Privacy is important when using your iPhone and iPad, and if you’re using Chrome, your browsing activities and search history can be tracked. In addition, loved ones can easily pick up your iPhone and gain access to information that you don’t want them to see. Thankfully, there’s Incognito mode. Learn how to go incognito on Google with your iPhone or iPad, and how to turn off Incognito mode.

Why You’ll Love This Tip

Browse for gifts for your loved ones without surprises being spoiled.
Log in to multiple accounts at the same time without constantly logging out.

How to Turn On Incognito Mode & How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Chrome

System Requirements

This tip works on any iPhone using iOS 12 or later, but it was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro running iOS 26. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.

Incognito mode prevents Google's Chrome browser from saving your activity data on your iPhone by prompting Chrome to remove data and cookies related to each browsing session. It also doesn’t tell websites when you’re browsing privately.

On the other hand, Incognito mode doesn’t prevent a website from knowing your identity, and it doesn’t stop your visited websites, your school, employer, or your internet service provider from seeing your activity. It also doesn’t prevent websites that you’ve visited from providing ads during an Incognito session. Along with searching in Incognito Mode, doing a reverse image search can be useful when browsing in Google.

Before you begin, make sure that the Chrome app for iOS devices is downloaded.

Open the Chrome app.
Log in to your Google account, if needed.
In the lower-right corner, tap the three dots to open the menu.
Tap New Incognito Tab in the menu.
You may be asked to enter your iPhone passcode.
You will notice a status message and a short explanation displayed in the main section of the Chrome browser window. There will also be an icon with a hat and a pair of glasses to the left of the address bar, located at the top of the screen. Enter a URL or search term in the address bar.
To clear an Incognito tab, tap the X to close the window.
Turn off Incognito mode the same way you'd close an app, by swiping up, then flicking the window off your screen.

Now you know how to enable Google Chrome’s Incognito mode on your iPhone or iPad, and how to turn off Incognito mode. You can also learn how to use your iPhone to view open Chrome tabs on your Mac. Be sure to check out our free Tip of the Day for more great private browsing tutorials.