Would you like to surf the Internet in a more private way? Would you like to surf the Internet without having cookies stored on your computer, and without having your browser remember your surf history for ages? Did you know that all browser have privacy more or something using the same name which will help you stay safer as you surf the Internet?
But, how can you actually turn on the privacy mode in the different browsers? How you can use Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave and Opera, without having the browser remember everything you do, without letting the browser store your passwords, and without loading up your browser with cookies telling where you have been and all sorts of other information?
Surfing the Internet using the so-called privacy mode, incognito mode, or something carrying a similar name is also useful when bypassing geo-blocks, as your browser often stores information about your location. As a result, you might actually get error messages about websites being blocked in your normal browser using a VPN (which actually works with a service), and if that is so, it might be time to turn on the privacy mode. This is, for example true, if you try to watch BBC abroad using a VPN that works with their service.
Turn on privacy mode in Google Chrome
It is very easy to use the privacy mode in Google Chrome, but you better know that they do not call it privacy mode, but instead, they call it Incognito mode. To turn this on, click the settings button in the upper right corner of your browser (normally three dots), and select “New Incognito Window.” There is also a keyboard shortcut for this function which is Ctrl+Shift+N.
Once you surf in this mode, you will notice that there is no surf history, and there are no passwords stored in your browser either.
Turn on privacy mode in Mozilla Firefox
If you want to turn on the privacy mode in Mozilla Firefox, you have an easy job lying ahead. Press the settings button in the upper right corner (three lines) and then select “New Privacy Window.” There is also a keyboard shortcut for the privacy window in Mozilla Firefox, and that is Ctrl+Shift+P.
Once again you will notice that there is no surf history in the browser, and there are no passwords stored, and you will not be logged in to any sites you have previously visited during the normal surfing mode.
Surf in Privacy mode in Opera
In Opera, the menu button is hidden by default, thus making it a bit harder to find the text saying “New Privacy Window.” The best way to find it might be to press the Alt button on your keyboard, which normally will make the menu show up, and you will then be able to press the New Privacy Window text in the menu. Another way to open a new browser window in Privacy mode in Opera is by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N.
How to turn on Privacy Mode in Microsoft Edge?
Are you surfing using the Microsoft recommended browser, coming with all the Window operating systems? How can you surf safely using this browser? It is just as easy as in the other browser, and it can be done in this way.
- Click the three dots in the upper right corner (the settings) button.
- Select “New InPrivate Window.”
You are now surfing in the Private mode in Microsoft Edge, for some reason called InPrivate Window. Unlike Firefox, Chrome, and Opera, there is no hotkey option to open this, meaning that you will have to open it from the menu as described above.
The best browser for privacy – Brave
If you are using the Brave browser, which many people consider to be the best for privacy, you probably know how to turn on the privacy mode already. If you don’t, this is what you need to do.
- Press the settings button in the upper right corner (three lines).
- Select “New Private Window” or “New Private Window with Tor.”
You are now ready to surf safely without having cookies stored on your computer, and without saving your surf history in your browser or elsewhere.
But, what is the difference between the normal Private Window and the Private Window with Tor in the Brave browser?
If you just want to keep your computer safe from stored cookies, surf history and more, then the private window is normally enough. But, would you like to surf online in a way that will make it impossible for your ISP and others to track down your online activities? If that is so, make sure to use the Privave Window with Tor option. This will lead your traffic through the Tor network, making it almost impossible to track you down, as it will seem like the traffic coming to the website you are visiting isn’t coming from you, but from some other node located somewhere in the Tor network.
As a result, the Tor option inside the Brave browser is by far the best for those who value privacy, but if you do not fear your ISP sniffing into your online activities, just go for the normal privacy modes available in the different browsers.
Surf even more secured with a VPN
Would you like to stay safe all the time online, without letting your ISP know about your whereabouts and what you do online? A VPN is the best solution as they also support high speeds, while the Tor network will slow you down and it isn’t built for activities such as streaming or download larger files.
You can read much more about different VPN providers worth using here in our IP Address Guide.
Do you have a favorite browser? Do you normally use the privacy more, the InPrivate Window, or maybe the Incognito mode in Chrome? Or maybe you like using the Brave browser instead? We would love to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, or hear whatever might be on your heart. Write a comment beneath and let us know what is on your heart!
