If you browse the web in incognito mode, everything you do is private, right? In a word, no.
For example, your Internet service provider can still see your activity. This misunderstanding has also turned into a legal battle. A proposed class-action lawsuit accuses Google of tracking users in Incognito Mode, among other things.
Talking about the settlement, Apple is paying $ 500 million to iPhone users. Tap or click here to get your share. But there may be others that you are qualified for. Tap or click to see if you’re owed money from other class-action suits. It’s easier than you think.
I have a list of sites you can visit when you’re searching for lost money. Tap or click here. One of my listeners got about $25,000!
If Incognito Mode isn’t really private, why use it? I have some practical uses that you might want to try.
What does Incognito Mode do?
While Incognito Mode – in any browser – offers more privacy than if you’re not using it, it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations that many people have. So, what exactly does it mean to use Incognito Mode?
When you surf the web incognito, your browser does not save your browsing history, cookies, site data, or information you enter into forms. However, it keeps any downloaded files or bookmarks created during the session. Not to mention the fact that your IP address and computer data are still vulnerable to hackers.
Your Internet service provider can still see your activity, as can a school or employer that provides your Internet access or computer.
Privacy Tip: You can’t actually remove yourself from the Internet, but you can remove your personal data from floating around the Web. Tap or click here for 7 places to start.
A Good Idea When Using Incognito Mode
Now, you don’t have true anonymity in Incognito Mode, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth using. Here are a few of my favorites.
1. Signing in to Multiple Email Accounts
It’s a pain when you want to check your personal inbox, but you’re logged in with another account. Instead of using a separate browser or signing in and out of your accounts, use Incognito Mode.
Try signing in to your work email using your browser as normal, then open an incognito window for your personal account.
2. Shopping for Gifts
Whenever you shop for a gift online, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas, you want it to be a surprise. Targeted ads can ruin those special moments.
When you shop online, your browser keeps track of everything you search for. Afterwards, you’ll see ad pop-ups on other sites that try to keep you coming back to make a purchase—even if you’ve already purchased the item.
Those ads will be displayed not only for you. If the person you’re buying a gift for uses your computer, tablet, or smartphone, they’ll see the same ads. Of course, it’s going to let them know what you’re doing. This will not happen if you shop in Incognito mode.
3. Avoid future autofill suggestions
Ever needed to find instructions for a DIY project on a site like YouTube? The platform is great for learning how to do a lot these days. Need to know how to replace the battery in your car? Not to worry, there are tons of YouTube videos that will give you step-by-step descriptions of how to do it.
But the need to replace your car battery comes only once every few years. You don’t want to be inundated with suggestions about how to replace your car battery every time you visit YouTube or any other site.
You can avoid these annoying tips by searching in Incognito Mode. When your battery runs out three years from now, you can do another search for instructions without being showered with suggestions.
Save some money: The pandemic is driving up prices online and in stores. Tap or click for 5 clever ways to save while shopping the web.
4. Booking Travel
Some travel companies keep track of what you’ve been searching for recently and will raise prices the next time you visit the site. If you use Incognito Mode, you don’t need to worry about pricing.
It’s not only the travel industry that does this. Many online shopping sites know when you are chasing an item and can increase the price if you drop it and come back to buy it later. Don’t leave it to chance.
5. Getting Out of Your Bubble
You’ve spent more time than usual watching TV shows or listening to music over the past few months.
YouTube gives you suggestions on what to watch next based on your viewing history. If you want to step outside your comfort zone, try searching for new videos in Incognito mode. That way, you’ll get a fresh perspective on entertainment that isn’t based on your past.