In this article, we will show you how to turn OFF private browsing on on desktop and mobile devices including iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Android to personalize your browsing experience.
Private browsing is a handy feature that prevents your browser from saving your history, cookies, and temporary files.
However, there are times when you might want to disable this mode—for personalized search results, improved website performance, or simply keeping your browsing history intact.
Here, we will walk you through how to turn off private browsing on various devices and browsers in a friendly, easy-to-follow style.
See Also: 6 Steps to Allow Pop Ups on Chrome
What Is Private Browsing?
Private browsing (also known as Incognito Mode, Private Window, or InPrivate Browsing) allows you to surf the web without leaving traces on your device.
While this mode is great for privacy during a session, it can sometimes interfere with website functionality and personalized experiences.
Why Would You Turn Off Private Browsing?
Here are a few reasons you might want to switch back to regular browsing mode:
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Enhanced Personalization: Websites can remember your preferences when cookies and history are enabled.
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Improved Performance: Some sites load faster and work better when they can store session data.
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Simpler Troubleshooting: Regular browsing makes it easier to pinpoint issues related to cookies or cached files.
See Also: 4 Steps to get out of incognito mode on iPhone in Chrome or Safari
Turning Off Private Browsing on Different Devices
On Desktop Browsers
How to turn OFF Private Browsing on Google Chrome (Windows & Mac)
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Steps:
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Open a new regular window by clicking on the three dots in the upper-right corner and selecting “New Window” (instead of “New Incognito Window”).
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Verify you’re not in Incognito mode by checking that the incognito icon is absent.
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Tip: Simply close any incognito windows to return to standard browsing.
How to turn OFF Private Browsing on Mozilla Firefox (Windows & Mac)
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Steps:
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Close the private browsing window.
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Open a new window by clicking the menu button (three horizontal lines) and selecting “New Window.”
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Confirm you’re out of private mode by checking for the absence of the mask icon.
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Tip: Using regular windows helps maintain your browsing history and preferences.
See Also: 3 Steps to Clear Cache on iPhone Safari browser
How to turn OFF Private Browsing on Microsoft Edge (Windows & Mac)
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Steps:
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Exit InPrivate mode by closing the InPrivate window.
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Open a new standard window from the menu.
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Check that the InPrivate icon (a hat and glasses) is not visible.
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Tip: Regular mode stores your session data, making logins and settings more consistent.
How to turn OFF Private Browsing Safari on MacBook
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Steps:
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In Safari, private browsing is indicated by a dark background in the address bar. To exit, close the private window.
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Open a new window by selecting “File” > “New Window” from the menu bar.
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Tip: Exiting private mode ensures that your bookmarks and history are maintained.
See Also: 4 Steps to get out of incognito mode on iPhone in Chrome or Safari
On Mobile Devices
How to turn OFF Private Browsing on iPhone and iPad (Safari)
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Steps:
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Open Safari and tap the Tabs button at the bottom right of the screen.
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If you’re in Private Browsing mode, you’ll see a dark background or the word “Private” on the screen. Tap “Private” to toggle off this mode.
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Tap Done to return to a standard browsing window.
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Tip: Exiting private mode lets Safari save your browsing history and autofill data for a smoother experience.
Android (Google Chrome)
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Steps:
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Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
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If you’re in Incognito mode, the interface will have a darker theme and an incognito icon.
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To exit, simply close the incognito tabs (you can tap the tab switcher icon and then close all incognito tabs) and open a new regular tab.
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Tip: Using regular mode on Android ensures websites can store necessary data for faster load times and personalized settings.
See Also: 4 Steps to Search About an Image on Google, TinEye, Social Media and Other Tools
Android (Other Browsers)
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Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge on Android follow similar steps:
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Open the browser’s tab view.
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Exit private mode by closing any private/incognito tabs.
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Open a new standard tab.
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Tip: Regular mode will allow these browsers to save your browsing data and settings, enhancing overall usability.
Additional Tips for Managing Your Browsing Experience
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Clear Your Browsing Data: If you ever need a fresh start, use your browser’s settings to clear history and cache.
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Customize Privacy Settings: Each browser allows you to tailor your privacy and data storage options. Explore these settings to find the right balance for your needs.
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Stay Updated: Browsers frequently update their features. Keeping your browser current ensures you have the latest options for both privacy and performance.
See Also: 6 Steps to Allow Pop Ups on Chrome
Conclusion
Disabling private browsing can unlock a more personalized and efficient web experience. Whether you’re using a desktop browser like Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari on your MacBook, or mobile devices like an iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone, the process is simple. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily switch back to regular browsing mode and enjoy all the benefits of saved preferences, enhanced performance, and a more streamlined browsing history.
Remember, while private browsing is useful for keeping certain activities private, turning it off when needed can greatly enhance your web experience.
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