How to Turn Off Incognito Mode: Complete Guide for All Browsers
- Eliodra Rechel
- Jul 17
- 6 min read
Incognito or private browsing mode can be useful for maintaining privacy, but sometimes you need to exit this mode and return to normal browsing. Whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps to turn off incognito mode on any device. We'll cover everything from closing active sessions to using parental controls to restrict access to private browsing.
Understanding Incognito Mode and Why You Might Want to Exit
Incognito mode (also called private browsing) is a feature that prevents your browser from saving your browsing history, cookies, site data, and information entered in forms. While useful for privacy, there are several reasons you might want to turn it off:
Incognito mode vs. normal browsing mode
You want to save your browsing history
You need to access saved passwords
You want to use browser extensions that are disabled in incognito
You're setting up parental controls
You prefer to stay logged into websites
Important: While incognito mode provides some privacy from other users of your device, it doesn't make you anonymous online. Your internet service provider, employer, or the websites you visit may still track your activity.
How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Google Chrome
Exiting incognito mode in Chrome
On Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Look for the incognito window, which has a dark theme and the incognito icon (a spy figure with hat) in the top-right corner
Simply close the incognito window by clicking the X in the top-right corner (Windows/Linux) or top-left corner (macOS)
Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+W (Windows/Linux) or Command+Shift+W (macOS) to close the incognito window
To switch from incognito to normal browsing while keeping both open, just click on a normal Chrome window
On Mobile Devices (iPhone, iPad, Android)
Open the Chrome app that's currently in incognito mode
Tap the tabs icon in the top-right corner (it will show the number of open tabs)
For iPhone/iPad: Tap the "Incognito" tab at the bottom, then tap "Done" in the bottom-right
For Android: Tap the square tabs icon, then tap the "X" on each incognito tab or use the menu (three dots) and select "Close incognito tabs"
You'll be returned to normal browsing mode
"Open Chrome. According to your post, it should already be in Incognito mode. Tap on the Tabs Square (Bottom Right next to Plus sign). Tap on the center square icon at the top. You should now be out of incognito mode."
- Axel Foley, Apple Support Community
How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Firefox
Exiting private browsing in Firefox
On Desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Identify the private browsing window by looking for the purple mask icon in the top-right corner
Close the private browsing window by clicking the X in the top-right corner (Windows/Linux) or top-left corner (macOS)
Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+W (Windows/Linux) or Command+Shift+W (macOS)
If you have both normal and private windows open, simply click on the normal Firefox window to switch
On Mobile Devices (iPhone, iPad, Android)
Open the Firefox app that's currently in private browsing mode
Tap the tabs icon (it shows the number of open tabs)
For iPhone/iPad: Tap "Private" at the bottom to see private tabs, then tap "X" on each tab or tap "Close All" to close all private tabs
For Android: Tap the mask icon to see private tabs, then close each tab individually or tap the menu (three dots) and select "Close private tabs"
You'll be returned to normal browsing mode
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How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Safari
Exiting private browsing in Safari
On macOS (Desktop)
Identify the private browsing window by its dark address bar and search field
Close the private browsing window by clicking the red X button in the top-left corner
Alternatively, press Command+Shift+W to close the private window
To exit private browsing mode while keeping Safari open: Click "File" in the menu bar, then "New Window" to open a normal browsing window
On iPhone and iPad
Open Safari that's currently in private browsing mode
Tap the tabs icon in the bottom-right corner (iPhone) or top-right corner (iPad)
Look for "Private" in the bottom-left corner (iPhone) or top-left corner (iPad) which should be highlighted
Tap on "Private" to toggle it off
You'll be switched to your normal browsing tabs
If you want to close all private tabs, tap "Done" (iPhone) or tap and hold the tabs icon and select "Close All Tabs" (iPad)
Turning off private browsing in Safari on iPhone
How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Microsoft Edge
Exiting InPrivate browsing in Microsoft Edge
On Desktop (Windows, macOS)
Identify the InPrivate browsing window by looking for the "InPrivate" label in the top-right corner and the blue InPrivate icon
Close the InPrivate window by clicking the X in the top-right corner
Alternatively, press Ctrl+Shift+W (Windows) or Command+Shift+W (macOS)
If you have both normal and InPrivate windows open, simply click on the normal Edge window to switch
On Mobile Devices (iPhone, iPad, Android)
Open the Edge app that's currently in InPrivate mode
Tap the tabs icon in the bottom bar (it shows the number of open tabs)
Look for the "InPrivate" section or tabs with the InPrivate icon
Tap the X on each InPrivate tab to close it
Alternatively, tap the menu (three dots) and select "Close all InPrivate tabs"
You'll be returned to normal browsing mode
Closing InPrivate tabs in Edge mobile app
Using Parental Controls to Restrict Incognito Mode
If you want to prevent incognito mode from being used at all (such as on a child's device), here are methods for different browsers:
Parental control settings to disable incognito browsing
Chrome
Use Family Link (Android/Chromebook)
Enable supervised user
Use Group Policy (Windows)
Use third-party parental control software
Firefox
Edit about:config settings
Use third-party parental control software
Create a restricted user account
Safari
Use Screen Time settings
Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions
Set up Family Sharing
Note: Parental control methods may vary depending on the device and operating system version. Always check the latest documentation for your specific setup.
Clearing Browsing History After Exiting Incognito Mode
If you've been using normal browsing mode and want to clear your history afterward (similar to what incognito mode does automatically), here's how:
Browser history clearing options
Browser | Keyboard Shortcut | Menu Path |
Chrome | Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) Command+Shift+Delete (Mac) | Menu > History > Clear browsing data |
Firefox | Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) Command+Shift+Delete (Mac) | Menu > History > Clear Recent History |
Safari | Command+Option+E | Safari > History > Clear History |
Edge | Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) Command+Shift+Delete (Mac) | Menu > Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data |
Browser-Specific Shortcuts to Exit Incognito Mode
Keyboard shortcuts for exiting incognito mode
Windows/Linux Shortcuts
Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+W (close incognito window)
Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+W (close private window)
Edge: Ctrl+Shift+W (close InPrivate window)
All browsers: Alt+Tab (switch to normal window)
macOS Shortcuts
Chrome: Command+Shift+W (close incognito window)
Firefox: Command+Shift+W (close private window)
Safari: Command+Shift+W (close private window)
Edge: Command+Shift+W (close InPrivate window)
All browsers: Command+Tab (switch to normal window)
Mobile gestures for closing incognito tabs
Frequently Asked Questions About Incognito Mode
Does turning off incognito mode restore my previous browsing session?
No, when you exit incognito mode, you won't automatically return to your previous normal browsing session with all tabs restored. You'll need to manually reopen the tabs you had open before entering incognito mode. Some browsers offer session restore features, but these typically don't work across incognito and normal browsing modes.
Can I permanently disable incognito mode on my browser?
Yes, but the method varies by browser. For Chrome, you can use Group Policy on Windows or profile management on enterprise systems. Firefox requires editing about:config settings. Safari can be restricted using Screen Time on macOS and iOS. For most browsers, third-party parental control software offers the simplest solution for home users.
How do I know if I'm browsing in incognito mode?
Each browser has visual indicators for incognito/private browsing:
Chrome: Dark theme with a spy icon in the top corner
Firefox: Purple mask icon in the top corner
Safari: Dark address bar and search field
Edge: "InPrivate" label with a blue icon
Will my downloads be deleted when I exit incognito mode?
No, files you download during incognito browsing are saved to your device and will remain after you exit incognito mode. However, the record of the download in your browser's download history may be removed when you close the incognito window.
How can I completely delete incognito mode from my iPhone?
You cannot completely remove the incognito/private browsing feature from browsers on iPhone. However, you can restrict access to it using Screen Time settings. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content, and select "Limit Adult Websites" or "Allowed Websites Only" to gain more control over browsing.
Visual indicators of incognito mode across major browsers
Conclusion: Managing Your Browsing Privacy
Exiting incognito mode is straightforward once you know where to look in your specific browser. Whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, the process typically involves closing the private browsing window or switching to a normal browsing tab. Remember that while incognito mode provides some privacy benefits, it has limitations and doesn't make you completely anonymous online.
For those looking to manage family devices, the parental control options we've covered can help restrict access to incognito browsing. And if you're concerned about privacy after normal browsing, the history-clearing methods provide an additional layer of control.
Balancing privacy and convenience in your browsing habits
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