Browse private mode, or 'Incognito' as Google calls it, protects users from various web trackers that could compromise their Privacy. Today, we'll show you how you can always open Google Chrome y Mozilla Firefox in incognito (private) mode by default on Android.
How to always open Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox in incognito mode on Android
The method to open your navigator Incognito mode by default is relatively similar for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. We are using Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox for the demo below, but you can use the same method for Microsoft Edge and most other Android browsers that offer an incognito browsing option. Let's see how you can open Chrome, Firefox or Edge in incognito (private) mode by default on your android mobile phone.
How to open the incognito tab in Google Chrome
You can easily open Google Chrome in incognito mode by default on your phone by following the below tutorial.
- Launch Google Chrome and tap on the menu button (three dots) in the top right corner. Now select 'New Incognito Tab' from the slideout menu.
- That's it, now you can browse in incognito mode in Google Chrome on your Android device.
In incognito mode, Chrome won't store any information about that browsing session. Which means that all browsing history, cookies and trackers from that session will be deleted when you exit the browser.
How to open a private tab in Mozilla Firefox
- Open Firefox and tap the private tab symbol (masquerade mask) to open a private tab. Another way to do this is by tapping the tab counter [1] > Private tab symbol [2] > «+ Private» sign [3].
- That's it. You can now browse privately in Mozilla Firefox on your Android device. You can touch the skin icon again to return to normal browsing.
Firefox will not store private tab information. That means all cookies and trackers collected during that session will be deleted when you exit the browser.
Note: The method is the same for MS Edge. Simply tap the tab counter button, select 'InPrivate' from the pop-up menu, and tap the "+" button to start browsing InPrivate.
Always open Chrome or Firefox in incognito (private) mode by default
To always open your internet browser in incognito (private) mode by default, try the following trick:
- Press and hold the Chrome or Firefox browser icon until the options menu appears. For Chrome, long press the 'New incognito tab' option in this menu and drag it to the home screen. For Firefox, do the same for the 'New Private Tab' option.
- That's it! From now on, simply select the new Incognito/Private tab icon to open Chrome or Firefox.
Note: This method to open Chrome or Firefox in incognito or private mode by default requires Android 7.0 Nougat or higher. It works on most OEM ROMs and is also compatible with most third-party user layers..
Always open Firefox in private mode by default with built-in option
While the above method works for most browsers on newer versions of Android, Firefox also offers a built-in option to open private windows by default every time. It works on all versions of Android, but it's especially useful for people running Android Marshmallow and earlier versions.
This is how you do it:
Note: Update Firefox from the Play Store to ensure you have the latest version available.
- The first time you switch to private browsing, Firefox will show you an option to add a shortcut to open private tabs from your home screen. Tap on it to add it to your Android phone.
- You can also add the private browsing shortcut later manually. To do that, tap the menu button (three points) and select Settings.
Note: The menu button is at the bottom right by default in newer versions of Firefox. However, you can change it back to the top from Settings > Customize > Toolbar.
- Scroll down a bit and tap Private browsing in Privacy and Security. Finally touch Add private browsing shortcut.
- This is what the shortcuts look like when added to the home screen.
Browse the web in complete privacy on your Android device
You now know how to always navigate using the way Incognito (private) by default on Android, using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. While that's one of the ways to maintain your privacy online, it's not the only thing to keep in mind. One of the best ways to ensure that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) cannot snoop on your connections is to change the DNS settings on your Android device. You can also try using a VPN on Android, if you want a little extra privacy.
Finally, be careful never to install these dangerous applications on your Android device to ensure your peace of mind. You may also be interested in how to activate the incognito mode in google maps for android. If this trick for your Android was useful to you, leave an affirmative or negative comment.