Whether you want an extra privacy period, or simply for an hour so that you can shop for the perfect present for someone who shares your computer, we’re here to help teach you how to use Incognito mode on a Google Chromebook.
To learn how simply follow our step-by-step guide below, or for any additional information or other queries, see our FAQs at the end of this article.
Table of Contents
How to use Incognito mode on a Google Chromebook (keyboard shortcuts)
- Power up your Chromebook and sign in to your Google account
- Next, open up the Chrome browser (where Incognito mode is to take effect)
- Now, on your keyboard, press CTRL + SHIFT + N together
- A new Incognito window will open, in which you can browse in privacy
- Once you’re finished browsing in Incognito mode, simply cross off/close the window the way you would any regular browser window, via the X in the top-right
How to use Incognito mode on a Google Chromebook (via settings)
- Power up your Chromebook and sign in to your Google account
- Next, open up the Chrome browser (where Incognito mode is to take effect)
- Now, click the three vertical menu dots in the top right
- From the drop-down menu, select ‘New incognito window’
- A new Incognito window will open, in which you can browse in privacy
- Once you’re finished browsing in Incognito mode, simply cross off/close the window the way you would any regular browser window, via the X in the top-right
And there you have it! In just five or six simple steps, you can enter into and exit out of Incognito mode in the Chrome browser on your Google Chromebook to your heart’s content.
To learn more about what Incognito mode does, and for any additional information, see the FAQs below.
Frequently asked questions
What is Incognito mode?
Incognito mode is a browsing mode established on Google Chrome to allow greater user privacy and protection when surfing the internet. There are many different versions of incognito mode across various different web browsers, and they all essentially work the same way.
When you enter Incognito mode, a separate window is opened for you to browse in, which operates as regular Chrome does, except for a few key differences. When in Incognito mode, Chrome does not save your browser history, cookies and site data, or data you enter into forms on sites.
Whilst using Incognito mode can stop other people who use your computer (or Google Account) from seeing what you’ve been up to, websites you visit, as well as your school or office administrator (if you are using a company or school device, or are on company or school internet), as well as your internet service provider, may all still be able to see your activity.
Furthermore, any bookmarks you save or downloads you make will remain intact once you exit Incognito mode.
Why would I want to use Incognito mode on my Google Chromebook?
There is any number of reasons why you might want to use Incognito mode on your Google Chromebook, and they most certainly don’t have to be illicit or potentially embarrassing (though using this mode for such reasons remains one of the major motivators for Chrome users).
We think that probably the best use of Incognito mode is on a shared computer when shopping for presents, or organizing activities for another user of the computer. Incognito mode means that they’ll never have a clue you were searching for that perfect present, or booking that vacation until you tell them yourself! Especially handy in the approach to birthdays and holidays.
What happens to my browser history once I exit Incognito mode?
It is wiped entirely from your computer as if it never existed in the first place. In other words, whatever sites you visit or searches in a search engine you make, the record of this activity will not be saved on your Chromebook, or to your Google Account. Whilst your internet provider, the websites themselves, and any associated school or company administrators could technically still have access to this activity, any other user of your computer or Google account will not be able to see any of your Incognito browsing histories.
