by other solutions like VPNs and incognito modes.

iOS 17 Safari makes private browsing more secure — here's how

You can use Face ID to lock private browsing tabs in Safari

how to use locked private browsing in ios 17 safari

The private browsing feature in iOS 17 Safari gets an extra layer of privacy, as the your private browsing tabs can now lock when you're not using the feature. But to make sure prying passersby don't see your browsing activity, you've first go to turn on locked private browsing in iOS 17 .

When you turn on locked private browsing, you're setting things up so that your open tabs can only be unlocked with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode. The advantage of having that safeguard in place should be clear — no one will be able to see your private browsing tabs except for you. That way, you can keep those tabs open when you need to move on to other things, secure in the knowledge that whatever sites you've visited in Safari will remain private.

Here's how to turn on locked private browsing in iOS 17, as well as as a guide to the updated interface for private browsing in mobile Safari.

How to turn on locked private browsing

1. go to safari settings.

Launch the Settings app , and scroll down until you find Safari. (It's in the block of settings that contain the other built-in iOS apps.) Tap Safari .

2. Turn on locked private browsing

how to use locked private browsing in ios 17 safari by turning on slider in Safari settings

In the Safari setting screen, scroll down to the Privacy & Security section. There's an entry for Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing. Move the slider right to turn on the feature.

For phones without Face ID — essentially the iPhone SE, at this point — the menu item lets you require Touch ID instead.

Once that slider is set, your private browsing sessions will now require you to unlock the page using Face ID (or Touch ID) before you can view any open tabs. You can also unlock pages by tapping Unlock and entering your passcode.

As a reminder, here's how to enter private browsing in Safari on your iPhone.

1. Go to the tabs page

going to the tabs page in Safari to launch private browsing

In Safari, tap the tabs button . (It's the one on the far right of Safari's menu bar at the bottom of the screen.)

2. Launch private browsing

launch private browsing by sliding to the right

Swipe right on the tab menu so that the private browsing tab now appears on the center of the page. Tap Done to begin private browsing.

3. Turn on iCloud Private Relay (optional)

If you subscribe to iCloud Plus, you've got access to Private Relay . That's a a VPN-esque proxy service that encrypts your data and masks your IP address and DNS requests. That way, website and network operators can't build a profile using your browsing history.

Safari was just one of the apps to get an update as part of iOS 17, as you can see in our iOS 17 review . We can also show you how to take advantage of other new iOS 17 features, such as how to download offline maps in iOS 17 Maps , how to use the new Check In features in Messages and how to use gestures in FaceTime video chats.

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Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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How To See Safari Private Browsing History

Software & Applications
Browsers & Extensions

how-to-see-safari-private-browsing-history

Introduction

Private browsing has become an essential feature for many internet users seeking to maintain their online privacy. Whether you're using Safari on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, the ability to browse the web without leaving a trace of your activity can be invaluable. However, there are instances where you may need to access your private browsing history for various reasons, such as revisiting a website you previously viewed or tracking down a lost link. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of Safari's private browsing mode and explore the methods for viewing your private browsing history on both Mac and iOS devices.

Understanding the nuances of private browsing in Safari is crucial for effectively managing your browsing history and ensuring that your privacy remains intact. By gaining insight into the functionality of private browsing, you can navigate the digital realm with confidence, knowing that your online activities are shielded from prying eyes. Whether you're a seasoned Safari user or a newcomer to the world of private browsing, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate your private browsing history with ease.

As we embark on this journey through Safari's private browsing landscape, we'll uncover the steps required to access your private browsing history on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Additionally, we'll provide valuable tips for managing your private browsing history, empowering you to maintain control over your digital footprint while harnessing the full potential of Safari's private browsing mode. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of private browsing history in Safari, empowering you to navigate the digital realm with confidence and privacy.

Understanding Private Browsing in Safari

Private browsing, also known as "Incognito" mode in other browsers, is a feature designed to allow users to browse the internet without leaving a trail of their online activities. When you engage private browsing in Safari, the browser does not store your browsing history, search history, or any information entered in forms. Additionally, any cookies, cache, or temporary files generated during the private browsing session are discarded once the session is closed.

It's important to note that while private browsing prevents the storage of your browsing history on the local device, it does not make you completely anonymous online. Your internet service provider, employer, or the websites you visit can still track your online activities. Private browsing is primarily intended to prevent the storage of browsing data on the local device and to maintain privacy from other users who may have access to the device.

When you open a private browsing window in Safari, it is visually distinguished from a regular browsing window. The browser interface typically adopts a darker theme, and a mask or "privacy" icon may be displayed to indicate that you are in private browsing mode. This visual cue serves as a reminder that your browsing activity during this session will not be saved locally.

One of the key benefits of private browsing in Safari is the ability to conduct research, access sensitive accounts, or explore content without affecting your regular browsing history or stored data. This can be particularly useful when using a shared computer or when you simply want to prevent certain websites from appearing in your browsing history.

It's important to remember that private browsing does not provide complete anonymity or protection from online tracking. If you require a higher level of privacy and security, additional measures such as using a virtual private network ( VPN ) or specialized privacy-focused browsers may be necessary.

By understanding the principles and limitations of private browsing in Safari, you can make informed decisions about when and how to utilize this feature to safeguard your online privacy while navigating the digital landscape.

Viewing Safari Private Browsing History on Mac

Accessing your private browsing history in Safari on a Mac involves navigating through the browser's settings to reveal the hidden records of your private browsing sessions. While private browsing is designed to leave no trace of your online activities, there are methods to uncover the history from these sessions.

Accessing Private Browsing History: To view the private browsing history in Safari on a Mac, you can follow these steps:

Open Safari on your Mac.
In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on "History."
From the drop-down menu, select "Show History." Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Y.

Identifying Private Browsing Sessions: Once the history window opens, you can identify the private browsing sessions by looking for entries with the label "Private Browsing" and the date and time of the session. These entries represent the websites visited during private browsing sessions and are distinct from the regular browsing history.

Browsing and Managing Private History: You can scroll through the private browsing history to revisit specific websites or search for particular entries. Additionally, you have the option to clear individual entries or the entire private browsing history by right-clicking on the desired item and selecting "Delete" or "Clear History" from the "History" menu.

Understanding Limitations: It's important to note that the private browsing history in Safari on a Mac is only accessible from the local device and is not synced across your iCloud account or other devices. This means that the private browsing history can only be viewed on the specific Mac where the private browsing sessions occurred.

By following these steps, you can effectively access and manage your private browsing history in Safari on your Mac, providing you with the ability to revisit websites from previous private browsing sessions and maintain control over your browsing records.

Understanding how to view the private browsing history on your Mac empowers you to navigate your digital footprint with confidence, ensuring that you can access the information you need while maintaining control over your browsing history.

Viewing Safari Private Browsing History on iPhone or iPad

Accessing your private browsing history in Safari on an iPhone or iPad requires a slightly different approach compared to viewing it on a Mac. While private browsing is designed to leave no trace of your online activities, there are methods to uncover the history from these sessions on your iOS device.

To view the private browsing history in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you can follow these steps:

Accessing Private Browsing History:

Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap the book icon at the bottom of the screen to open the bookmarks menu.
From the bookmarks menu, tap the clock icon, which represents your browsing history.

Identifying Private Browsing Sessions:

Once the history window opens, you can identify the private browsing sessions by looking for entries with the label "Private Browsing" and the date and time of the session. These entries represent the websites visited during private browsing sessions and are distinct from the regular browsing history.

Browsing and Managing Private History:

You can scroll through the private browsing history to revisit specific websites or search for particular entries. Additionally, you have the option to clear individual entries or the entire private browsing history by swiping left on the desired item and tapping "Delete."

Understanding Limitations:

Similar to the Mac, the private browsing history on your iPhone or iPad is only accessible from the specific device and is not synced across your iCloud account or other devices. This means that the private browsing history can only be viewed on the specific iPhone or iPad where the private browsing sessions occurred.

By following these steps, you can effectively access and manage your private browsing history in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, providing you with the ability to revisit websites from previous private browsing sessions and maintain control over your browsing records.

Understanding how to view the private browsing history on your iPhone or iPad empowers you to navigate your digital footprint with confidence, ensuring that you can access the information you need while maintaining control over your browsing history.

Tips for Managing Private Browsing History in Safari

Managing your private browsing history in Safari is essential for maintaining control over your digital footprint and ensuring that your online activities remain private. While private browsing is designed to leave minimal traces of your browsing history, there are several tips and best practices that can enhance your ability to manage and safeguard your private browsing history effectively.

Regularly Clear Your Private Browsing History : To maintain privacy and prevent the accumulation of private browsing data, consider clearing your private browsing history regularly. This can be done by accessing the history section in Safari and selecting the option to clear your private browsing history. By doing so, you can ensure that no residual data from private browsing sessions is retained on your device.

Use Private Browsing Wisely : While private browsing can be a valuable tool for maintaining privacy, it's important to use it judiciously. Avoid relying solely on private browsing for sensitive activities, especially if you require a higher level of anonymity and security. Consider utilizing additional privacy measures such as VPNs or specialized privacy-focused browsers when engaging in activities that require enhanced privacy.

Be Mindful of Shared Devices : If you share your Mac, iPhone, or iPad with others, be mindful of the potential impact of private browsing on the overall user experience. While private browsing prevents the storage of browsing history on the local device, it does not prevent websites from tracking your activities or your internet service provider from monitoring your online behavior. Exercise caution and consider the implications of private browsing in shared environments.

Educate Yourself on Privacy Features : Familiarize yourself with the privacy features and settings available in Safari. Explore options for managing cookies, preventing cross-site tracking, and enhancing your overall privacy while browsing. By leveraging the built-in privacy features of Safari, you can augment your privacy protection and minimize the need to rely solely on private browsing.

Consider Alternative Privacy Solutions : In addition to private browsing, consider exploring alternative privacy solutions to augment your online privacy. This may include using privacy-focused search engines, employing ad and tracker blockers, and integrating privacy-enhancing browser extensions. By diversifying your privacy toolkit, you can fortify your online privacy beyond the scope of private browsing.

By implementing these tips for managing your private browsing history in Safari, you can navigate the digital landscape with heightened privacy awareness and control. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard your online activities while leveraging the benefits of private browsing in Safari.

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I went on a budget and a luxury safari in Africa. Here's how they compare — and the one thing you really need to look for when booking.

Posted: March 14, 2024 | Last updated: March 14, 2024

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>I have been on two glamping safari trips in Africa on two very different budgets.</strong></li><li>My all-inclusive stay was great but my cheaper glamping experience was fine, too. </li><li>Private game reserves are actually the most important thing to splurge on, not accommodations. </li></ul><p>I've been on two <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-tourists-make-south-africa-safari-from-local-expert-2023-11">African safari trips</a>. Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.</p><p>My first more affordable trip, a lodge in South Africa with separate safari excursions, cost me about $1,100. My second, an all-inclusive lodge in Tanzania, cost me about $4,000 after a 50% off deal.</p><p>Here's how the two compare and what I think you should look for before you <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-tourists-make-south-africa-safari-from-local-expert-2023-11">plan an African safari</a>.</p><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/budget-vs-luxury-safari-africa-private-game-reserves-2024-3">Business Insider</a></div>

I have been on two glamping safari trips in Africa on two very different budgets.
My all-inclusive stay was great but my cheaper glamping experience was fine, too.
Private game reserves are actually the most important thing to splurge on, not accommodations.

I've been on two African safari trips . Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.

My first more affordable trip, a lodge in South Africa with separate safari excursions, cost me about $1,100. My second, an all-inclusive lodge in Tanzania, cost me about $4,000 after a 50% off deal.

Here's how the two compare and what I think you should look for before you plan an African safari .

<p>The first time I went on a safari, I went to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kruger-shalati-hotel-on-bridge-south-africa-kruger-national-park-2020">Kruger National Park</a> in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.</p><p>I stayed five nights near Kruger and one night in Johannesburg before my flight home. I spent around $1,100 for lodging, safari tours, a rental car, and food (not including flights).</p><p>After landing in Johannesburg, I rented a car ($130 for five days) to drive to my lodging in Marloth Park, a town bordering the edge of Kruger National Park.</p><p>I was staying at <a href="https://dreamresorts.co.za/hotels-resorts/jackalberry-ridge/explore/">Jackalberry Ridge</a>, a self-catering accommodation with no on-site restaurant, no room service, and limited housekeeping.</p><p>The one-bedroom tents at Jackalberry Ridge go for as low as $80 a night, and two-bedroom tents go for $135.</p><p>When I checked in late, there was no one at the reception desk — just an envelope with my name on it containing my keys and a map.</p>

My affordable safari experience was at Jackalberry Ridge, where some tents cost $80 a night.

The first time I went on a safari, I went to Kruger National Park in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.

I stayed five nights near Kruger and one night in Johannesburg before my flight home. I spent around $1,100 for lodging, safari tours, a rental car, and food (not including flights).

After landing in Johannesburg, I rented a car ($130 for five days) to drive to my lodging in Marloth Park, a town bordering the edge of Kruger National Park.

I was staying at Jackalberry Ridge , a self-catering accommodation with no on-site restaurant, no room service, and limited housekeeping.

The one-bedroom tents at Jackalberry Ridge go for as low as $80 a night, and two-bedroom tents go for $135.

When I checked in late, there was no one at the reception desk — just an envelope with my name on it containing my keys and a map.

<p>I had booked a two-bedroom unit (two tents), but my friend couldn't come at the last minute. Since I couldn't change the reservation, I still stayed in the two-bedroom unit and my friend paid her share.</p><p>The campsite came with a small pool to dip in, but it was covered as the weather was pretty cold.</p><p>Each unit had a private bathroom and kitchen in a building separate from the tents, so I needed to leave my tent to use the bathroom at night.</p>

My main tent felt pretty spacious, with a king bed and a living-room area.

I had booked a two-bedroom unit (two tents), but my friend couldn't come at the last minute. Since I couldn't change the reservation, I still stayed in the two-bedroom unit and my friend paid her share.

The campsite came with a small pool to dip in, but it was covered as the weather was pretty cold.

Each unit had a private bathroom and kitchen in a building separate from the tents, so I needed to leave my tent to use the bathroom at night.

The bathroom was standard, with a tub, shower, and toilet.

This is glamping, so I had access to running water and a flushing toilet. I had hot water, but I found it went from scalding hot to cold in a few seconds.

I ended up taking quick showers and just washing my hair with cold water, which wasn't ideal since it was a little chilly in the morning.

It's also worth noting that Jackalberry Ridge was renovated recently, so the issue I had with hot water may have been fixed now.

I also had access to a kitchen in the same building as the bathroom.

The kitchen was well-equipped with things like pots, a microwave, and a sink, so I could cook meals or heat up leftovers.

I signed up for a couple of day safaris and did one at night.

Although I had a rental car and could've done a self-drive safari around Kruger, I didn't trust myself to spot animals while focusing on the roads.

Instead, I signed up for a couple of day safaris and one night safari. The safari tour prices often don't include the park entrance fee (about $25 per person per day), which I paid when I got to the entrance.

My three safari trips and park fees came to around $280.

<p>I saw a lot on the safari, including zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes. I saw lions and a leopard, although only from afar with binoculars. I even got a glimpse of the elusive rhinoceros.</p><p>I also spent one day taking another popular day trip in the area, the Panorama Route. This scenic road goes past Lisbon Falls and the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. The guided tour was $110.</p><p>As far as my very first safari trip goes, it was great. I got to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-safari-in-africa-is-like-tanzania-and-serengeti-tips-photos-2019-3">see the Big Five</a>, even though some of them were pretty far away.</p>

I got to see zebras, giraffes, and more.

I saw a lot on the safari, including zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes. I saw lions and a leopard, although only from afar with binoculars. I even got a glimpse of the elusive rhinoceros.

I also spent one day taking another popular day trip in the area, the Panorama Route. This scenic road goes past Lisbon Falls and the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. The guided tour was $110.

As far as my very first safari trip goes, it was great. I got to see the Big Five , even though some of them were pretty far away.

<p>I saw a Travelzoo deal for an all-inclusive safari at <a href="https://taasalodge.com/">Taasa Lodge</a>, a five-star luxury safari in Tanzania.</p><p>The deal was $6,000 for two people for a whole week — the lodge is usually $12,950 for two for seven nights. It was still a splurge, but I'd be saving more than 50% on a bucket-list experience.</p><p>The package came with seven nights of lodging, two safari activities a day, three daily meals, and drinks.</p><p>Still, we spent more than the original advertised price. There are obligatory "daily government park fees" and "daily concession fees" that added about $893 per person to our bill.</p><p>We also had to take a regional flight to get to Taasa, which was more expensive than my rental car in South Africa.</p><p>To redeem the Travelzoo deal, we had to complete our booking through a specific travel agency.</p><p>We ended up opting for an all-inclusive add-on package which includes the $893 fees above, domestic airfares from Arusha to Taasa (which would already cost around $600), and our agency arranging our Tanzanian tourist visa and airport transfers. The add-on also included extra activities at the resort (more on that later).</p><p>Overall, we paid $1,715 per person on top of the $3,000 each for the lodge stay.</p><p>I hadn't anticipated paying so many extras, but it was nice to have someone take care of the logistics of getting to the resort.</p>

For my next safari trip, I leveled up.

I saw a Travelzoo deal for an all-inclusive safari at Taasa Lodge , a five-star luxury safari in Tanzania.

The deal was $6,000 for two people for a whole week — the lodge is usually $12,950 for two for seven nights. It was still a splurge, but I'd be saving more than 50% on a bucket-list experience.

The package came with seven nights of lodging, two safari activities a day, three daily meals, and drinks.

Still, we spent more than the original advertised price. There are obligatory "daily government park fees" and "daily concession fees" that added about $893 per person to our bill.

We also had to take a regional flight to get to Taasa, which was more expensive than my rental car in South Africa.

To redeem the Travelzoo deal, we had to complete our booking through a specific travel agency.

We ended up opting for an all-inclusive add-on package which includes the $893 fees above, domestic airfares from Arusha to Taasa (which would already cost around $600), and our agency arranging our Tanzanian tourist visa and airport transfers. The add-on also included extra activities at the resort (more on that later).

Overall, we paid $1,715 per person on top of the $3,000 each for the lodge stay.

I hadn't anticipated paying so many extras, but it was nice to have someone take care of the logistics of getting to the resort.

My tent was luxurious and equipped with a comfortable king bed and a large living room.

When I arrived at the lodge, the staff greeted me with a glass of juice and a wet towel to refresh myself.

My tent was quite spacious. I especially liked that it had a desk and plenty of outlets I could use to charge my electronics. Our bathroom was behind our bed, and I was glad it was inside the tent this time.

We also got a butler who kept track of our schedules and made sure we had what we needed.

The bathroom felt spacious, with two sinks and a shower.

The shower's hot water was great and we had double sinks we could get ready at.

Another perk of the lodge is that we could have staff do our laundry every day, which meant we could pack less clothing.

There's a main lodge with a communal living room, dining area, and bar.

We got breakfast at the buffet in the main lodge unless we were going on a morning safari.

Most people ate dinner in the dining room, but we could've requested to have food brought to our tent.

We also passed a small pool next to the main lodge.

The pool was on the small side, but certainly had great views.

I didn't end up using it as my afternoons were filled with safari, and the mornings and evenings were chilly.

<p>Safari breakfasts consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, doughnuts, bacon and sausage, fruits, and orange juice. Staff also made French-press coffee, which we could spike with cream liqueur.</p><p>Our Land Cruiser had a cooler of beers and sodas in the back, too.</p>

On the mornings with an early safari, we had a simple breakfast next to our Land Cruiser.

Safari breakfasts consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, doughnuts, bacon and sausage, fruits, and orange juice. Staff also made French-press coffee, which we could spike with cream liqueur.

Our Land Cruiser had a cooler of beers and sodas in the back, too.

<p>Taasa is located inside a private game reserve, which means staff can pretty much drive anywhere within it. This was a huge leg up from my day trips in Kruger National Park on my last safari.</p><p>Inside national parks like Kruger or Serengeti, you're only allowed to drive on designated roads for safety reasons (both for the tourists and the animals).</p><p>But in a private reserve, guides can drive offroad. Plus, the guides communicate with each other when they find something special. </p>

At the private game reserve, we got pretty close to wildlife.

Taasa is located inside a private game reserve, which means staff can pretty much drive anywhere within it. This was a huge leg up from my day trips in Kruger National Park on my last safari.

Inside national parks like Kruger or Serengeti, you're only allowed to drive on designated roads for safety reasons (both for the tourists and the animals).

But in a private reserve, guides can drive offroad. Plus, the guides communicate with each other when they find something special.

<p><span>We also left the reserve to spend a couple of days going into Serengeti National Park, as there were things you could only find there instead of within the private reserve.</span></p><p><span>For example, I'd planned my trip to take place during the Great Migration, and I wanted to see wildebeests crossing the Mara River. </span></p><p><span>We also went to Serengeti to find rhinoceros and hippopotamus.</span></p>

We saw a bunch of animals in the private reserve and Serengeti.

We also left the reserve to spend a couple of days going into Serengeti National Park, as there were things you could only find there instead of within the private reserve.

For example, I'd planned my trip to take place during the Great Migration, and I wanted to see wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

We also went to Serengeti to find rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Every dinner at the resort consisted of three courses: soup, an entrée, and a dessert.

The main course was usually some type of Western food, and there was always a vegetarian option.

It would've been nice to be offered more typical Tanzanian dishes, though. For me, part of the fun of traveling is learning about different countries' cuisines.

I also had access to an open bar in the main lodge. Staff could make simple cocktails, and there was lots of beer and wine. The drinks were all included with the price of the stay (except for fancy Champagnes and select wines).

One morning, we had a special breakfast on the plains.

On one day of the trip, we had a special bush breakfast. It was one of the extra activities we got with that special add-on package.

Instead of our usual safari breakfast, we had freshly prepared omelets in the wild.

We also got another special treat in the bush that morning — a toilet!

When you're offroading looking for wild animals, you can end up pretty far from a proper toilet.

On most safari days, the car stops (when guides think it's safe), and people go behind the car to do their business.

This was the only time we had this portable toilet while out on a safari. On my budget safari day trips at Kruger, we'd have to wait until we reached a rest-stop facility.

Again, we spent a lot of time watching lions.

After breakfast, we were back in safari mode.

We found a family of lions, and as we were in the private reserve, we were able to stay and watch the cubs play for quite a while.

At Kruger, when lions are spotted, traffic starts backing up on the road as all the safari cruisers stop to look, so you can't stay too long.

Here, we knew no one else would be coming.

On a different morning, our guide got a tip that another car had found a leopard sleeping.

The communication between guides in the private reserve paid off when one spotted a sleeping leopard.

When our group arrived, the leopard was napping on the tree next to his catch. Eventually, it came down, and we got a better look.

Our trip ended with a great happy hour and outdoor dinner.

Other activities that were part of our add-on package included a visit to a Maasai village in Kenya and a special happy hour and barbecue dinner.

And, for our journey home, the travel agency took care of everything, including transfers, until we boarded our international flight.

My big takeaway is that it's really worth paying to be inside a private reserve.

In my opinion, the difference between these two safari trips that's the most worth paying for is being in a private reserve.

After all, the main reason I fly to Africa is for the safari, not the glamping.

I much preferred my lodging at Taasa, mostly because of the bathroom. But if I hadn't had the 50% off deal, I'm not sure the full price would've been worth it.

Still, it was a wonderful experience, and if I had more money, I may feel differently. Even so, the budget glamping was pretty comfortable and just fine for a week.

But again, as far as the safari experience goes, the private reserve is hard to beat. Being able to go offroading and get closer to the animals is quite the experience.

And if luxurious lodges are out of the question, private reserves can also be visited more affordably. Some lodges inside private reserves, like Shindzela or Rhino River Lodge, can cost around $250 per person per night.

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The best secure browsers to protect your privacy online in 2024

Web browsers have become flooded with ad-sponsored content, making browsers a key battleground for end-user privacy. While Chrome is the most widely used browser in the world, there are alternative browsers and ways to improve your security available to help you stay anonymous online.

Data is one of today's key ingredients for generating revenue. Online advertising companies can use web browsing histories to fingerprint individual browsers over time, creating shadow user profiles to reveal information including a user's interests, product searches, and more -- which can lead to targeted advertising. When you look for a privacy-focused browser, you will want to investigate how advertising trackers and cookies are managed, whether or not search histories are stored or shared, and whether or not the browser developer has a transparent privacy policy in place.

Also: The best VPN services (and why you need one to protect your privacy)

What is the best secure browser for privacy in 2024?

ZDNET experts have kept a finger on the pulse of the secure browser market for decades and many of us have tried and tested different options throughout the years. Brave is our top pick for the best browser for privacy based on its approach to user privacy, ad tracking prevention, privacy settings, usability, and speed.

Below, you will find other recommendations for secure browsers that can protect your privacy -- not only from cyberattacks, but also from businesses that scrape, store, and sell your data.

Best secure browsers for privacy in 2024

Best browser for privacy overall.

Not in the traditional online ad business
Privacy-focused by default
Chromium challenger
Some users report compute resource issues

Brave is a Chromium-based browser that blocks ads, fingerprinting, and ad trackers by default.

Brave supports millions of users worldwide. The organization's business model relies on privacy-protecting ads that pay publishers and users when users pay attention to ads. The company is transparent about this revenue stream, and it is optional -- with users rewarded in crypto tokens if they opt in to ad viewing.

Brave has several privacy-enhancing settings, including options to block third-party ad trackers, upgrade unsecured connections to HTTPS, as well as block cookies and fingerprinting. Invasive ads and trackers are disabled, which the company says then improves loading times on desktop and mobile.

Also: The best web hosting services for building your dream website

Brave removed Google code from its Chromium to improve user privacy, including some account integration, background sync, and inline extensions. There is also a "Tor mode" available for use, which provides anonymized onion network routing.

The browser developer also offers a VPN and firewall service which protects sessions even outside of the browser. Many users say the browser exceeds expectations, although others find some functionality, such as VPN connectivity, could use improvement.

Brave also offers a feature called " Off the Record " (OTR) for users who may be victims of intimate partner violence. The browser developer says the feature "aims to help people who need to hide their browsing behavior from others who have access to their computer or phone."

Mozilla Firefox

Most secure browser for tracking protection.

Enhanced tracking prevention
Focus on accessibility
Trusted by millions of users
Strict tracking protection may break websites
May require heavy PC resources

Firefox is a must-have for individual browser privacy across multiple devices.

One of Firefox's most important privacy features is enhanced tracking protection. Mozilla has borrowed Tor techniques to block browser fingerprinting, and Firefox developers are constantly seeking to improve tracking-prevention features.

Firefox is rich with choices to customize the browser for privacy. It blocks social media trackers, cross-site tracking cookies, tracking in private windows, crypto miners, and fingerprinting scripts. There is a "strict" mode, too, that might break some sites when trackers are hidden in content -- but there are ways to allow enhanced tracking protection for trusted sites. Furthermore, a recent improvement is the introduction of Encrypted Client Hello (ECH).

Users enjoy Firefox's privacy focus but note that it can be a resource hog.

The other option for Firefox fans is Firefox Focus , a privacy-focused browser for iOS and Android that blocks trackers and has a built-in ad blocker.

Mozilla also offers a VPN , with the option to connect up to five devices to over 500 servers in 30 countries.

The Tor browser

Best for anonymous browsing.

High levels of anonymity
DuckDuckGo integration
Constant updates and improvements
Learning curve to use
Can be slow

The Tor browser f eatures : Onion routing | DuckDuckGo integration | Access to websites outside of the clear web

Another great choice for improving your privacy on the web is the Tor browser, a non-profit project focused on anonymizing users online.

Its proprietary web browser disguises a user's IP address and activity by relaying it through a network of servers (nodes) run by volunteers. Bouncing your information around makes it exceptionally difficult to track, which is great if you don't want your ISP or anyone else spying on your online activity.

Tor can be a crucial tool for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and people avoiding censorship. The Tor browser is also a popular choice for accessing the deep web: A collection of websites and pages that are inaccessible through traditional means, like search engines, in what is known as the "clear" web.

Also: How to use Tor browser (and why you should)

The Tor browser's default search engine is DuckDuckGo, which will not log or store your search queries.

While it isn't a mainstream choice, the Tor browser is a well-regarded browser for people who don't want to be tracked across the web, and it gets updated frequently by the Tor Project . Users applaud the network's tough approach to privacy but note slow speeds and occasional problems with Captchas.

Page loads in the Tor browser can be slower and some sites might not work well due to the architecture of the Tor network. Nonetheless, the Tor browser is a privacy-preserving browser worthy of consideration.

Best browser for private searches

Available across different operating systems
Solid commitment to user privacy
Email protection settings
Bland browser design

DuckDuckGo f eatures: Chrome and Firefox supported | Mobile and desktop private browser | Does not collect user data | AI experiments | No search engine query trackers

When it comes to DuckDuckGo, user privacy comes first.

The privacy-focused search engine and browser is a vocal supporter of consumer privacy rights and now handles millions of user search queries daily.

There is a growing appetite for privacy-focused alternatives to tech giants like Facebook and Google. DuckDuckGo's Privacy Essentials extension for Chrome , Firefox , and Microsoft's Edge has also proven popular. Its reputation is built on the idea that it does not collect user data but can provide the same search results as those that do.

DuckDuckGo used to be a search engine rather than a full browser, but then released a mobile-friendly browser app and, now, a desktop version. The organization's browser provides a private search, website protection and blockers, web encryption, and more.

DuckDuckGo is experimenting with AI-assisted technologies to improve the search experience and has recently upgraded its browser . Users appreciate the firm's privacy focus, although some complain of censorship -- a concept DuckDuckGo staunchly denies .

Mullvad Browser

Best for use with a vpn.

Two heavyweight privacy developers
Fingerprint, tracker blocks
Tor-based privacy features
New, so less thoroughly tested

Mullvad Browser f eatures : Fingerprint masking approach | Removes online identifiers | Private mode enabled by default | Blocks trackers, cookies

Mullvad is a relatively new entry to the secure browser market.

Not to be confused with the Tor browser, the Mullvad Browser is marketed as the "Tor Browser without the Tor network." The browser is built by the Tor Project team and distributed by Mullvad, a respected Swedish virtual private network provider.

The idea behind the browser is to emulate the Tor network by creating a similar fingerprint for all users, improving anonymity. Furthermore, the browser comes with a private mode out of the box, tracking and cookies are blocked, and online functions used to extract information from visitors -- such as device identifiers -- are prevented.

You can use the browser as a standalone product, or you can combine it with Mullvad VPN . Users have given generally positive reviews, although you may find yourself signing up for the VPN for the best setup -- and it's not the cheapest on the market.

However, you should keep in mind that Mullvad was subject to a search warrant by the National Operations Department (NOA) of the Swedish Police in 2023. Mullvad staff said that as the customer data did not exist, law enforcement was left with nothing (and no customer information).

What is the best browser for privacy?

Brave is our top pick for the best browser for privacy based on its approach to user privacy, ad tracking prevention, the wide range of privacy settings on offer, usability, and speed. However, no browser is perfect, so you must decide which option suits you best.

Which is the right browser for privacy for you?

Not one size fits all, so be sure to reference the table below to better understand which browser suits your use case.

Factors to consider when choosing a secure browser

When you are switching to a more secure browser, there are some important factors to consider:

Online identifiers : You should check to see if the browser tracks any of your activities, visits, or search queries. This data can be used to create profiles for targeted advertising and may be used to track you across different websites.
Audits : The best secure browsers will conduct frequent security audits and have consistent patch releases to fix vulnerabilities and bugs that could expose users to risk.
Speed vs. security : Some browsers will route your traffic through a number of servers to vastly reduce the likelihood of you being tracked. However, you will need to decide how slow you're willing the connections and browsing to be.
VPN : If you want to use a VPN, consider whether or not the browser works well with one -- or if the browser offers a built-in solution.

How did we choose these browsers for privacy?

While investigating the best browsers for privacy in 2024, we compared each of these browsers and extensions to determine what makes them different and which is best for different use cases.

Balance : The balance between managing user privacy and funding a business can be a tricky one for companies to manage, but as we've shown, many developers are willing to wave the security flag on behalf of users over potential opportunities to generate more revenue.
User experience : We reviewed customer feedback to ensure that the majority of users find the browsers easy to install and use.
Features : We like to see additional privacy-enhancing features, like onion routing. We chose providers who offer more than standard browsing experiences.
Platform support : We selected browsers offering a range of support for different operating systems and platforms, as well as mobile coverage.

How does a privacy browser work?

A privacy browser works by automatically erasing your browsing and search history and cookies. It also may limit web tracking, and some even help hide your location (IP address). Privacy-focused browsers may also promote virtual private network (VPN) usage and may include features designed to bypass censorship blocks and keep users as anonymous as possible, such as access to onion routing and refusing to log site visits or web searches.

Do I need a privacy browser?

If you are concerned about your online privacy, you should install a privacy browser or at least an extension. We have to take responsibility for our own privacy online these days, and you can't rely on companies to do the job for you.

Also: How to delete yourself from internet search results and hide your identity online

We can recommend a few basic steps to take: Download one of the privacy-first browsers listed above that doesn't log your queries and activities, install a VPN, and use messaging apps with end-to-end encryption.

Does using a private browsing window hide my IP address?

If you're using Chrome, an incognito window doesn't hide your IP address. It simply doesn't store your browser history, information you've entered into forms, or what permissions you've given to sites you've visited. Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Opera all use a similar form of "anonymous" web window for browsing, but they aren't truly hiding your online identity.

Also: The best VPN services (and whether it's worth trying free VPNs)

If you want to block your IP address from being viewed or tracked, you can download a VPN , which masks your IP address so your service provider (or anyone else, for that matter) can't see what you're doing.

What is the most common personal web security risk?

Honestly? Putting your personal or contact information on social media. If you have your full name, phone number, address, or place of work anywhere on your social media, someone can use it to wreak havoc on your personal accounts.

To prevent this, avoid using your real name online where possible, turn off location tracking, and don't post about your place of work if you can help it. All it takes is a single piece of personal information for someone with very bad intentions to get ahold of your entire online presence -- and so if you're posting photos of you away from home and on holiday, for example, you're letting people know your home is vulnerable.

Also: The best security keys

Those innocent-looking name generator memes are another big issue; the ones that have you type out your first pet's name and your childhood street name (or something similar) to make up a gnome (or whatever) name. These are answers to common password recovery questions, so by letting the world know that your Christmas elf name is Fluffy Elm Street, you could be handing over all of your personal accounts to internet criminals.

Are there other browsers worth considering?

Online privacy and security are hot topics today. The amount of data quietly collected on each and every one of us is staggering -- and beyond targeted advertisements, you may not realize it.

The browsers we've recommended above can help tighten up your defenses against tracking and online monitoring, but as no browser is a perfect solution, you may also want to consider the alternatives below:

ZDNET Recommends

5 ways to improve your chrome browser's security (and why you should), duckduckgo's privacy pro bundles a vpn with personal data removal and identity theft restoration, the best mobile vpns: expert tested.

How-To Geek

How to permanently disable incognito mode in your browser.

Deactivate private browsing mode.

Quick Links

Turning off vs. disabling incognito mode, how to disable incognito mode in chrome for windows, how to disable incognito mode in chrome for macos, how to disable private browsing in safari on iphone and macos, how to disable inprivate mode in edge for windows, can you disable private browsing in firefox, key takeaways.

You can turn off private browsing in Chrome on Windows and macOS by running a command in Command Prompt and Terminal.
In Microsoft Edge, you can turn off private browsing through Registry Editor. Unfortunately, there's no native way to turn it off in Firefox.
You'll need to adjust content restriction settings to turn off private browsing mode in Safari on macOS and iOS.

If you share your phone or computer with children or minors and want to monitor their browsing activity, consider turning off the private browsing mode. Let's explore how you can turn it off in Google Chrome for Windows and macOS, Microsoft Edge for Windows, and Safari for iPhone and macOS.

If you've opened private browsing mode and only want to leave it, turning it off is simple in all major browsers on desktop and mobile devices . Just exit the browser completely, and you'll be out of incognito mode the next time you open it.

However, if you want to completely disable incognito mode to prevent others from using it on a device, you'll need to turn it off permanently, and that has a few more steps involved.

To turn off private browsing mode in Chrome on a Windows device, type CMD into the Windows Search bar, right-click the "Command Prompt" app, and select "Run as Administrator." Ensure you run the Command Prompt utility with administrative privileges to avoid encountering errors while turning off private browsing mode.

Once you've opened Command Prompt as an administrator, copy and paste the following command into the window, and then press the Enter key:

After executing this command, exit the Command Prompt window. You should now see that Incognito mode has been disabled (grayed out) in Chrome.

If you decide to re-enable private browsing later, use the above command again in Command Prompt, but replace the "1" with "0," like so:

To turn off private browsing in Chrome on a macOS device, first launch Terminal . Press Command+Space to open the Spotlight search window. Then, type Terminal and double-click "Terminal" in the search results to open it.

In the Terminal window, enter the following command:

Press Enter after typing the command.

After executing the command, close the Terminal window. You'll find that private browsing mode has been turned off in Chrome.

Safari doesn't offer a direct option to turn off private browsing mode. However, by adjusting content restrictions for web content, you can disable Safari's private browsing mode on both iPhone and macOS.

Disable Private Browsing on an iPhone

To adjust these permissions on an iPhone, open your device's settings and tap "Screen Time." If Screen Time isn't enabled, tap "Turn on Screen Time," then tap "Continue" on the following page to activate it.

Next, set up a passcode for Screen Time to prevent your child from making unauthorized changes. To do this, tap on "Use Screen Time Passcode," set a passcode, and confirm it on the next page. This will protect Screen Time with the passcode.

Now, navigate to "Content and Privacy Restrictions." Enable the toggle next to "Content and Privacy Restrictions" and tap on "Content Restrictions." You may need to enter the passcode to access the content restrictions settings.

In this menu, tap "Web Content" and select "Limit Adult Websites" from the available options. Once done, exit this menu, and you'll notice that the private browsing option is no longer available in Safari.

Disable Private Browsing on a Mac

To turn off private browsing mode on a macOS device, open System Preferences from the Dock, navigate to "Screen Time" in the left sidebar, and, under Restrictions, open "Content and Privacy" settings.

Enable the toggle next to Content and Privacy. Then, open the "Content Restrictions" settings and select "Limit Adult Websites" from the Access to Web Content menu. Once selected, click "Done" in the bottom-right corner.

Upon returning to Safari, you'll notice that the "New Private Window" option has now been grayed out, indicating that the private browsing mode has been successfully disabled.

If you use Microsoft Edge as your default browser on a Windows device, you can turn off private browsing mode via Registry Editor.

To open Registry Editor, press Win+R, type regedit , and press Enter. Then, click "Yes" in the User Account Control (UAC) window.

In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Policies > Microsoft > Edge.

If some of these keys don't exist already, you can create them by right-clicking and selecting New > Key. Then, rename the key accordingly.

Select "Edge," right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it InPrivateModeAvailability . Double-click the value, set the Value Data to "1," and click "OK."

Now, close the Registry Editor and restart your Windows PC.

Misconfiguring Registry Editor can lead to severe consequences. Make sure to follow the above steps carefully when tweaking the keys. For added safety, you can make a backup of the Registry. .

Unlike other browsers, there's no browser or operating system-level solution to turn off private browsing in Mozilla Firefox. The only available method involves using an extension that turns off private browsing. However, due to the associated risks with third-party extensions, we strongly advise against using them.

If you use Firefox as the default browser, remove it from your computer, set Chrome or Edge as your default browser, and turn off private browsing for them. If you have a Windows laptop, you can use Microsoft's Family Safety app to restrict access to any browser other than Edge. Also, you can implement content filters within Edge to disable access to inappropriate content.

You can now prevent your child or other users from browsing privately.

While the above methods will turn off private browsing in browsers, keep an eye on your child whenever they browse the web. They may find ways to work around these restrictions.

Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPhone

With Private Browsing, Safari won't remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information. Private Browsing also blocks known trackers, removes tracking used to identify individual users from URLs and adds protections against advanced fingerprinting techniques.

How to turn on Private Browsing

While Private Browsing is turned on, the Safari address bar will appear black or dark, instead of white or grey.

Open Safari on your iPhone.

Swipe to the Private tab group button, then tap the tab that you want to open.

An iPhone showing the Safari app with the Private tab group selected.

For additional privacy, you can choose to lock Private Browsing when you're not using it. When you lock your device, your private tabs in Safari will also lock. Then, when you unlock your device again, just unlock Private Browsing with Touch ID, Face ID, or your device passcode.

Find out more about locking Private Browsing tabs

In iOS 16 or earlier

Tap [number] Tabs or Start Page to show the Tab Groups list.

Tap Private, then tap Done.

How to turn off Private Browsing

While Private Browsing is off, the Safari address bar appears white or grey.

An iPhone showing the Safari app in a Private Browsing tab with the Tabs button magnified.

Swipe to the [number] Tabs tab group button, then tap the tab that you want to open.

An iPhone showing the Safari app with the Tabs tab group selected.

Tap Private to show the Tab Groups list.

Tap [number] Tabs , then tap Done.

Learn how to use Private Browsing on your iPad .

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

Viture One glasses now support Vision Pro-like multiple Mac monitors in VR [Video]

One of Vision Pro’s most exciting capabilities, to me personally , is the ability to display multiple Mac monitors in virtual form. Viture One XR glasses have now gained that same capability.

When I first tested the glasses , I noted that while they could act as a Mac monitor, they were limited to a single monitor – this this has now changed …

Vision Pro versus Viture One XR

As I outlined previously, the two devices are very different beasts. Vision Pro is a spatial computer, capable of running its own apps; Viture is an external monitor in glasses format. Vision Pro has a resolution of more than 4K per eye, and a wide field of view; Viture is 1080p per eye, and a much narrower FOV.

On the other hand, Vision Pro costs upwards of $3,500, while Viture comes in at $439 – and still manages to (now) tick five of the same boxes:

Viewing movies
Playing games
Viewing 3D video
Viewing Spatial Video
Using multiple Mac monitors in virtual form

It’s also massively lighter and more comfortable, and is powered by the connected device (iPhone or Mac), so has much longer effective battery life.

Multiple Mac monitors

Creating virtualized multiple Mac monitors on Viture requires running a Mac app called SpaceWalker. This is effectively just a utility for launching and managing the monitors.

You can choose between a variety of layouts – single screen, dual screen, ultrawide screen, and Horizon mode. The latter allows three side-by-side monitors (or you can stack them vertically, if you prefer).

This would, in principle, allow me to replicate the three-screen mobile office setup I use when working away from home. That relies on three physical screens: my 16-inch MacBook Pro, an external 15-inch portable monitor, and my 12.9-inch iPad.

The physical setup works well, but has a couple of drawbacks. First, the external monitor is an extra device to carry – and a fragile one, which is always something of a concern when travelling. Additionally, when I’m sharing a holiday apartment, I need to set it up and put it away each day to avoid permanently commandeering a dining table.

In theory, a three-monitor setup in my Viture glasses would give me the same screen layout using nothing more than my Mac and the glasses.

This is something my Meta Quest can do too , but that’s just too uncomfortable to use for work.

The good news

Setup is very easy. Open the SpaceWalker app on the Mac, connect the glasses, select the Horizon view – then open your apps and assign them to the virtual monitors as desired.

Switching view is as easy as turning your head to the left or right. You can also zoom in and out, using key combinations.

As a bonus, the MacBook screen remains blank by default, so you could even use the glasses to have a three-screen setup on a train or plane, without anyone being able to see your work.

Everything can still be controlled using the MacBook keyboard and trackpad, so it doesn’t require any additional hardware – though using a Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad while leaving the Mac off to one side would make for a neater setup.

The bad news

This is a first-gen feature, and the biggest issue I’ve found is that the positions of the monitors wander a little. Not apart from each other – they remain side by side – but within your field of view.

There’s a single keyboard shortcut for re-centering them, so just look forward, hit Shift-Option-CMD-R, and everything neatly centers itself. However, it does become a pain when you need to do this very frequently. I’d expect this to be improved in future software updates.

The other bad news for me personally – and maybe for some of you – is that while I can use the built-in diopter adjustment to use the glasses without contact lenses, my short-sightedness means I can’t quite properly see the physical keyboard of my Mac. (This is visible beneath the displays of the glasses when looking down.)

If I wear contact lenses, then the opposite problem arises: my long -sightedness means that the screen isn’t 100% clear! The joys of getting old …

Enough to intrigue me; not yet to convince

So far, then, I’ve been able to play with the system – including writing part of this piece on it, relying on what passes for my touch-typing – but not really get a full sense of how realistic it would be to use it as a serious mobile office setup.

However, I’m intrigued enough to want to find out!

My plan is to get some contact lenses with the same prescription as my reading glasses, which are designed for near vision at the expense of far. That would, I think, allow me to see both virtual displays and keyboard clearly. If that solves my vision problem, I can then give the setup a full-on test.

Video capture from the glasses is currently pretty tricky, so this is just a very rough look at the main options – and a demo of the zoom feature – created by the company. (I’m hoping they will offer an easier way to capture video in a future update.)

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Apple’s Mac lineup consists of MacBook, MacBoo…

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!

Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear

Dell 49-inch curved monitor

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Google to destroy private browsing history of millions who used 'Incognito Mode'

Bobby Allyn

After settling a class action suit over the company's incognito viewing mode in Chrome, Google says it will destroy millions of user search histories.

MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:

It turns out that Google's Incognito web browsing mode has not been incognito after all.

A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:

Yeah, the tech giant says it will delete the browsing data of millions of people who thought they were searching privately. It's part of a settlement in a class action lawsuit that found Google's Incognito mode did not live up to its name.

MARTIN: NPR's Bobby Allyn is with us now to explain what this all means. Good morning, Bobby.

BOBBY ALLYN, BYLINE: Good morning, Michel.

MARTIN: OK, first, could you just tell us what's in this settlement?

ALLYN: There will be changes to how people search the web and new disclosures, but no money. Back in 2020, a group of consumers filed a $5 billion class action lawsuit against Google. It alleged that Google was tracking and collecting data on what people were searching for and what sites they visited, even when they were in this so-called Incognito mode. That's a setting of Google's Chrome browser that, you know, is supposed to let you surf the internet in a more private way. Turns out, not so much.

And so Google has agreed, as you mentioned, to delete billions of data records from people who were using Incognito mode. Google is going to give people more control over what's being collected, and the company now has to be more clear about what kind of tracking it is doing. Yet Google got something out of this, too. It won't be paying any monetary damage to consumers or any fines.

MARTIN: That's interesting. No money for consumers and no fines. So how did Google get away with this to begin with?

ALLYN: For the past 16 years, Google has offered this service, this Incognito mode that did limit how much data was being collected if you just were on the Chrome browser. But here's the rub, Michel. As soon as you went to any website on the browser, Google got the data anyway, kind of through a backdoor, because those websites were using tools to track users and Google owned those tools. So nothing we do online is invisible and this is a reminder of that. Now when you launch an Incognito session, you can stop website cookies from following you around the web. That is new and a part of this settlement. Google also now has to tell people right on the landing page of Incognito mode what the limitations are - that, yes, some data is still being tracked by Google.

MARTIN: If Incognito mode isn't really incognito, why do people use it?

ALLYN: Yeah, I mean, that's something that Google rank-and-file employees have been asking for years. As part of the suit, lawyers obtained all sorts of internal emails with Google engineers pushing back against Incognito mode. One engineer wrote, quote, "we need to stop calling it Incognito and stop using a spy guy icon." And that was referring to this little spy guy cartoon logo that was trying to convey that you can do things secretly when you browse this way. Another engineer wrote a Google manager that Incognito's branding should actually be, quote, "you are not protected from Google." I talked to Woodrow Hartzog. He's a privacy law expert at Boston University. And he says the spy guy branding coupled with Google saying Incognito mode provided private browsing just gave everyone the wrong impression.

WOODROW HARTZOG: At one point it was someone who had their, you know, hat pulled down and their collar pulled up. And it made it seem as though you would be safer here than you would be using the general mode. If you're going to offer that service, then you've got to be able to back it up.

ALLYN: And that's essentially what this whole lawsuit is about, Michel, Google not being able to back up its privacy claims about Incognito mode.

MARTIN: That is NPR's Bobby Allyn. Bobby, thank you.

ALLYN: Thanks, Michel.

MARTIN: And here I'm going to note that Google is a financial supporter of NPR. Although we obviously cover them the same we would anybody else.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

IMAGES

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How to enable private browsing in an iPhone using Safari?
Private browsing in Safari: All you need to know
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How to Turn On Private Mode In Safari On iPhone

COMMENTS

Use Private Browsing in Safari on Mac
In the Safari app on your Mac, choose Safari > Preferences, then click General. Click the "Safari opens with" pop-up menu, then choose "A new private window.". If you don't see this option, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click General, then make sure "Close windows when quitting an app" is selected.
How to Use Private Browsing in Safari on Mac, iPhone, or iPad
Open the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad, then tap the Tabs button in the bottom-right corner to view your open pages. In the bottom-left corner, tap Private to enable private browsing mode. Then tap the Add ( +) button to open a private browsing window. Tap the Tabs button in the bottom-right corner.
How to use Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap and hold the Tabs button. Tap [number] Tabs in the pop-up menu. You may also exit out of incognito mode in Safari on iOS 17 by completing these steps: Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap the Tabs button. Tap [number] Tabs or Start Page to show the Tab Groups list. Tap Private, then tap Done.
How to Use Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone or iPad
To activate Private Browsing, first launch Safari. If you don't see the toolbar at the top of the screen, tap anywhere once to reveal it. Then tap on the "New Window" button in the upper-right corner. On Safari's window management screen, tap the "Private" button in the upper-right corner. After Private Mode is enabled, tap the plus (+) button ...
How to use Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone
When you use Private Browsing, Safari won't remember your search history, the pages you visit, or your AutoFill information. Private Browsing also blocks som...
4 Ways to Open a Private Safari Tab on iPhone and iPad
Select the "Private" option from the menu that pops up to switch to the private browsing mode. Select the "+" icon in the bottom-left to open a new private tab. Or tap "Done" in the bottom-left corner if you're opening a private tab for the first time. On the iPad, you'll need to tap the "Sidebar" option on the upper-left corner.
How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 3: Enable Private Browsing. Find the "Private" option at the bottom left of the screen and tap it. Once you tap "Private," you'll notice the color of the browser interface changes, indicating that you're now in Private Browsing Mode.
How to Always Start Safari in Private Browsing Mode on a Mac
First, launch Safari. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click "Safari" and select "Preferences." In the Preferences pop-up window, make sure you're on the General tab. Look for the option called "Safari Opens With:" located beside a drop-down menu. Click on the drop-down menu and select "A New Private Window" from the list of options.
How to Check Private Browsing History on iPhone
Open the Safari app on your iPhone. Inside Safari, swipe up from the bottom Tab Bar until you see all your open tabs on the screen. When you see the active tabs on your screen, tap on the Private tab from the bottom left corner or swipe from left to right on the bottom bar. This will open the Private Browsing screen which may show the ...
Private Mode On Safari
Open the Safari app and click on File . Click on New Private Window. You can also use a keyboard shortcut: Shift + Command + N. If you want to always have the Private mode turned on, you can try these steps: Open the Safari app and click on Preferences . Click on General . Click on the Safari opens with a pop-up option.
How to Use Safari's Private Browsing Mode
To enable Private Browsing in Safari, follow these steps. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad, tap the Pages icon (consisting of two squares) to bring up the open tabs view, and then tap the ...
How to use private browsing in Safari on an iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Here's how to open private browsing on Safari for iPhone and iPad: For iOS17: Open Safari. Tap the "Tabs" icon (a square overlapping another square). Swipe right until you see the "Private" tab. Tap the + icon to open a tab and start browsing in private mode. For older iOS versions: Open Safari. Tap on "Tabs.".
How to use Safari private browsing to boost your ...
When in private browsing mode, Safari appears black or dark instead of white or gray. Specifically, the URL field turns gray and uses white text. You will also see a message near the top of the private window saying "Private Browsing Mode". When opening multiple private tabs, Safari nests them under a group titled "Private".
How to Use Private Browsing in Safari
Safari on the iPad has a private browsing mode as well. 1. Tap the Pages button, which is shaped as two squares in Safari's menu. 2. Tap Private. 3. Tap the Search field to search for a site to ...
Everything You Need to Know About Safari Private Browsing
Open Safari on your phone. Tap on the " Tabs " button. Tap where it says " X Tab (s) " - this number will reflect the number of windows you have open. Tap " Private .". Now, you're in Private Browsing mode and can click the small " + " (plus) icon to launch a new private window.
How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac
Open the Safari app on your Mac. Click File > New Private Window. Browse as you normally would. Note that Private Browsing mode in Safari will have a dark search field as compared with the light ...
iOS 17 Safari makes private browsing more secure
There's an entry for Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing. Move the slider right to turn on the feature. For phones without Face ID — essentially the iPhone SE, at this point — the menu ...
How To See Safari Private Browsing History
Accessing Private Browsing History: To view the private browsing history in Safari on a Mac, you can follow these steps: Open Safari on your Mac. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click on "History." From the drop-down menu, select "Show History." Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Y.
I went on a budget and a luxury safari in Africa. Here's how they ...
The first time I went on a safari, I went to Kruger National Park in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.
Rumor: iOS 18 to include new 'Safari browsing assistant' AI feature
According to Álvarez, both of these features use Apple's Private Relay infrastructure to send data back to Apple. Álvarez speculates that this is a privacy-preserving practice on Apple's ...
The best secure browsers for privacy in 2024
Furthermore, the browser comes with a private mode out of the box, tracking and cookies are blocked, and online functions used to extract information from visitors -- such as device identifiers ...
Apple to expand presence in Florida with new Miami office
Toggle dark mode. Search for: Submit. Toggle search form. Exclusives; Store; ... That may see its grand opening later this year: ... iOS 18 to include new 'Safari browsing assistant' AI feature.
How to Permanently Disable Incognito Mode in Your Browser
Deactivate private browsing mode. How to Disable Incognito Mode in Chrome for Windows To turn off private browsing mode in Chrome on a Windows device, type CMD into the Windows Search bar, right-click the "Command Prompt" app, and select "Run as Administrator."Ensure you run the Command Prompt utility with administrative privileges to avoid encountering errors while turning off private ...
Apple touts major 60% leap in Safari and WebKit performance
Apple's WebKit team says that it has successfully improved Safari's Speedometer 3.0 score by ~60% between the release of Safari 17.0 in September and Safari 17.4's release in March.
Turn Private Browsing on or off on your iPhone
Tap Private, then tap Done. How to turn off Private Browsing. While Private Browsing is off, the Safari address bar appears white or grey. In iOS 17. Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap the Tabs button. Swipe to the [number] Tabs tab group button, then tap the tab that you want to open. In iOS 16 or earlier. Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap the Tabs ...
Viture One glasses now support Vision Pro-like multiple Mac ...
Open the SpaceWalker app on the Mac, connect the glasses, select the Horizon view - then open your apps and assign them to the virtual monitors as desired. Switching view is as easy as turning ...
Google to destroy private browsing history of millions who used
Google to destroy private browsing history of millions who used 'Incognito Mode' After settling a class action suit over the company's incognito viewing mode in Chrome, Google says it will destroy ...

How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Turn on Safari Private Browsing on an iPhone

Step 1: Open the Safari App

Step 2: Access Your Open Tabs

Step 3: Enable Private Browsing

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Will downloads in Private Browsing show up in my regular downloads folder?

Can I use Handoff with Private Browsing?

Can websites track me while I’m using Private Browsing?

How do I turn off Private Browsing?

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iOS 17 Safari makes private browsing more secure — here's how

How to turn on locked private browsing

2. Turn on locked private browsing

1. Go to the tabs page

2. Launch private browsing

3. Turn on iCloud Private Relay (optional)

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