How To Turn Off Private Browsing on iPhone or Mac? Step-by-Step Guide (Answered)

Have you ever turned on private browsing on your phone or tablet to search for something embarrassing or spicy that would be awkward to share in front of the world?

Yes, right! We all have been there.

Once you start using private browsing, you can’t stop. But if something unexpected happens, you need to know exactly how to turn off private browsing.

Therefore, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to turn off private browsing on iPhone and Android. So, follow along till the end to learn the simplest ways to turn it off.

How Does Apple Private Browsing Work?

Safari, the default browser for iOS users, has a private browsing feature that works similarly to Google Chrome’s incognito mode. While private browsing on Safari, users get several key benefits, which are mentioned below; give it a good read.

1. Private browsing prevents browsers from saving your search data, visited pages, autofill information, and passwords.
2. When you are browsing privately on Safari, your IP address is protected from potential thefts.
3. Some websites take third-party access, which can be a potential theft of your data. Browsing privately saves you from this trouble.
4. Most importantly, if you are visiting a website that is suspected of online phishing, browsing privately will warn you with a pop-up on the screen.

Now that you know what is Apple private browsing, you should also know how to turn off private browsing !? Read the next section to learn quick ways to disable private browsing on an iPhone.

Quick Ways to Disable Private Browsing on iPhone

There are two quick ways to disable private browsing data on an iPhone: one is by using the Safari app, and the other is through Settings. 

Here’s how to turn off private browsing on iPhone!

Using Safari App

Not being able to turn off private browsing data on iPhones can be a little frustrating, but here is a simple way to disable private browsing by using the Safari app.

1. First and foremost, unlock your iPhone.

2. Look for ‘Safari’.

   

3. Click on Safari, look at the three horizontal lines with dots and tap on it.

   

4. Now you’ll see two tabs: Private and Normal. Hit on the Private option.

   

5. Change tabs from sliding left to right; Private to Normal.

   

By Settings App

In case you are tired of changing tabs over and over again, the iPhone gives its users an exclusive feature, which is the ability to permanently disable private browsing by using the Settings app. 

1. Firstly, unlock your iPhone.

2. Look for ‘Settings’.

   

3. Scroll down and find ‘Screen Time’ and click on it.

   

4. Search for ‘Content and Privacy Restrictions.’

   

5. Tap on it and turn it on by sliding the toggle.

   

Now you know how to turn off private browsing on an iPhone. Moving on, let’s discuss how you can do the same on a MacBook. 

How To Turn Off Private Browsing on Mac?

Although Apple mostly offers the same kind of features on Macs, it is comparatively easier to disable on Macs than on iPhones. Below is a step-by-step guide mentioned for turning off private browsing on Mac.

1. Open the ‘Safari’ app on your Mac.

2. On opening, click on the ‘Files’ option.

   

3. Click on the cross, and here you go, finally disabled in a few clicks.

   

Knowing how to turn off private browsing on iPhone and Mac won’t be enough, especially if you need to operate Android devices or Windows at work or in university. Hence, read the following section to know the method to switch off or on incognito mode if you are an Android user or a Windows user. 

How To Switch Off or On Incognito Mode For Android And Windows Users?

To provide a simplified guide on how to disable or enable incognito mode for Android or Windows users, please refer to the following content.

Using Google Chrome App on Android Phone

Follow the below-listed steps to turn off or on incognito mode by using the Google Chrome app.

1. First and foremost, unlock your Android phone.

2. Search for ‘Google Chrome’.

   

3. Click on the vertical ellipsis in the right corner.

   

4. Tap on ‘Incognito Window’, to turn it on.

   

5. Now, to turn off the ‘Incognito Window’, simply clear it from the recent apps.

   

By Google Chrome on Windows

Kindly adhere to the instructions provided below to enable or disable incognito mode for Windows users.

1. First, unlock your laptop/system.

2. Search for the ‘Google Chrome’ application and click on that.

   

3. Click on the vertical ellipsis on the right side and tap on ‘Incognito Window’.

   

4. Or, open a new tab and run the shortcut command Shift + Ctrl + N. It will navigate you directly to the incognito window.

   

5. Now, if you want to close or turn off, click on the cross in the top right corner.

   

Wrapping Up!

Undoubtedly, the private browsing feature is a bane for all the users out there because it protects their IP address, never saves their web search history, warns them from potential thefts and much more.

Irrespective of the key features, not knowing how to turn off private browsing on iPhone could be frustrating sometimes. If you want to avoid getting stuck in such situations, you can disable it with a few clicks by following the aforementioned instructions.