The incognito mode in Google Chrome creates a new browser window that leaves no trace. Once the session is closed, your browsing history, cookies (small text files that allow websites to track returning visitors and other information), and other activities are deleted. Also, by default, all browser extensions get disabled.
Incognito mode functions pretty great on a general level. However, there are some lesser-known tips and tricks you can use to enhance incognito mode on Chrome for Android devices.
So, if you want to get even better performance while browsing privately, this article will show you how to enhance incognito mode in Chrome on Android.
How Can I Enhance Incognito Mode in Chrome on Android?
Chrome’s incognito mode is a useful tool for protecting your privacy. But you can use it on Android in more ways than you may have thought. This is possible by making use of a few hidden Chrome flags and fiddling with other available options.
Below are some of the best ways to enhance incognito mode in Chrome on Android:
Lock Incognito Tabs
Chrome’s incognito mode allows you to browse privately without storing any of your browsing history, but until recently there was no way to shield your incognito tabs from prying eyes. In Chrome for Android, you can now use fingerprint authentication to lock incognito tabs.
To lock incognito tabs in Chrome for Android, follow these steps:
- Tap the three-dot menu in Chrome, then go to Settings > Privacy and security.
- To see the feature in action, enable the Lock incognito tabs… toggle.
If you’re working with the app’s older version, it may be necessary to activate the feature first.
- Open Chrome on your phone or tablet and type chrome:/flags into the address bar.
- Enter Authentication in the search bar below.
- Change the value of the Enable device reauthentication for incognito option to Enabled. You’ll now be able to activate the feature from the Settings menu.
This option is a great way to enhance incognito mode on Android, so try it out for even more privacy.
Allow Screenshots while in Incognito Mode
Another way to enhance incognito mode in Chrome on Android is to enable the screenshot feature. One advantage of the way Android handles private browsers and app windows is that screenshots of sensitive information are not permitted. If you try to screenshot or screen record on your Android device while using a data-sensitive app, a restricted warning will show up.
On Android, this is also the default behavior for Chrome incognito tabs. However, this quickly becomes irritating, especially if you use incognito more habitually rather than for privacy protection. Fortunately, another Chrome flag on Android allows you to bypass this security measure and freely capture screenshots.
To take screenshots in incognito mode on Android, go to chrome:/flags and enable the Incognito Screenshot option.
Quickly launch Incognito Windows
If you frequently use Chrome’s incognito mode, there is a faster and easier way to launch directly into a private tab. When an app icon is long-pressed on the home screen or in the app drawer, Quick Actions and in-app shortcuts become active.
These features were introduced with Android 8 and can significantly enhance incognito mode in Chrome on Android devices.
Simply long-press the Google Chrome app to reveal an Incognito Tab shortcut. To make this shortcut behave like a standalone app and launch faster, long-press it and drag it to your home screen.
Use Incognito Mode for Other Google Apps
Google decided to include Incognito Mode in other apps as well due to the sheer usefulness of this private browsing mode. You can take advantage of this development to enhance incognito mode in Chrome on Android.
There are switches that enable a temporary incognito mode for Google Maps and YouTube under the Accounts section. If you don’t feel comfortable adding travel history to and from specific locations, this is incredibly helpful.
YouTube’s incognito mode works similarly, temporarily disabling your watch history so you can consume any type of content without worrying about it clogging up your recommendations later.
Deactivate Incognito Mode
It is your responsibility as a parent or guardian to keep inappropriate content away from your children. It is nearly impossible to tell whether your child has accessed age-restricted or important content on your phone because it has an incognito mode.
However, another option to enhance incognito mode in Chrome on Android takes care of this easily. With the aid of a third-party app (Incoquito) that is accessible through the Play Store, Chrome’s incognito mode can be deactivated f for Android mobile devices and tablets.
The app not only blocks access to incognito mode but also lets you delete private tabs whenever your device is locked.
In conclusion, as you can see, there are several ways to enhance incognito mode in Chrome on Android. We hope that this guide has helped you figure them out and get more out of Incognito Mode on your devices.