open private window in safari on mac

Tips and tricks for using Private Browsing on Mac

Private Browsing is a useful mode on Mac with Safari. It means websites you visit aren’t saved in your history, with iCloud, Smart Search, and more. Follow along for a look at how to use Private Browsing, the keyboard shortcut to quickly open a new private Safari window, setting it as your launch default, and more.

Table of contents

Keyboard shortcut for private browsing on mac, set private browsing as your default safari startup page, going further.

Using a Private Browsing window includes a number of privacy features. In a support document , Apple details how a Private Browsing window works as of macOS Big Sur and Safari 14.

• Browsing initiated in one tab is isolated from browsing initiated in another tab, so websites you visit can’t track your browsing across multiple sessions.
• Webpages you visit and your AutoFill information aren’t saved.
• Your open webpages aren’t stored in iCloud, so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other devices.
• Your recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the Smart Search field.
• Items you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer.)
• If you  use Handoff , Private Browsing windows are not passed to your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or other Mac computers.
• Changes to your  cookies and website data  aren’t saved.

Below we’ll look at how to use Private Browsing on Mac but also a few extra tips and tricks to make it faster and easier to use.

• Mac: How to clear the cache, history, and cookies in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox
• Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad here .

How to use Private Browsing on Mac

• To open a new Private window, click Safari in the menu bar > New Private Window
• There’s also an alert near the top that you’ve enabled Private Browsing (disappears when you start browsing)

Here’s how it looks:

• You’re probably used to the command + N shortcut for a new Safari window
• Just add shift to that to get a new Private window – command + shift + N
• If you like to use Private Browsing regularly, you can make it your default when Safari launches
• Click Safari > Preferences in the menu bar
• Select the General tab at the top
• Next to Safari open with click the dropdown and choose A new private window

• If you want to tweak the default settings for normal Safari windows, check out the options at the bottom of the Safari > Preferences > General
• At the bottom of the window, you can adjust the settings for when history and downloads are removed and more
• Also, head to Safari > Preferences > Security or Privacy to tweak your fraudulent website warnings, and settings for cookies, website data, and more.
• To clear your Mac’s cache, history, and cookies head to Safari > Clear History (read more in our full guide on that here )

Read more 9to5Mac tutorials:

• How to make a WhatsApp audio/video call on the Mac
• How to use the Magic Keyboard shortcuts on the iPad Air and iPad Pro
• Mac: webp image downloads frustrating you? Here’s how to convert them to jpg, png, more
• M1 MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro, which should you buy?

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

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

A collection of tutorials, tips, and tricks from…

Michael is an editor for 9to5Mac. Since joining in 2016 he has written more than 3,000 articles including breaking news, reviews, and detailed comparisons and tutorials.

Michael Potuck's favorite gear

Satechi USB-C Charger (4 ports)

Really useful USB-C + USB-A charger for home/work and travel.

Apple Leather MagSafe Wallet

My slim wallet of choice for iPhone 12

Manage push notifications

Use Private Browsing windows

When you use Private Browsing windows, Safari doesn’t save your browsing history, and it asks websites you visit not to track you.

Use Private Browsing: Choose File > New Private Window, or switch to a Safari window that’s already using Private Browsing. A window that’s using Private Browsing has a dark address and search field with white text.

When you use a Private Browsing window:

Each tab in the window is isolated from the others, so websites you view in one tab can’t track your browsing in other tabs.

Safari doesn’t remember the webpages you visit or your AutoFill information.

Safari doesn’t store your open webpages in iCloud, so they aren’t shown when you view all your open tabs from other devices.

Your recent searches aren’t included in the results list when you use the address and search field.

Items you download aren’t included in the downloads list. (The items do remain on your computer.)

If you use Handoff , Private Browsing windows are not passed to your iOS devices or other Mac computers.

Safari doesn’t remember changes to your cookies or other website data. Safari also asks websites and others who provide those sites with content (including advertisers) not to keep track of your browsing, although it is up to the websites to honor this request.

Plug-ins that support Private Browsing stop storing cookies and other tracking information.

Websites can’t modify information stored on your device, so services normally available at such sites may work differently until you turn off Private Browsing.

Note:   None of the above applies in other Safari windows you may have open that don’t use Private Browsing.

Stop using Private Browsing: Close the Private Browsing window, switch to a different Safari window that isn’t using Private Browsing, or choose File > New Window to open a window that doesn’t use Private Browsing. To further enhance privacy:

Delete any items you downloaded while using Private Browsing windows.

Close any other Private Browsing windows that are still open, to prevent others from using the Back and Forward buttons to see pages you visited in them.

Besides using Private Browsing windows, you can manage cookies and data stored by all websites and have Safari ask all websites not to track you .

If you forget to use a Private Browsing window, you can clear your browsing history .

• Editorial Process
• Why Trust Us?
• Affiliate Linking Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Weekly Must-Reads View All

7 things to do if you spilled water on your macbook.

Quick steps to save your MacBook from water damage

How to Boot Your Mac Into Verbose Mode: 4 Best Ways

Boot your Mac into Verbose Mode with this step-by-step guide

How to Fix Your Mac Shutting Down Randomly: 16 Fixes to Try

Troubleshoot random shutdowns on Mac with effective solutions

How Much Space Does macOS Take On Your Mac?

Understand macOS size and analyze your Mac's storage usage

Popular Topics

• What to Do With Your Old MacBook? 13 Useful Ways to Reuse an Old Mac
• What Is the MacBook Flexgate Issue and How to Fix It
• What Is the MacBook Flexgate Issue
• Uninstall Java
• Safely Transfer Files from Mac to Mac
• Safari Bookmarks Disappeared on Mac: 10 Best Ways to Restore Them
• Repairing disk permissions
• Old MacBook

Trending Now View All

• Mac Security and Privacy

How to Go Incognito in Safari on Mac: 3 Quick Ways

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewed by

Last updated: October 21, 2023

Expert verified

Online privacy is a growing concern and many of us want to browse the internet without leaving a digital footprint. Whether you’re researching sensitive material, shopping for a surprise gift, or simply prefer not to have your browsing history logged, going incognito is a useful tool for maintaining your privacy.

For Mac users, the Safari browser offers a convenient and robust way to go undercover while you surf the web. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to go incognito in Safari on Mac, ensuring your browsing session remains your business and no one else’s.

Before We Begin

For enhanced online privacy, combine Safari’s private browsing feature with MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN to conceal your IP address. Additionally, using MacKeeper’s Antivirus offers robust protection against spyware on your Mac.

What Is Safari Private Browsing Mode?

Safari’s Private Browsing Mode is a feature that allows you to browse the internet without saving your browsing history, search history, or form data. When you activate this mode, Safari won’t keep any cookies or temporary files that could be used to trace your online activities.

Private Browsing Mode aims to help you use the internet without leaving a record of your activities on your computer. So, in other words, this is the incognito mode on Safari.

What Happens When You Use Safari Private Browsing?

When you enable Private Browsing Mode in Safari, several changes occur to how the browser manages your data and online activity. Here are some key things that happen:

• 📜 No Browsing History : Safari won’t record the websites you visit, so you won’t see them in your history later.
• 🔍 Search History Cleared : Any search queries you enter will not be saved, so they won’t appear in the search bar’s dropdown suggestions in future sessions.
• 📝 No Form Data : Information entered into forms, like usernames, passwords, or search queries, is not stored.
• 🍪 Cookies and Site Data : Any cookies or site data obtained during your session are not saved, making it more difficult for websites to track you.
• 🗂️ Temporary Files : While temporary internet files like images may be stored to improve page load times during the session, they are deleted once you exit Private Browsing Mode.
• 🖥️ Open Tabs : Tabs opened in Private Browsing Mode won’t be stored in Safari’s Tabs feature for later retrieval.
• ⬇️ Downloads : Files you download will still be saved to your computer, but Safari won’t keep a record of these downloads within the browser.
• 🚫 Autofill Disabled : Features like Autofill for forms and passwords are disabled, meaning Safari won’t suggest information based on previous entries when you’re in Private Browsing Mode.
• 🔗 Extensions Limited : Some browser extensions may not work as expected in Private Browsing Mode to prevent them from tracking your activity.
• 🛡️ Isolated Session : Each Private Browsing window operates in isolation, meaning that if you open a new Private Browsing window, it won’t share cookies, history, or site data with the previous Private Browsing session.

While Safari’s Private Browsing Mode offers a good level of privacy, it is not entirely foolproof. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP), network administrators, and websites can still potentially identify you through your IP address.

How to Open a Private Window in Safari on Your Mac

Opening a private window in Safari on your Mac is a straightforward process that takes just a few seconds. Here are three ways to open a private window and go incognito in Safari on Mac:

Method 1: Using the Menu Bar

The most commonly used method for opening a private window in Safari is the menu bar. Follow these steps to go incognito in Safari on Mac via the menu bar:

• Open the Safari browser on your Mac.
• Click File in the menu bar.
• From the dropdown menu, choose New Private Window .

A new window should open with a dark search field, indicating you’re now in Private Browsing Mode.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac keyboard shortcuts are an excellent way to streamline your browsing experience, especially if you prefer using the keyboard over navigating through menus. So, if you’re looking to swiftly open a private window without taking your hands off the keyboard, follow these steps:

• If you haven’t already, launch the Safari browser.
• Press Shift ⇧ + Command ⌘ + N simultaneously.

This will open a new private browsing window instantly.

Method 3: Right-Click Option

If you’re comfortable using contextual menus that appear with a right-click, this option offers a speedy way to go incognito in Safari on Mac. Follow these steps to right-click on a Mac and go incognito in Safari:

• Launch your Safari browser.
• Right-click (or control-click) the Safari icon in the Dock.
• From the contextual menu that appears, select New Private Window .

A new window with a dark search field should appear, indicating that Private Browsing Mode is enabled.

How to Open a Private Tab in Safari

If you’re already in a regular browsing window in Safari, you can’t add a private tab to that window. Your only option for private browsing in this case is to open a new Private Browsing window. Then, add as many private tabs to that window as you like.

Follow these steps to open a new private tab within an existing private window:

• Open a new Private Browsing window in Safari. You can do this by clicking File in the menu bar and selecting New Private Window , or by using the keyboard shortcut Shift ⇧ + Command ⌘ + N .
• Once you’re in a Private Browsing window, click the plus ( + ) button in Safari’s toolbar at the top of the screen.

• Alternatively, you can press Command ⌘ + T on your keyboard.

• A new tab will open within the existing Private Browsing window, indicated by a dark search field, confirming that it’s also in incognito mode.

You can have a regular browsing window and a private window open side by side. Just make sure you don’t mix them up to maintain the level of privacy you desire.

How to Always Browse Privately in Safari

Now that you know how to go incognito in Safari on Mac, can browse privately whenever you want. But if you want to set up Safari so that it always starts with a Private Browsing window, there’s a simple way to make that happen.

Following these steps will configure Safari to open in Private Browsing mode by default:

• Navigate to Safari in the menu bar at the top, and select Settings .

• In Safari Settings window, click the General tab.

• Locate the Safari opens with option, click the dropdown menu button next to it, and select A new private window .

By following these steps, you’ll set Safari to automatically open a new Private Browsing window each time you launch the application. However, this setting only applies to the initial window at startup, any subsequent windows you open will be regular, non-private windows.

How to Turn Off Private Browsing on a Mac

Turning off Private Browsing in Safari on a Mac is a straightforward process. If you’re using Private Browsing and want to switch back to the standard browsing mode, here’s how you can do it:

• A Private Browsing window in Safari is characterized by a dark search field at the top.
• Simply close the Private Browsing window by clicking the red x button at the top left corner of the window.

• Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Command ⌘ + W .

• If you don’t have any other Safari windows open, you’ll need to open a new one. You can do this by clicking File in the menu bar and selecting New Window .

• Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Command ⌘ + N .

Once you leave Private Browsing, Safari will retain your browsing history, cookies, and other data unless you delete them manually.

Can You View Private Browsing History in Safari on Mac?

A key feature of Private Browsing in Safari is that it doesn’t retain your browsing history, search queries, or cookies once you close the Private Browsing window. This means that, by design, you can’t view the browsing history of a Private Browsing session once it’s closed.

However, while Safari’s Private Browsing mode doesn’t store your browsing history like a regular browsing session, the Terminal archive on Macs operates independently of Safari’s privacy features.

The Terminal archive contains records of all websites visited, including those accessed through Private Browsing. So, you can view your private browsing history in Safari on Mac through the Terminal archive.

How to Check Private Browsing History in Safari on a Mac

• Open the Console application by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Console .

• In the sidebar, click your Mac.

• Type the following into the search box:

• Click the Start button in the toolbar to display console messages.

• Enter your admin username and password and click Continue .

• Head to Utilities and open the Terminal application.

• Type the following command and press Enter :

• You will be prompted to enter your admin password.
• Go back to the Console application as described in Step 1.
• Here, you’ll find entries that correspond to your Private Browsing history.

Note that the website names will be displayed as IP addresses instead of website addresses.

How to Delete Private Browsing History Stored in Terminal Archive

• Navigate to Finder > Applications > Utilities and open the Terminal application.

• You will be asked to provide your administrative password to proceed.

Executing this command will clear the DNS cache, effectively erasing stored private browsing history. Be cautious not to modify other settings in the Terminal.

Is Private Browsing Enough to Hide Your Online Activity?

While Safari’s Private Browsing feature enhances your privacy to some extent, it doesn’t make you completely anonymous online. For instance, it won’t hide your IP address, which means websites and online services can still potentially identify you.

Likewise, Private Browsing Mode won’t prevent external tracking by advertisers or third-party websites. For these reasons, you should pair Private Browsing with additional security measures such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and antivirus software to create a more comprehensive privacy solution.

Heres’ how to use MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN to protect your online privacy:

• Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
• Open the MacKeeper app on your Mac and click the Private Connect feature under the Privacy section.

• Select a server location from the VPN server location list. You can choose a server in your country for faster browsing or another country to bypass geo-restrictions.

• Click Turn On to activate Private Connect VPN.

• Once connected, you should see a notification indicating your VPN connection is active. You can also check your IP address online to confirm the change.
• When you’re done browsing, disconnect the VPN by clicking the Turn Off button.

What Else Can MacKeeper Do?

Besides offering a foolproof VPN feature, MacKeeper can help scan your Mac for viruses , remove login items from your Mac , delete duplicate files , and remove cache files from your Mac . Check out my MacKeeper review to learn more about its features.

Go Incognito in Safari on Mac and Start Secure Browsing

Navigating the web securely and privately is important, and understanding how Safari’s Private Browsing feature functions on your Mac is a significant step toward that goal. Private Browsing offers a level of protection, but it is not a replacement for more robust security measures, such as using a VPN or specialized security software.

Here are some more tips to make your browsing experience more secure:

• Make sure you clear your browser cache on Mac regularly to avoid your browser from crashing and lagging.
• If you notice suspicious toolbars in your browser, you should immediately remove unwanted toolbars from your Mac browser to prevent viruses from infecting your system.
• Ads and trackers are also a threat to your online privacy. Learn how to block unwanted ads on your Mac and keep them from affecting your productivity. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cookies saved in private browsing mode in safari.

Cookies are not saved in Private Browsing mode in Safari once you close the session. While the session is active, cookies may be stored temporarily to enable website functionality. However, these cookies are automatically deleted when you close the Private Browsing window, enhancing your privacy.

Does Safari private browsing hide your IP address?

No, Safari’s Private Browsing mode does not hide your IP address. While it prevents storing your browsing history, cookies, and form data, it doesn’t make you anonymous online. Your IP address is still visible to websites, your Internet Service Provider, and network administrators.

Is Safari the best option for privacy?

While Safari offers strong privacy features like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and built-in encryption, whether it’s the best option for privacy depends on your specific needs. Other browsers like Firefox focus extensively on privacy and offer advanced customization. It’s important to compare features and decide what best suits your privacy goals.

Why can’t I open a private tab on Safari?

You can’t open a private tab on Safari within a regular window due to design choices aimed at enhancing user privacy and ease of use. Instead, Safari segregates private browsing into separate windows to prevent you from mixing up private and regular tabs, reducing the risk of privacy breaches.

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

You May Also Like

How to Turn Off iMessage on iMac: 4 Best Ways

Simple steps and alternatives to disable iMessage on iMac

Can Macs Get Viruses? Everything You Need to Know

Written by Hashir Ibrahim Reviewed by Ojash Last updated: October 12, 2023

How to Back Up Your Data on macOS: 4 Safe & Easy Ways

Ensure your data safety with macOS backup methods

FileVault Disk Encryption on Mac: The Ultimate Guide

Secure your Mac with FileVault's powerful encryption features

• GTA 5 Cheats
• What is Discord?
• Find a Lost Phone
• Upcoming Movies
• Nintendo Switch 2
• Best YouTube TV Alternatives
• How to Recall an Email in Outlook

How to go incognito in Safari on Mac

There may be times when you want complete privacy while browsing the web. Maybe you don’t want others to know which websites you visit or what items you download, or you may also just want to prevent sites from tracking you across browser tabs. The best way to achieve that is by learning how to go incognito in Safari on a Mac.

How to go incognito on Mac with private browsing in Safari

What happens when you use private browsing, how to exit private browsing in safari, how to always use private browsing in safari, what you need.

Mac computer

Safari browser

When you want to initiate a private browsing session in Safari on Mac, you have a few easy ways to do it.

• Use the Safari menu: With Safari open and active, select File from the menu bar and choose New Private Window .
• Use the Safari icon in the Dock: If you keep the Safari icon in your Dock, right-click it and select New Private Window .
• Use a keyboard shortcut: With Safari open and active, press Shift + Command + N on your keyboard.

Once you open a new private window, you’ll notice the appearance is slightly different. The Smart Search field (URL bar) has a dark background with white text.

You’ll also see a message letting you know that private browsing is enabled. Select the X on the right side to dismiss the message and then visit the websites you want.

Although you can browse the web as you normally would in Safari, there are some differences when you use private browsing.

• Any sites you visit, AutoFill details you use, or changes you make to cookies or website data are not saved.
• Your recent searches are unavailable in the Smart Search field.
• Items you download do not display in the Safari downloads list. However, they are still viewable in your Downloads folder.
• You cannot pass private windows using Handoff to your other devices.
• Any webpages you visit are not stored in iCloud and therefore unavailable when viewing Safari tabs on your other devices.
• Websites cannot track your browsing across tabs in Safari because each private browsing tab is isolated from the next.

When you finish using private browsing, you can simply close the Safari window. You can then select File > New Window or use the keyboard shortcut Command + N to initiate a non-private browsing session.

One additional way to go incognito on Mac is to always use private browsing in Safari. With a simple setting adjustment, you can have Safari open in a private window every single time.

Step 1: Open Safari and select Safari > Preferences from the menu bar.

Step 2: Go to the General tab.

• How to convert FLAC to MP3 on Mac, Windows, and web
• How to forget a network on a Mac
• How to take a screenshot on a Mac

Step 3: Pick the drop-down next to Safari opens with and choose A new private window .

Step 4: Close the Preferences using the X on the top left corner.

Once you change this setting, you’ll use private browsing each time you open Safari. If you change your mind later, you can follow the same steps and select a different option in the Safari opens with drop-down list.

It’s easy to go incognito on a Mac, whether you go once in a while or all the time. Will you?

Editors' Recommendations

• How to type an em dash on a Mac
• How to find a Wi-Fi password on Mac
• How to select multiple files on a Mac
• How to connect an iPhone to a Mac with or without a cable
• How to connect a MacBook to a TV
• How-To Guides

One of the main reasons your PC might go from snappy to sluggish after using it for a while, is that you've run out of memory. If you don't have enough RAM for what you're doing, or you have a lot of background applications running, then hitting your memory limit can really slow your PC down and make it feel like you need to replace the whole thing.

That's probably not true, though. In fact, if you just take some steps to free up some memory, you might be able to make it last that bit longer.

Your MacBook is your go-to powerhouse for all things computing. Web browsing, graphic design, video editing, music production, you name it, the MacBook can do it. But like any good laptop, your MacBook has a number of battery-saving features built in and enabled by default. One of these functions is the computer’s sleep mode, which optimizes battery life by decreasing power usage.

You rely on your MacBook for just about everything, so don’t you think it’s important to keep its battery topped off? After all, it is laptop, and while laptop batteries are stronger than ever these days, your MacBook likely won’t last a full day without its power adapter. But how does one know exactly how much juice a MacBook has left? Why, with the battery percentage indicator!

• Apple Watch
• Accessories
• Digital Magazine – Subscribe
• Digital Magazine – Log In
• Smart Answers
• New iPad Air
• iPad mini 7
• Next Mac Pro
• Best Mac antivirus
• Best Mac VPN

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect our editorial independence .

How to use private web browsing on Mac

Many web users prefer to keep their browsing history secret and private – from loved ones, colleagues, even total strangers and advertising companies.

There are a few ways to protect your privacy. You could delete your history at the end of every browsing session, or use a VPN to stay anonymous online (our recommendation is NordVPN but we have a separate roundup of the best Mac VPNs ). But for a simple and free solution, we recommend the use of private browsing mode.

For similar advice relating to phone and tablet, see How to use private browsing on iPhone & iPad .

Why your browsing history is at risk

Many of us share our Macs with other people, and you don’t want to worry about any embarrassing websites you’ve been looking at being discovered by your spouse or flatmate.

The classic excuse is that you’ve been ‘researching an anniversary present’ and don’t want to spoil the surprise, but if you’ve been seeking medical advice or applying for jobs online it would be entirely reasonable to want to keep that information to yourself. And, all joking aside, porn users are entitled to their privacy too, particularly if they have kids and don’t want them to stumble across any adult sites.

If you’re thinking of having one machine for sharing and another for the private stuff, bear in mind that it’s not as simple as you might think. Safari features such as Top Sites, Frequently Visited and the Smart Search Field automatically display your history as you use the browser, and iCloud syncs this information between your Apple devices. If you look at a website on your Mac it could pop up when somebody uses your iPhone or iPad or vice versa.

Even if you trust people not to bother searching through your history, they could still accidentally discover what you’ve been looking at when the browser offers it as an autocomplete suggestion.

iCloud privacy

If you’re looking for more things to worry about, there were reports in 2017 that Apple hadn’t been removing deleted Safari web histories from iCloud. We believe the company has since tackled the issue, but it’s another example of the ways in which browsing histories can leak out unexpectedly.

According to ElcomSoft, the data might have disappeared from the devices, but it was still on iCloud and easily recoverable.

“We discovered that deleting a browsing history record makes that record disappear from synced devices,” said company spokesperson Vladimir Katalov. “However, the record still remains available (but invisible) in iCloud… We were able to pull additional information about Safari history entries including the exact date and time each record was last visited and deleted!”

What is private browsing?

Private browsing is an optional mode available in most web browser software where no record is kept of the sites you visit. If you’re looking at a website and you’d rather keep it to yourself, you should turn on private browsing before entering the URL.

Apple has included private browsing as a feature in macOS and iOS since way back in Safari 5.1 (in Mac OS X Lion) and iOS 5.

Private browsing in Safari

The way private browsing works varies from browser to browser . We cover the four most popular Mac browsers individually, but if you’re using one of the more obscure ones, don’t despair: just check the File > menu and look for mention of a private window or similar. (Shift + Cmd + N often works too.)

The key thing with private browsing mode(s) is that it can be applied to certain windows only, so be careful. The fact that you opened a private window doesn’t mean you’ll still be covered if you go back to an old window you had open before (or a new one you open without private browsing applied).

In Safari, you open a new private window by Choose File > New Private Window (Shift + Cmd + N).

You’ll now be viewing a window in private browsing mode. Safari won’t remember any browsing or search history. Once again, it’s important to know that this only applies to this window that you have opened . You can tell it’s a private window because the Smart Search Field will be a dark grey colour.

If you open a new tab within the private window it will also be private. But if you open another window using the standard File > New Window (Cmd + N), it will not be a private browsing window. So be careful to use just the private window(s) for your browsing session.

Private browsing in Chrome

Chrome’s private browsing mode is called Incognito, but it’s otherwise the same idea. Select File > New Incognito Window, or press Shift + Cmd + N.

You’ll notice that Chrome’s Incognito windows are a totally different colour to its normal ones.

Private browsing in Firefox

Select File > New Private Window, or press Shift + Cmd + P.

Private browsing in Opera

Select File > New Private Window, or press Shift + Cmd + N.

How to turn on private browsing on a Mac computer in Safari

• You can turn on private browsing on your Mac computer in a Safari browser to use the internet without having your activity catalogued by your browser. 
• Private browsing is a good option to keep sensitive information from living in your web history or being saved to your iCloud account. 
• Here's how to turn on private browsing on a Mac computer by opening a new private window or using a keyboard shortcut. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

A private browser is a useful way to navigate the internet with minimal tracking, although the exact functions may vary slightly depending on which browser you are using. 

On Safari, private browsing means that websites won't be able to track your activity across sites, your visited websites aren't saved or stored on in iCloud, and your recent searches won't appear in the Smart Search field. 

You also won't have access to any saved AutoFill information when you visit websites, so keep that in mind if you need to log into a site.

With that in mind, here's how to open a private window on a Mac using the Safari web browser: 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Macbook pro (from $1,299.99 at best buy), how to turn on private browsing on a mac in safari.

1. Open your Safari browser.

2. In the top toolbar, click "File."

3. Select "New Private Window."

The smart search field will show up with a dark background, which will signal that you are in private browsing mode. 

Alternatively, you could use the keyboard shortcut to open a private window in your Safari browser. To do that, you'd open a window in the browser, then press the shift, command and "N" keys.

Related coverage from  How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to update the safari browser on your mac computer by installing the latest version of macos, how to enable adobe flash player on a mac computer using safari, how to block pop-ups on a mac computer's safari browser, and avoid fraudulent websites, how to add websites to your favorites list on a mac's safari browser, making them easily accessible at any moment, how to save and delete webpages on the reading list in your mac computer's safari browser.

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

Watch: Apple just launched a $6,000 Mac Pro, available this fall

• Main content

How to open a new private window in Safari for Mac

One of the features of the Safari web browser built into your Mac that will come in handy time and time again are the private browsing windows that you can open to browse the web privately without having your browsing history stored in your computer for the next user to see.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to open a private browsing window in Safari on your Mac so that you’re ready the next time you need to perform a web search incognito.

Why browsing privately is a big deal

When you want to perform a web search without the next person to use the computer knowing what you were looking up, such as when you were shopping for the holidays, you might want to use a new private browsing window in Safari to get the job done.

This feature also comes in handy even if you’re the only user of your computer and you know you’ll be sharing a screen with someone in the future when you go to surf the web. This ensures that your history doesn’t pop up in everyone’s faces and others won’t know what you were looking up in the past.

Opening a new private window in Safari

When you want to open a new private browsing window in Safari, you must first have an instance of Safari running on your Mac’s desktop. Once open, you’ll follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Move your mouse to the Menu Bar and click File > New Private Window .

Step 2: A new window should appear that has a dark colored Smart Search field with white text; if it does, you did it!

Note: As an alternative to opening the menu from the top of the screen, you can also use the following keyboard shortcut: ⇧ ⌘N ( Shift + Command + N ).

Forcing Safari to always launch in private browsing mode

In the event that you don’t feel like doing the above process every time you want to use private browsing mode, and you want to enable a set-it-and-forget-it method of forcing Safari to always open in private browsing mode when it’s opened like you can in iOS , you can also follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch Safari and go to the Menu Bar and click Safari > Preferences .

Step 2: If not already in the General tab, open it.

Step 3: Where you see the option Safari opens with , choose A new private window .

Now each time you launch Safari on your Mac, it’ll automatically launch in private browsing mode.

What a new private window does

In case you were wondering what all of the features of a new private window in Safari actually are, Apple notes in a support document 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 on your iCloud account won’t have access to any of the pages you have open in the private browsing window.
• 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).
• 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 on tracking your information from the private browsing window.

Also read:   Increasing privacy in Safari for iOS

Your privacy is important, and you shouldn’t give it up. Private browsing is a great way to keep your web browsing experience private and personal without having all of your information tracked and recorded.

If you found this post helpful and use private browsing mode yourself, tell us why you love the feature in the comments below!

How-To Geek

How to always start safari in private browsing mode on a mac.

Keep your Safari browsing history private on your Mac by opening a new Private Browsing window every time you launch. Here's how.

Quick Links

What is private browsing in safari, how to always launch safari with a new private browsing window.

If you use Safari on a Mac and would like for your browsing history to stay private but don't want to always think about having to turn it on, there's a way to open a new private browsing window every time you launch Safari. Here's how.

Private Browsing is a mode where Safari doesn't save your browsing history, AutoFill information, changes to cookies, recent searches, and download history between sessions. The mode also inclues Apple-centric privacy features, such as preventing sharing of browsing information through iCloud . And if you have Handoff enabled, browsing windows do not get passed to your other Apple devices.

Even with all those features, you should be aware that Private Browsing mode does not conceal your browsing history from websites on the internet that might use your IP address to track you across sites , hosts of your network (such as a school or business), or your ISP.

Related: The Many Ways Websites Track You Online

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.

Close the Preferences window, quit Safari, and launch Safari again. You should see a window with a "Private Browsing Enabled" notice along the top.

Now you're free to use the window as you typically would . Just make sure you close it when you're done.

Related: Five Worthwhile Uses for Private Browsing Mode (Besides Porn)

It's worth noting that the option we just set only works when you first open Safari.  By default, new windows you open after that will not be private. If you want to open additional Private windows, you'll need to select File > New Private Window from the menu bar, or use the Shift+Command+N shortcut. Good luck, and happy browsing!

[ULTIMATE GUIDE] Everything About Private Browsing in Safari and How to Browse Privately on Mac/iPhone/iPad

Quick Navigation

• Part 1: How to Activate Private Browsing in Safari on Mac
• Part 2: How to Deactivate Private Browsing Mode in Safari Mac?
• Part 3: Clear Safari Private Browsing History in One-Click- Macube Cleaner
• Part 4: How to Enable Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone/iPad
• Part 5: How to Remove Private Browsing Mode in Safari on iPhone/iPad

Whether you are surfing the internet using a friend’s device or not, the private browsing mode on Safari will save you the stress of wiping your browsing data, such as search history, cookies, and caches, all of which slows down browsing speed and also exposes your online privacy. The private browsing mode lets you navigate the internet with minimal tracking.

However, mind you, for you to use this browsing mode, you have to activate it from your Safari browser, since it's not the default browsing mode. There are several ways to go about this depending on the Apple device you are using. We will discuss this here in this post as we look at how to browse privately on Safari. Keep reading.

What Is Private Browsing?

Private browsing is a feature tucked into many browsers, such as Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and more, to protect your online privacy. The feature is designed to help you conceal your browsing data so that whatever browser you are using doesn't have anything about your browsing session. It offers a great way to minimize tracking.

Why should you use private browsing in Safari Mac?

Private browsing mode comes in handy when you want to surf the internet using Safari on Mac for the following reasons:

• Privacy Protection

When you activate the private browsing mode on your Safari browser, your browsing data is hidden. No one can track or know which website you visited. Also, your browsing preference is completely safe, since cookies and cached are completely disabled I'm private browsing.

• Improved Browsing Speed  

Private browsing improves your browsing speed, thereby enhancing your browsing experience. You might be wondering how possible. Well, browsing search history, caches, and cookies take up little browsing storage which slows down the operations of a web browser.

Part 1. How to Activate Private Browsing in Safari on Mac

Having discussed the importance/reasons for using private browsing, let's explore how to activate the feature in Safari Mac. Check out the detailed guide down here to get this done:

How to start a private browsing session in Safari

Step 1: Go to the bottom of your Mac home screen and click on the Safari icon in the dock panel to launch the corresponding browser screen.

Step 2: At the upper left corner of the page that appears, locate the File button, and click on it. You should get a flyout menu without several options in response to your click. Select New Private Window to proceed.

Alternatively, you can hold down Shift + Command + N on your keyboard to open a private browsing screen.

Step 3: The next screen that appears is the private browsing page. You will notice a dark Smart Search field on the page just as seen below:

This signifies that you are using incognito or private browsing mode on Safari.

How to open a private tab in Safari

If you are looking to browse multiple private browsing screens, you may have to launch several tabs to ease and hasten your activity. A simple way to do this on your Safari browser is given below:

Step 1: Once you get on the private browsing screen, locate and click on the + icon in the toolbar section. Alternatively, you can press down Command + T .

Step 2: Once done, a new private browsing tab will open. Use the step 1 procedure as many times as you like to launch as many private tabs as you like.  

• If you are just opening Safari and you haven't activated the private browsing mode, all screens that open when you use the Command + T (or click the + icon in the toolbar section) buttons are in normal browsing mode. Your data will be recorded in this mode.

Steps to always browse privately in Safari

For folks that want to go incognito or private browsing mode permanently, use this instructional guide to achieve this:

Step 1: Run the Safari browser on your Mac computer by clicking on the corresponding button in the dock panel.

Step 2: Next, click on the Safari button at the topmost left corner of the browser page and select Settings from the options. If you don't want to use this approach, you can hold down the Command + ,  buttons to open the Preference window. Here's what the Preference window looks like:

Step 2: Click on the General tab, then head to where you have Safari opens with  and click the drop-down menu beside it. Select A new private window .

Step 3: Close the window and start using the Safari private browsing mode to surf the internet anytime any day.

Part 2. How to Deactivate Private Browsing Mode in Safari Mac?

No longer interested in the private browsing mode in Safari Mac? You can deactivate private browsing easily and quickly using the steps down here:

Step 1: Close the current private browsing page by tapping the  Red icon situated at the upper left corner of the Safari page, or use the Command + W to get the same result.

Step 2: Next, launch the Safari browser again and head to where you have the File icon. Click on the corresponding button, then choose New Window to use the regular window for your internet activities.

• The guide above works best when you haven't configured Safari to browse privately permanently. However, if you’ve done that, kindly follow these instructions down here:
• 1. Run Safari and click on the Safari button at the top left corner of the page that comes up.
• 2. Click Settings and navigate to the General tab.
• 3. Now select A new window from the flyout menu beside Safari opens with .

Part 3. Clear Safari Private Browsing History in One-Click- Macube Cleaner

Safari private browsing isn’t completely safe to use, as the browser still reveals some crucial info about you. The Safari private mode stores your IP address, plus download history in its database. If you want to be completely anonymous (safe), you need to install a privacy protection tool that offers top-notch services.

There are several tools you can count on, but we recommend the Macube Cleaner - a multipurpose software program dedicated to offering five star privacy protection services to end-users. This software protects online privacy by simply clearing your browsing data on web browsers such as Safari, Chrome and Firefox.

Macube Cleaner powers one of the best cleaning algorithms that clears your entire Mac to optimize its operations within the shortest time frame. With the simplified interface layout and impressive features tucked into this software, Mac users can quickly create over 500+ GB of memory space with just a few clicks.  

Free Download Free Download

Key Features

• 1-click to clear your Safari private and regular browsing mode without compromising users’ data.
• The fastest Mac cleanup suite with a fast speed to scan and delete unwanted files or data.
• Simplified user interface with easy-to-grasp features you can count on to help you clean up your Mac and optimize the operations.
• Supports over 5+ cleaning modes, such as duplicate finder, uninstaller, large and old files cleaner, file shredder, and many more.
• Macube Cleaner is highly secured, so it's safe to use.

Steps to Clear Safari Private Browsing History

With the simple guide below, you can clear your private browsing history in the Safari browser on your Mac using Macube Cleaner:

Step 1:  Download and install Macube on your Mac computer. Load the software, and click on the Privacy  icon on the left sidebar. (I revised it)

Once done, tap the blue Scan  button to proceed.

Step 2:  Next, the Macube Cleaner will run a quick check on your Mac computer, scanning the Safari, Chrome, and Firefox browsers. When the scanning is over, the software will display the browsing data for each web browser on the left sidebar, just as seen below:

Step 3:  Select the Safari browser, and the corresponding browsing data, including search history, downloads, cookies, and caches, will come up on the right hand panel. Select the browsing history to delete by ticking the box beside the URL link.

Once this is finished, click Clean  and Macube Cleaner will proceed to clear your private browsing history.

Part 4. How to Enable Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone/iPad

If you don't own a Mac computer but have another Apple device like iPhone or iPad, you can also activate the private browsing mode on Safari. The procedure to follow is super easy, and quick.

Once you enable private browsing on Safari, your browsing data is safe and Apple can't track your web activity. Also, no data from your private browsing session will sync to Cloud. This means none of your iCloud-connected devices would have your browsing history.

Choose any of the guides that correspond with your iDevice to enable private browsing on it:

• Click on the Safari browser button on your Home Screen and the page shown below will pop up:

• Next, click the Tabs button located at the bottom right corner of the page. Once done, this page will be displayed on your iPhone screen:

• Click on the [Number] Tabs to launch the window labeled Tab Groups , just as seen below:

• Now click Private and select Done to activate private browsing mode on your Safari browser.

Alternatively,

• You can just hold down the Tabs button at the bottom right corner of your Safari browser page.
• Select Private or New Private Tab  and the private browser window will come up.
• Mind you, the private browsing window will display a black or dark search field instead of white.

• On your iPad Home Screen, find the Safari browser icon and click on it.
• Next, hold down the Tabs button, which is situated in the top right corner of the Safari browser page.

• Choose New Private Tab  to switch from regular mode to private browsing mode.

• Once done, the search field will turn black as opposed to the white color shown when you are using the regular mode.

Part 5. How to Remove Private Browsing Mode in Safari on iPhone/iPad

You can always exit the private browsing mode in Safari on your iPhone or iPad. Here's how to do this for the different iDevices:

• While you are on the Safari browser page, click on the Tabs button.
• Next, hit the Private drop-down menu at the center of the page to access Tab Groups .
• Now click on the [Numbers] Tab  to activate regular browsing mode.

• On the Safari browser page, locate the Tabs button at the top right corner. Click the button to proceed.

• Next, hit the Private drop-down icon and you get the response window down here:

• Now choose the [Number] Tabs and Safari will exit private browsing mode immediately.

Private browsing on Safari a secure way to protect your online privacy while surfing the internet on any Apple device, whether iPhone, iPad or even the Mac computer system. When you activate the function, your browsing data remain hidden. However, mind you, this function doesn’t keep you anonymous completely.

For instance, downloaded files are trackable, as Safari private browsing doesn’t hide them. Also, your IP can be tracked while using the Safari private mode. If you want to remain anonymous, then you need to install the Macube Cleaner to come to your rescue. The software helps you clear your entire browsing session, both in regular and private browsing mode. You should try the software out today!

People Also Read

• [Full version manual] Can My Employer See My Internet History On Phone/Computer?!!
• Clearing Terminal History on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Enable Third-Party Cookies in 5 Popular Browsers on Mac/Windows
• How To Delete Recently Closed Tabs On Browsers Chrome/Safari/Firefox [Step by Step]

Macube Cleaner

Speed ​​up and troubleshoot your Mac super easily with a Macube full-featured free trial!

Macube Cleaner is downloading now...

Install -- Scan your Mac -- Clean it up

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

How to use Safari Private Browsing in macOS Sonoma

Beth Dakin, Apple's Senior Manager, Safari Software Engineering, said during the WWDC keynote that Safari "was the first browser to introduce private browsing." She wasn't kidding - Private Browsing came in with Safari 2.0 in 2004 .

After almost 20 years, the idea has remained the same, even as Apple has introduced new aspects as it has with the forthcoming macOS Sonoma.

Use Private Browsing now and Safari, as ever, does not add to your browser history, and it doesn't record your searches. Nicely, a private window on one of your devices will not automatically open up on your other devices.

How to use Private Browsing on the Mac

• Open Safari on the Mac
• Choose File , New Private Window , or
• Press Shift-Command-N

That opens a new private window and any tab you create within that window will also be private.

That continues to be the case if you close one private among many. However, if you close a last remaining private tab, you're back to regular, non-private browsing.

Similarly, if you close the window — by clicking in the red traffic light icon at top left — you also shut down private browsing.

How to use Private Browsing on iOS 17 and iPadOS 17

• Open Safari
• Tap on the Tabs button (the overlapping squares icon) at bottom right
• Tap on the center icon (three lines with bullets in front)
• From the list of Tab Groups that appears, scroll to almost the bottom
• On the screen that now says "Private Browsing is Locked," tap Unlock
• Unlock with Face ID

Once again, you're now in private browsing and any tab you create will also be a private one.

You can close any private browsing tab by tapping on the Tabs button, then on the small X that appears at top right of each tab thumbnail.

To get out of private browsing on the iPhone or iPad, tap on the center icon at the bottom of the screen and switch to a different tab group.

Only the Private tab group can actually be private, no other one can.

"Private browsing now... completely blocks known trackers from loading on pages," continued Dakin, "and removes tracking from URLs as you browse in private browsing."

And she also pointed out the most visible change to the feature. Now when you have not been actively clicking or scrolling in a private window for a short time, the Mac, iPhone, or iPad assumes you've stepped away from your device.

Consequently, it locks the private window. So all anyone approaching your device can see is that you are using Private Browsing.

They can't see any of the content, and of course they can't unlock the Safari window without the right password, Touch ID , or Face ID.

Sponsored Content

Buckle and Band offers a new take on designer Apple Watch bands for sophisticated owners

Top stories.

The history and triumph of Apple Silicon

iPhone 16 capacitive button rumor resurrected by supply chain report

If you're expecting a Mac mini at WWDC, you're probably going to be disappointed

Apple's macOS 15 to get rare cognitive boost via Project GreyParrot

When to expect every Mac to get the AI-based M4 processor

Featured deals.

Best Buy kicks off new M3 MacBook Air sale, blowout M2 deals up to $400 off still available

Latest comparisons.

M3 15-inch MacBook Air vs M3 14-inch MacBook Pro — Ultimate buyer's guide

M3 MacBook Air vs M1 MacBook Air — Compared

M3 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air — Compared

Latest news.

Meta needs other companies & developers to challenge Apple Vision Pro

Apple's Vision Pro headset is gaining traction, so Meta has opened up its VR operating system to other manufacturers to maintain its lead in a market it previously dominated.

Europe's main financial entity believes Apple's proposed iPhone NFC changes aren't enough

The European Central Bank is opposed to Apple's proposed changes to the iPhone's near-field communication at the core of Apple Pay, and has complained about it to the European Commission.

Apple close to securing $1B TV rights to new FIFA soccer tournament

Apple's next addition to its sports coverage could involve more soccer, with Apple said to be close to signing a billion-dollar deal for a new tournament.

After a weekend round of closeout MacBook Air price cuts, Best Buy is starting the week with fresh discounts on the latest M3 models.

Morgan Stanley weirdly bullish on iPhone as it trims Apple stock price target

Investment bank Morgan Stanley says there are signs of increased iPhone, Mac, and Services revenue for Apple, but it has cut its target price by $10.

Nanoleaf string lights, new air purifiers, Qi2 chargers, & Govee floor lamps on HomeKit Insider

On this episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, we check out a pair of new purifiers, go hands on with the Mophie Qi2 dock, and break down more new product launches.

Apple has bought a French firm to help get AI processing on the iPhone

Apple has quietly acquired another AI firm involved in reducing the size of Large Language Modules for the iPhone, this time Paris-based Datakaleb.

Silicone straps, plastic leather, and Apple's introduction of FineWoven accessories aimed at reducing its carbon footprint have left those looking for a solid luxury Apple Watch band without many options — until now.

How to shoot 3D video for Apple Vision Pro on iPhone 15 Pro

Apple added the ability to record Spatial Video to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max as part of iOS 17.2. Here's how to record video to be viewed on the Apple Vision Pro.

How to make Apple Music more private by turning off 'Discoverable by Nearby Contacts'

Apple Music has a setting that automatically opts users into sharing your musical tastes with contacts by default. Here's what the problem is, and how to keep what you listen to a bit more private.

How to organize Safari tabs using tab groups in iPadOS 17

Safari tab groups have been in iPadOS for several years, and can really help you organize pages you've browsed. Here's how to use them in iPadOS 17.

Latest Videos

All of the specs of the iPhone SE 4 may have just been leaked

The best game controllers for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV

Latest reviews.

Ugreen DXP8800 Plus network attached storage review: Good hardware, beta software

Espresso 17 Pro review: Magnetic & modular portable Mac monitor

Journey Loc8 MagSafe Finder Wallet review: an all-in-one Find My wallet

{{ title }}

{{ summary }}

Want to highlight a helpful answer? Upvote!

Did someone help you, or did an answer or User Tip resolve your issue? Upvote by selecting the upvote arrow. Your feedback helps others!  Learn more about when to upvote >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

New Private Window on safari not available

Hello, as the subject stated I can't open private window on safari. I tried it with google chrome and was able to do it. I also found out that when I tried to delete all cookies from safari preferences, I was not able to do it. I would click "remove all" and nothing would happen. I don't know if that has something to do with it.

MacBook Pro 15", macOS 10.15

Posted on May 12, 2020 8:36 AM

Posted on May 12, 2020 9:19 PM

Yes so on screen time, I had put a put a restriction on social media websites like instagram.com . Under content & privacy, I clicked limit adult website and restricted those social media websites. This is the only change I made. I turned off "content & privacy restrictions " and I was able to open up the private window.

Is there a way to still open up the private window, while still having websites as limited access? Like I want to make sure I can still use private window but at the same time have those social media websites blocked

Similar questions

• How can I make the Private browse on Safari available? My Safari browser will not allow me to choose the Private Window. Can anyone help me? I have updated my software via Apple, but nothing seems to may any difference. Thank you! 357 2
• I cant find private window choice on safari Hello, recently i cant find private window choice in safari, how i can get it back? 251 2
• Safari Private Hi, when I open safari and want to go to private. It doesn’t work it does not open. Normally the words privat are in white but mine are dark gray I can’t klick on it 186 1

Loading page content

Page content loaded

May 12, 2020 9:19 PM in response to Eric Root

May 12, 2020 11:21 AM in response to theballershoots

Also I just found out that this problem is across platforms. My iPad and iPhone are both not showing the private window option. Anyone think it has to do something with my account or like screen time or something like that ?

May 12, 2020 11:47 AM in response to theballershoots

Have you checked Settings/Screen Time and System Preferences/Screen Time for any restrictions?

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.

One thought on “ How to View Safari Private Browsing History on Mac ”

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Arnold Zafra

Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting, how to open a link in new private browsing window in safari for mac.

You can easily open any link found on the web into a new private browsing window on Safari for Mac, thanks to a helpful albeit little-known trick available in the web browser.

For the unfamiliar, Private Browsing mode aims to protect private information and some degree of privacy by preventing websites from tracking search behavior, setting permanent cookies, and insuring that pages and websites you visit are not stored in typical Safari History. This is helpful for many situations, let’s say you see a link on a webpage that you want to open but you don’t want it to appear in your browsing history for whatever reason (or avoid the cookie situation because of a paywall), then you could open a link into the private browsing window.

How to Open Links in Private Browsing Windows in Safari for Mac

Here’s how to open new links directly into private browsing windows on a Mac with Safari:

• Open Safari on the Mac if you have not done so already
• Open any webpage that has links (for example, osxdaily.com )
• Hold down the OPTION key, and then Right-Click (or Control Click) on a link
• Choose “Open in New Private Window” to open that link into a new private browsing mode window of Safari

You can try it out yourself quickly with this very article, just hold down the OPTION / ALT key on the Mac keyboard, then right-click on a link to a website like this for osxdaily.com and choose “Open in New Private Window”.

You must have a modern version of Safari to have this capability available to you. If your Safari version is outdated, you could use Safari Tech Preview instead, or just open a new private browsing window the regular way and then navigate to the link in question. And yes, that means this trick works with Safari Technology Preview too. Perhaps in the future it will just be available as a standard menu selection without holding down the OPTION modifier key.

Of course this is not the only way to enter into private browsing mode on Safari for Mac. You can open new private browsing windows in Safari on Mac OS anytime you’d like with a keystroke (command+shift+N) or by going to the File menu (New Private Window), but being able to open a new link directly into private browsing mode is a nice feature to come to Safari on the Mac.

Chrome for Mac also supports this feature, but you don’t need to hold down any particular keystroke to access it, just a simple right-click or control+click will offer the same option in the pop-up menu of Chrome.

As for iPhone and iPad, this feature does not (yet) exist in iOS Safari when opening new tabs , but you can easily access Private Browsing mode in Safari for iPhone and iPad via the Tabs section.

One thing that’s important to remember is that Private Browsing mode is not an anonymous browsing tool or security feature, it just prevents local storage of browsing data under that session. Private Browsing does not offer any anonymity, IP obfuscation, or other capabilities that are typically associated with truly private sessions, like what’s potentially offered through TOR Onion Browser for Mac (or iOS ), or a high quality anonymizing VPN service.

Enjoy this tip? Subscribe to our newsletter!

Get more of our great Apple tips, tricks, and important news delivered to your inbox with the OSXDaily newsletter. 

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Related articles:

• How to Tell if Safari Private Browsing is Enabled When in Dark Mode for MacOS
• How to Completely Disable Private Browsing in iOS on iPhone and iPad
• Use Private Browsing Mode in Safari for Mac OS X on a Per Window Basis
• How to Use Private Browsing with Safari for iOS 14, iOS 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, etc

» Comments RSS Feed

The private window trick also works on links in Firefox AND on bookmarks.

Same here. Option key not necessary. Just Right Click.

Option key not required, just right click on my mbp.

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Subscribe to OSXDaily

• - How to Use the Latest GPT 4 & DALL-E 3 Free on iPhone & iPad with Copilot
• - 15 Mail Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac
• - How to Use Hover Text on Mac to Magnify On-Screen Text
• - How to Bulk Image Edit on iPhone & iPad wth Copy & Paste Edits to Photos
• - How to Use Apple Watch as Viewfinder & Remote for iPhone Camera
• - Beta 2 of iOS 17.5, iPadOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, Available for Testing
• - Opinion: Shiny Keys on MacBook Air & Pro Are Ugly and Shouldn’t Happen
• - MacOS Ventura 13.6.6 & Safari 17.4.1 Update Available
• - Using M3 MacBook Air in Clamshell Mode May Reduce Performance
• - First Beta of iOS 17.5, macOS Sonoma 14.5, iPadOS 17.5 Released for Testing

iPhone / iPad

• - What Does the Bell with Line Through It Mean in Messages? Bell Icon on iPhone, iPad, & Mac Explained
• - iOS 16.7.7 & iPadOS 16.7.7 Released for Older iPhone & iPad Models
• - Fix a Repeating “Trust This Computer” Alert on iPhone & iPad
• - Make a Website Your Mac Wallpaper with Plash
• - The Best Way to Clean a MacBook Air Keyboard: Microfiber Cloth & KeyboardCleanTool
• - Fix “warning: unable to access /Users/Name/.config/git/attributes Permission Denied” Errors
• - How to Fix the Apple Watch Squiggly Charging Cable Screen
• - NewsToday2: What it is & How to Disable NewsToday2 on Mac
• - Why Did My iPhone Alarm Stop Automatically & Turn Itself Off?

About OSXDaily | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Sitemap

This website is unrelated to Apple Inc

All trademarks and copyrights on this website are property of their respective owners.

© 2024 OS X Daily. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited.

iPhone User Guide

• iPhone models compatible with iOS 17
• R ' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xr-iph017302841/ios' id='toc-item-IPH017302841' data-tocid='IPH017302841' > iPhone X R
• S ' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-iphc00446242/ios' id='toc-item-IPHC00446242' data-tocid='IPHC00446242' > iPhone X S
• S Max' class='toc-item' data-ss-analytics-link-url='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ajax-endpoint='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' data-ss-analytics-event="acs.link_click" href='https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphone-xs-max-iphcd2066870/ios' id='toc-item-IPHCD2066870' data-tocid='IPHCD2066870' > iPhone X S Max
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (3rd generation)
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Setup basics
• Make your iPhone your own
• Take great photos and videos
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Share features with your family
• Use iPhone for your daily routines
• Expert advice from Apple Support
• What’s new in iOS 17
• Turn on and set up iPhone
• Wake and unlock
• Set up cellular service
• Use Dual SIM
• Connect to the internet
• Sign in with Apple ID
• Subscribe to iCloud+
• Find settings
• Set up mail, contacts, and calendar accounts
• Learn the meaning of the status icons
• Charge the battery
• Charge with cleaner energy sources
• Show the battery percentage
• Check battery health and usage
• Use Low Power Mode
• Read and bookmark the user guide
• Learn basic gestures
• Learn gestures for iPhone models with Face ID
• Adjust the volume
• Find your apps in App Library
• Switch between open apps
• Quit and reopen an app
• Multitask with Picture in Picture
• Access features from the Lock Screen
• View Live Activities in the Dynamic Island
• Perform quick actions
• Search on iPhone
• Get information about your iPhone
• View or change cellular data settings
• Travel with iPhone
• Change sounds and vibrations
• Use the Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Create a custom Lock Screen
• Change the wallpaper
• Adjust the screen brightness and color balance
• Keep the iPhone display on longer
• Use StandBy
• Customize the text size and zoom setting
• Change the name of your iPhone
• Change the date and time
• Change the language and region
• Organize your apps in folders
• Add, edit, and remove widgets
• Move apps and widgets on the Home Screen
• Remove apps
• Use and customize Control Center
• Change or lock the screen orientation
• View and respond to notifications
• Change notification settings
• Set up a Focus
• Allow or silence notifications for a Focus
• Turn a Focus on or off
• Stay focused while driving
• Customize sharing options
• Type with the onscreen keyboard
• Dictate text
• Select and edit text
• Use predictive text
• Use text replacements
• Add or change keyboards
• Add emoji and stickers
• Take a screenshot
• Take a screen recording
• Draw in documents
• Add text, shapes, signatures, and more
• Fill out forms and sign documents
• Use Live Text to interact with content in a photo or video
• Use Visual Look Up to identify objects in your photos and videos
• Lift a subject from the photo background
• Subscribe to Apple Arcade
• Play with friends in Game Center
• Connect a game controller
• Use App Clips
• Update apps
• View or cancel subscriptions
• Manage purchases, settings, and restrictions
• Install and manage fonts
• Buy books and audiobooks
• Annotate books
• Access books on other Apple devices
• Listen to audiobooks
• Set reading goals
• Organize books
• Create and edit events in Calendar
• Send invitations
• Reply to invitations
• Change how you view events
• Search for events
• Change calendar and event settings
• Schedule or display events in a different time zone
• Keep track of events
• Use multiple calendars
• Use the Holidays calendar
• Share iCloud calendars
• Camera basics
• Set up your shot
• Apply Photographic Styles
• Take Live Photos
• Take Burst mode shots
• Take a selfie
• Take panoramic photos
• Take macro photos and videos
• Take portraits
• Take Night mode photos
• Take Apple ProRAW photos
• Adjust the shutter volume
• Adjust HDR camera settings
• Record videos
• Record spatial videos for Apple Vision Pro
• Record ProRes videos
• Record videos in Cinematic mode
• Change video recording settings
• Save camera settings
• Customize the Main camera lens
• Change advanced camera settings
• View, share, and print photos
• Use Live Text
• Scan a QR code
• See the world clock
• Set an alarm
• Change the next wake up alarm
• Use the stopwatch
• Use multiple timers
• Add and use contact information
• Edit contacts
• Add your contact info
• Use NameDrop on iPhone to share your contact info
• Use other contact accounts
• Use Contacts from the Phone app
• Merge or hide duplicate contacts
• Export contacts
• Get started with FaceTime
• Make FaceTime calls
• Receive FaceTime calls
• Create a FaceTime link
• Take a Live Photo
• Turn on Live Captions in a FaceTime call
• Use other apps during a call
• Make a Group FaceTime call
• View participants in a grid
• Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together
• Share your screen in a FaceTime call
• Collaborate on a document in FaceTime
• Use video conferencing features
• Hand off a FaceTime call to another Apple device
• Change the FaceTime video settings
• Change the FaceTime audio settings
• Change your appearance
• Leave a call or switch to Messages
• Block unwanted callers
• Report a call as spam
• Connect external devices or servers
• Modify files, folders, and downloads
• Search for files and folders
• Organize files and folders
• Set up iCloud Drive
• Share files and folders in iCloud Drive
• Share your location
• Meet up with a friend
• Send your location via satellite
• Add or remove a friend
• Locate a friend
• Get notified when friends change their location
• Notify a friend when your location changes
• Add your iPhone
• Add your iPhone Wallet with MagSafe
• Get notified if you leave a device behind
• Locate a device
• Mark a device as lost
• Erase a device
• Remove a device
• Add an AirTag
• Share an AirTag or other item in Find My on iPhone
• Add a third-party item
• Get notified if you leave an item behind
• Locate an item
• Mark an item as lost
• Remove an item
• Adjust map settings
• Get started with Fitness
• Track daily activity and change your move goal
• See your activity summary
• Sync a third-party workout app
• Change fitness notifications
• Share your activity
• Subscribe to Apple Fitness+
• Find Apple Fitness+ workouts and meditations
• Start an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Create a Custom Plan in Apple Fitness+
• Work out together using SharePlay
• Change what’s on the screen during an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Download an Apple Fitness+ workout or meditation
• Get started with Freeform
• Create a Freeform board
• Draw or handwrite
• Apply consistent styles
• Position items on a board
• Search Freeform boards
• Share and collaborate
• Delete and recover boards
• Get started with Health
• Fill out your Health Details
• Intro to Health data
• View your health data
• Share your health data
• View health data shared by others
• Download health records
• View health records
• Monitor your walking steadiness
• Log menstrual cycle information
• View menstrual cycle predictions and history
• Track your medications
• Learn more about your medications
• Log your state of mind
• Take a mental health assessment
• Set up a schedule for a Sleep Focus
• Turn off alarms and delete sleep schedules
• Add or change sleep schedules
• Turn Sleep Focus on or off
• Change your wind down period, sleep goal, and more
• View your sleep history
• Check your headphone levels
• Use audiogram data
• Register as an organ donor
• Back up your Health data
• Intro to Home
• Upgrade to the new Home architecture
• Set up accessories
• Control accessories
• Control your home using Siri
• Use Grid Forecast to plan your energy usage
• Set up HomePod
• Control your home remotely
• Create and use scenes
• Use automations
• Set up security cameras
• Use Face Recognition
• Unlock your door with a home key
• Configure a router
• Invite others to control accessories
• Add more homes
• Get music, movies, and TV shows
• Get ringtones
• Manage purchases and settings
• Get started with Journal
• Write in your journal
• Review your past journal entries
• Change Journal settings
• Magnify nearby objects
• Change settings
• Detect people around you
• Detect doors around you
• Receive image descriptions of your surroundings
• Read aloud text and labels around you
• Set up shortcuts for Detection Mode
• Add and remove email accounts
• Set up a custom email domain
• Check your email
• Unsend email with Undo Send
• Reply to and forward emails
• Save an email draft
• Add email attachments
• Download email attachments
• Annotate email attachments
• Set email notifications
• Search for email
• Organize email in mailboxes
• Flag or block emails
• Filter emails
• Use Hide My Email
• Use Mail Privacy Protection
• Change email settings
• Delete and recover emails
• Add a Mail widget to your Home Screen
• Print emails
• Get travel directions
• Select other route options
• Find stops along your route
• View a route overview or a list of turns
• Change settings for spoken directions
• Get driving directions
• Get directions to your parked car
• Set up electric vehicle routing
• Report traffic incidents
• Get cycling directions
• Get walking directions
• Get transit directions
• Delete recent directions
• Get traffic and weather info
• Estimate travel time and ETA
• Download offline maps
• Search for places
• Find nearby attractions, restaurants, and services
• Get information about places
• Mark places
• Share places
• Rate places
• Save favorite places
• Explore new places with Guides
• Organize places in My Guides
• Delete significant locations
• Look around places
• Take Flyover tours
• Find your Maps settings
• Measure dimensions
• View and save measurements
• Measure a person’s height
• Use the level
• Set up Messages
• About iMessage
• Send and reply to messages
• Unsend and edit messages
• Keep track of messages
• Forward and share messages
• Group conversations
• Watch, listen, or play together using SharePlay
• Collaborate on projects
• Use iMessage apps
• Take and edit photos or videos
• Share photos, links, and more
• Send stickers
• Request, send, and receive payments
• Send and receive audio messages
• Animate messages
• Change notifications
• Block, filter, and report messages
• Delete messages and attachments
• Recover deleted messages
• View albums, playlists, and more
• Show song credits and lyrics
• Queue up your music
• Listen to broadcast radio
• Subscribe to Apple Music
• Play music together in the car with iPhone
• Listen to lossless music
• Listen to Dolby Atmos music
• Apple Music Sing
• Find new music
• Add music and listen offline
• Get personalized recommendations
• Listen to radio
• Search for music
• Create playlists
• See what your friends are listening to
• Use Siri to play music
• Change the way music sounds
• Get started with News
• Use News widgets
• See news stories chosen just for you
• Read stories
• Follow your favorite teams with My Sports
• Listen to Apple News Today
• Subscribe to Apple News+
• Browse and read Apple News+ stories and issues
• Download Apple News+ issues
• Listen to audio stories
• Solve crossword puzzles
• Search for news stories
• Save stories in News for later
• Subscribe to individual news channels
• Get started with Notes
• Add or remove accounts
• Create and format notes
• Draw or write
• Add photos, videos, and more
• Scan text and documents
• Work with PDFs
• Create Quick Notes
• Search notes
• Organize in folders
• Organize with tags
• Use Smart Folders
• Export or print notes
• Change Notes settings
• Make a call
• Answer or decline incoming calls
• While on a call
• Set up voicemail
• Check voicemail
• Change voicemail greeting and settings
• Select ringtones and vibrations
• Make calls using Wi-Fi
• Set up call forwarding and call waiting
• Avoid unwanted calls
• View photos and videos
• Play videos and slideshows
• Delete or hide photos and videos
• Edit photos and videos
• Trim video length and adjust slow motion
• Edit Cinematic mode videos
• Edit Live Photos
• Edit portraits
• Use photo albums
• Edit, share, and organize albums
• Filter and sort photos and videos in albums
• Make stickers from your photos
• Duplicate and copy photos and videos
• Merge duplicate photos and videos
• Search for photos
• Identify people and pets
• Browse photos by location
• Share photos and videos
• Share long videos
• View photos and videos shared with you
• Watch memories
• Personalize your memories
• Manage memories and featured photos
• Use iCloud Photos
• Create shared albums
• Add and remove people in a shared album
• Add and delete photos and videos in a shared album
• Set up or join an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Add content to an iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Use iCloud Shared Photo Library
• Import and export photos and videos
• Print photos
• Find podcasts
• Listen to podcasts
• Follow your favorite podcasts
• Use the Podcasts widget
• Organize your podcast library
• Download, save, or share podcasts
• Subscribe to podcasts
• Listen to subscriber-only content
• Change download settings
• Make a grocery list
• Add items to a list
• Edit and manage a list
• Search and organize lists
• Work with templates
• Use Smart Lists
• Print reminders
• Use the Reminders widget
• Change Reminders settings
• Browse the web
• Search for websites
• Customize your Safari settings
• Change the layout
• Use Safari profiles
• Open and close tabs
• Organize your tabs
• View your Safari tabs from another Apple device
• Share Tab Groups
• Use Siri to listen to a webpage
• Bookmark favorite webpages
• Save pages to a Reading List
• Find links shared with you
• Annotate and save a webpage as a PDF
• Automatically fill in forms
• Get extensions
• Hide ads and distractions
• Clear your cache
• Browse the web privately
• Use passkeys in Safari
• Check stocks
• Manage multiple watchlists
• Read business news
• Add earnings reports to your calendar
• Use a Stocks widget
• Translate text, voice, and conversations
• Translate text in apps
• Translate with the camera view
• Subscribe to Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, or an Apple TV channel
• Add your TV provider
• Get shows, movies, and more
• Watch sports
• Watch Major League Soccer with MLS Season Pass
• Control playback
• Manage your library
• Change the settings
• Make a recording
• Play it back
• Edit or delete a recording
• Keep recordings up to date
• Organize recordings
• Search for or rename a recording
• Share a recording
• Duplicate a recording
• Keep cards and passes in Wallet
• Set up Apple Pay
• Use Apple Pay for contactless payments
• Use Apple Pay in apps and on the web
• Track your orders
• Use Apple Cash
• Use Apple Card
• Use Savings
• Pay for transit
• Access your home, hotel room, and vehicle
• Add identity cards
• Use COVID-19 vaccination cards
• Check your Apple Account balance
• Use Express Mode
• Organize your Wallet
• Remove cards or passes
• Check the weather
• Check the weather in other locations
• View weather maps
• Manage weather notifications
• Use Weather widgets
• Learn the weather icons
• Find out what Siri can do
• Tell Siri about yourself
• Have Siri announce calls and notifications
• Add Siri Shortcuts
• About Siri Suggestions
• Use Siri in your car
• Change Siri settings
• Contact emergency services
• Use Emergency SOS via satellite
• Request Roadside Assistance via satellite
• Set up and view your Medical ID
• Use Check In
• Manage Crash Detection
• Reset privacy and security settings in an emergency
• Set up Family Sharing
• Add Family Sharing members
• Remove Family Sharing members
• Share subscriptions
• Share purchases
• Share locations with family and locate lost devices
• Set up Apple Cash Family and Apple Card Family
• Set up parental controls
• Set up a child’s device
• Get started with Screen Time
• Protect your vision health with Screen Distance
• Set up Screen Time
• Set communication and safety limits and block inappropriate content
• Charging cable
• Power adapters
• MagSafe chargers and battery packs
• MagSafe cases and sleeves
• Qi-certified wireless chargers
• Use AirPods
• Use EarPods
• Apple Watch
• Wirelessly stream videos and photos to Apple TV or a smart TV
• Connect to a display with a cable
• HomePod and other wireless speakers
• Pair Magic Keyboard
• Enter characters with diacritical marks
• Switch between keyboards
• Use shortcuts
• Choose an alternative keyboard layout
• Change typing assistance options
• External storage devices
• Bluetooth accessories
• Share your internet connection
• Allow phone calls on your iPad and Mac
• Use iPhone as a webcam
• Hand off tasks between devices
• Cut, copy, and paste between iPhone and other devices
• Stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone
• Start SharePlay instantly
• Use AirDrop to send items
• Connect iPhone and your computer with a cable
• Transfer files between devices
• Transfer files with email, messages, or AirDrop
• Transfer files or sync content with the Finder or iTunes
• Automatically keep files up to date with iCloud
• Use an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service
• Intro to CarPlay
• Connect to CarPlay
• Use your vehicle’s built-in controls
• Get turn-by-turn directions
• Change the map view
• Make phone calls
• View your calendar
• Send and receive text messages
• Announce incoming text messages
• Play podcasts
• Play audiobooks
• Listen to news stories
• Control your home
• Use other apps with CarPlay
• Rearrange icons on CarPlay Home
• Change settings in CarPlay
• Get started with accessibility features
• Turn on accessibility features for setup
• Change Siri accessibility settings
• Open features with Accessibility Shortcut
• Change color and brightness
• Make text easier to read
• Reduce onscreen motion
• Customize per-app visual settings
• Hear what’s on the screen or typed
• Hear audio descriptions
• Turn on and practice VoiceOver
• Change your VoiceOver settings
• Use VoiceOver gestures
• Operate iPhone when VoiceOver is on
• Control VoiceOver using the rotor
• Use the onscreen keyboard
• Write with your finger
• Use VoiceOver with an Apple external keyboard
• Use a braille display
• Type braille on the screen
• Customize gestures and keyboard shortcuts
• Use VoiceOver with a pointer device
• Use VoiceOver for images and videos
• Use VoiceOver in apps
• Use AssistiveTouch
• Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch
• Use Reachability
• Auto-answer calls
• Turn off vibration
• Change Face ID and attention settings
• Use Voice Control
• Adjust the side or Home button
• Use Apple TV Remote buttons
• Adjust pointer settings
• Adjust keyboard settings
• Adjust AirPods settings
• Turn on Apple Watch Mirroring
• Control a nearby Apple device
• Intro to Switch Control
• Set up and turn on Switch Control
• Select items, perform actions, and more
• Control several devices with one switch
• Use hearing devices
• Use Live Listen
• Use sound recognition
• Set up and use RTT and TTY
• Flash the LED for alerts
• Adjust audio settings
• Play background sounds
• Display subtitles and captions
• Show transcriptions for Intercom messages
• Get Live Captions (beta)
• Type to speak
• Record a Personal Voice
• Use Guided Access
• Use built-in privacy and security protections
• Set a passcode
• Set up Face ID
• Set up Touch ID
• Control access to information on the Lock Screen
• Keep your Apple ID secure
• Use passkeys to sign in to apps and websites
• Sign in with Apple
• Share passwords
• Automatically fill in strong passwords
• Change weak or compromised passwords
• View your passwords and related information
• Share passkeys and passwords securely with AirDrop
• Make your passkeys and passwords available on all your devices
• Automatically fill in verification codes
• Automatically fill in SMS passcodes
• Sign in with fewer CAPTCHA challenges
• Use two-factor authentication
• Use security keys
• Manage information sharing with Safety Check
• Control app tracking permissions
• Control the location information you share
• Control access to information in apps
• Control how Apple delivers advertising to you
• Control access to hardware features
• Create and manage Hide My Email addresses
• Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay
• Use a private network address
• Use Advanced Data Protection
• Use Lockdown Mode
• Use Stolen Device Protection
• Receive warnings about sensitive content
• Use Contact Key Verification
• Turn iPhone on or off
• Force restart iPhone
• Back up iPhone
• Return iPhone settings to their defaults
• Restore all content from a backup
• Restore purchased and deleted items
• Sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone
• Erase iPhone
• Install or remove configuration profiles
• Important safety information
• Important handling information
• Find more resources for software and service
• FCC compliance statement
• ISED Canada compliance statement
• Ultra Wideband information
• Class 1 Laser information
• Apple and the environment
• Disposal and recycling information
• Unauthorized modification of iOS

Browse privately in Safari on iPhone

Visit sites privately

You can use Private Browsing to open private tabs that don’t appear in History on iPhone or in the list of tabs on your other devices. Tabs in Private Browsing aren’t shared with your other Apple devices, even if you’re signed in with the same Apple ID .

If you have a passcode set on your iPhone, Private Browsing locks when it’s not in use. Private Browsing may not lock immediately.

Swipe right on the tab bar at the bottom of the screen until Private Browsing opens, then tap Unlock.

Note: Any Safari extensions you have installed that have access to browsing data are automatically turned off in Private Browsing. To turn on an extension in Private Browsing, see Use extensions .

Choose a search engine for Private Browsing

Tap Private Search Engine, then choose a search engine.

View the Privacy Report

Safari helps prevent trackers from following you across websites and viewing your IP address. You can review the Privacy Report to see a summary of trackers that have been encountered and prevented by Intelligent Tracking Prevention on the current webpage you’re visiting. You can also review and adjust Safari settings to keep your browsing activities private from others who use the same device, and help protect yourself from malicious websites.

Use iCloud Private Relay to browse the web with more privacy

When you subscribe to iCloud+ , you can use iCloud Private Relay to help prevent websites and network providers from creating a detailed profile about you. When iCloud Private Relay is turned on, the traffic leaving your iPhone is encrypted and sent through two separate internet relays. This prevents websites from seeing your IP address and exact location while it prevents network providers from collecting your browsing activity in Safari.

See Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPhone to learn how to:

Turn iCloud Private Relay completely on or off for your iPhone.

Turn iCloud Private Relay on or off for a specific Wi-Fi or cellular network.

Turn iCloud Private Relay off temporarily.

Set the specificity of your IP address location.

Temporarily allow a website to see your IP address

If a website relies on IP filtering, monitoring, or rate-limiting, it might require your IP address to be visible. You can turn off iCloud Private Relay temporarily for that website only.

Note: iCloud Private Relay isn’t available in all countries or regions. See the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website .

Tap Show IP Address.

Your IP address remains visible to that website until you leave the website or close its Safari tab. iCloud Private Relay remains on for other websites.

To turn off or pause iCloud Private Relay for all websites, see Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPhone .

Control privacy and security settings for Safari

Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: Safari limits third-party cookies and data by default. Turn this option off to allow cross-site tracking.

Hide IP address: Safari automatically protects your IP address from known trackers. For eligible iCloud+ subscribers, your IP address is protected from trackers and websites as you browse in Safari. If this option is off, your IP address isn’t hidden.

Fraudulent Website Warning: Safari displays a warning if you’re visiting a suspected phishing website. Turn this option off if you don’t want to be warned about fraudulent websites.

Camera: Choose whether Safari websites can use your camera without asking you first. Tap Camera, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

Microphone: Choose whether Safari websites can use your microphone without asking you first. Tap Microphone, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.

Location: Choose whether Safari websites can use your location without asking you first. Tap Location, then choose Ask, Deny, or Allow.