The Incognito mode in Google Chrome allows you to browse the web privately without disclosing your activity data. If you give it some thought, you realize that this experience isn’t entirely private because anyone with access to your phone can see all of the Incognito tabs you have open in the browser.
Fortunately, Google offers a simple solution to this problem – you can lock incognito tabs in Chrome. This is a easy way to restrict access to Incognito tabs in Chrome. So, in this article, we will show you how to lock Incognito tabs in Chrome on iPhone and Android devices so that you can make your browsing experience more private.
How Do I Lock Incognito Tabs in Chrome on My iPhone?
First, go to the App Store and update your iPhone’s Google Chrome browser to the most recent version. Assuming you currently have a few Chrome tabs open in Incognito mode, here is how you can lock them:
- Launch Chrome on your iPad or iPhone.
- Select Settings by tapping the horizontal ellipsis button in the bottom-right corner and swiping left on the action row above.
- Toggle the Lock Incognito tabs when you close Chrome option under Privacy and Security.
- Depending on the model of your iPhone, Chrome will ask you if you want to let it use Touch ID or Face ID. Click OK to confirm your identity.
- If you prefer not to use biometrics, click Don’t Allow and enter your iPhone’s passcode when prompted. Click Done afterwards.
When you exit Chrome while it is in Incognito mode, it will automatically lock all Incognito tabs. This will be visible when you open the App Switcher. Keep in mind that Chrome will remain accessible if you are not in Incognito mode.
How Can I Open Locked Incognito Tabs in Chrome on iPhone?
In Chrome, accessing your locked Incognito tabs is as simple as authenticating yourself with a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID, depending on what you used to lock the Incognito tabs.
So, just follow these simple steps:
- Select Chrome from the App Switcher. Alternatively, you can open the Chrome app by tapping on it.
- If you’ve locked the tabs with Face ID, press the Unlock with Face ID button. If you’ve used any of the other methods, tap Unlock with Touch ID or Unlock with Passcode.
- When you authenticate yourself, the tabs will instantly unlock.
Keep in mind that Chrome will lock the Incognito tabs in this situation as well when you transition to normal browsing. As a result, even when switching between regular and Incognito windows, you’ll still need to authenticate.
How Can I Lock Incognito Tabs in Chrome on Android?
As Google explains on The Keyword, once Chrome is open on your phone, go to Settings and then Privacy & Security to lock incognito tabs in Chrome on your Android device. If the update has been applied to your device, you’ll be able to enable a feature called “lock incognito tabs when you close Chrome.”
If, after your update, you still don’t see the option to lock incognito tabs in Chrome, no need to worry. It simply means that Google has not yet made the feature available to you.
When you close Chrome and return to your incognito session, you’ll need to verify your credentials. Even though it’s an extra step, it ensures that your secrets remain private and that your browsing habits are hidden from prying eyes.
Additionally, whenever using an Android device, you will never again have to close your incognito tabs out of concern that someone may see them.
How Can I Open Locked Incognito Tabs in Chrome on Android?
After you lock incognito tabs in Chrome on your Android, you can access previously closed incognito sessions in three ways: Passcode, Facial recognition, Fingerprint scanner.
Note that you don’t need to enter a special passcode to reopen a previously closed incognito session. Instead, your phone’s passcode and biometrics will be used for the unlocking process.
Summarily, it’s simple to enable the lock Incognito Tabs in Chrome on both Android and iPhone devices. Follow the instructions in this guide carefully to get it done correctly.