Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone (2024)

You can use PrivateBrowsing to open private tabs that don’t appear in History on iPhone or in the list of tabs on your other devices. Tabs in PrivateBrowsing 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, PrivateBrowsing locks when it’s not in use. PrivateBrowsing may not lock immediately.

  1. Open the Safari app Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone (1) on your iPhone.

  2. Tap Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone (2).

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

    To exit PrivateBrowsing, tap Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone (3), then swipe left to open a TabGroup from the menu at the bottom of your screen. The websites you have open in PrivateBrowsing stay open, and PrivateBrowsing locks.

Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone (4)

To prevent PrivateBrowsing from locking, go to Settings Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone (5)> Safari, then turn off Require Passcode to Unlock PrivateBrowsing, Require Face ID to Unlock PrivateBrowsing (supported models), or Require Touch ID to Unlock PrivateBrowsing (supported models).

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

Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone (2024)

FAQs

Browse the web privately in Safari on iPhone? ›

Open Safari on your iPhone. Tap [number] Tabs or Start Page to show the Tab Groups list. Tap Private, then tap Done.

Is Safari private browsing actually private? ›

Is Safari Private Browsing actually private? While Safari Private Browsing does provide a certain level of privacy, it is not entirely foolproof or impenetrable. It's essential to be aware of the shortcomings and the parties who may still be able to track your data even when you're using Safari's private browsing mode.

Is there a way to see history on private browser iPhone? ›

It's not possible to check your iPhone's private browsing history because the primary purpose of private browsing is to prevent the device from storing any search history, cookies, or other browsing-related information.

How do I navigate privately in Safari? ›

Here's how to enable “incognito mode” on Safari if you're using a Mac.
  1. With Safari open on your Mac, select File from the top menu bar, and then choose New Private Window. You can also input the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + N.
  2. Safari will open a new Private Browsing window.
Dec 18, 2020

How to unlock private browsing on iPhone? ›

How to turn Locked Private Browsing on or off on iPhone or iPad
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
  3. Scroll down to Privacy & Security, then turn on Require Face ID (or Touch ID) to Unlock Private Browsing. Or turn it off, if you don't want your private windows to lock.
Nov 15, 2023

Can you be tracked on Private Browsing Safari? ›

Private Browsing Mode is a neat privacy feature for Safari users who want to easily hide their browsing histories. However, that's where its privacy protection ends. You can still be tracked even if you use Private Browsing.

How safe is iPhone Private Browsing? ›

Bottom line

All in all, it is possible to trace your private browsing on the iPhone not by the other user of the system but by your network provider and system administrator. So, it is the best choice to use VPN even when you are privately browsing on your phone.

Can iPhone private browsing history be recovered? ›

In general, it is not possible to directly see the incognito history on an iPhone. However, you can use professional data recovery software to access and recover deleted browsing data, including incognito history.

How can I see what has been viewed in private browsing? ›

How to see incognito history
  1. Click the Start menu.
  2. Type cmd in the search bar to open Command Prompt.
  3. Click Run as administrator.
  4. Enter the command ipconfig/displaydns.
  5. Hit Enter. You'll see your DNS cache history.
Aug 9, 2023

How do I see someone's Safari history? ›

Open iCloud in your browser. Sign in to your loved one's account using their credentials. Enter a confirmation code from their iPhone. Find Safari among other apps and view their history.

How to browse privately? ›

You can also use a keyboard shortcut to open an Incognito window: Windows, Linux, or Chrome OS: Press Ctrl + Shift + n.

Why is there no Private Browsing on Safari? ›

If you've adjusted your Screen Time settings to restrict content, then this is also what removed your Private browsing button. Follow these steps to put it back: 1) Open the Settings app and select Screen Time. 2) Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

What is incognito mode on iPhone? ›

Incognito mode is a feature provided by web browsers to enhance privacy by not storing browsing history, cookies, or other data locally on the device.

How to tell if someone is using private browsing on iPhone? ›

While Private Browsing is on, the Safari address bar appears black or dark instead of white or gray.

How do you set your iPhone to private browsing? ›

Apple iPhone - Turn Private Browsing On / Off
  1. From a Home screen on your Apple® iPhone®, tap. Safari. . If unavailable, swipe left to access the App Library.
  2. Pages icon. (at the bottom).
  3. If applicable, tap the. Tab bar arrow icon. (at the bottom center).
  4. Private. to turn on. To turn off, select a different tab group.
May 9, 2024

Can parents disable private browsing on iPhone? ›

Safari. Tap Limit Adult Websites to disable private browsing. Please note: Kids can access other browser apps on their devices, but you can set app limits using Apple Screentime as well.

Can police see Safari private browsing history? ›

If you are already charged with a crime, your browser data (including your search history) can be subpoenaed by the prosecution. For instance, your internet history can be used against you to establish a motive for a crime or that you had the knowledge to commit a crime – even if you were browsing in “private” mode.

Does private browsing really stay private? ›

Incognito or private mode will keep your local browsing private, but it won't stop your ISP, school, or employer from seeing where you've been online. In fact, your ISP has access to all your browsing activity pretty much no matter what you do. You can, however, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.

Can someone see my private browsing? ›

Incognito mode doesn't prevent web tracking

Incognito mode does not mean you're browsing anonymously. Personal information like your device's IP address and what you're doing on a website (especially while logged in) is visible to others around the web who might be tracking you online.

Can WIFI see Safari private browsing? ›

Ways To Block WIFI Owners From Seeing Your Browsing History

Incognito mode can hide your browsing history from a particular device, but it's not perfect. The wireless router still logs it, and the information can remain on your computer.

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