Objective
- To provide instruction on opening a private browser window or incognito browser window
- When you want to avoid saving cache, cookies, and history when browsing
- When you want to log in to multiple email accounts at the same time
- When you want to reduce the risk of signing in to a personal account on a shared computer
- To provide links to the up-to-date support sites for Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari browsers
Environment
- Browser
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- University-owned Computer
- Personally Owned Computer
Rationale
- Browse privately without saving temporary Internet files, like search and browsing history, cookies and site data, or form information
Resolution
Chrome: Incognito Mode
- In Chrome, click the More menu in the upper-right corner
- Select New Incognito Window
Source: Review the Google Chrome support article, Browse in private
Firefox: Private Browsing
- In Firefox, select the menu icon in the upper-right corner
- Click New private window
- Turn on Mozilla's tracking protection setting to help prevent sites from gathering data about your browsing habits
Source: Review the Mozilla support article, Private Browsing: Use Firefox without saving history
Internet Explorer: InPrivate (Windows 10)
Internet Explorer 11 is no longer accessible as of February 14, 2023. If any site you visit needs Internet Explorer 11, you can reload it with Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge. We recommend you use Microsoft Edge for a faster, more secure and modern web browsing experience.
Microsoft Edge: InPrivate (Windows 10)
- In Microsoft Edge, click the More icon in the upper-right corner
- Select New InPrivate Window
- Microsoft browsers disable any third-party toolbars when you start a private browsing session
Source: Review the Microsoft support article, Browse InPrivate in Microsoft Edge
Safari: Private (macOS High Sierra)
- In Safari, choose the File tab
- Select New Private Window
Source: Review Apple's Safari Help page, Browse privately in Safari on Mac
Notes
- Use Miami's Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN) for improved privacy protection
- Any files downloaded or bookmarks created during a private browsing session will stay on your computer after you close your window — you must delete them manually
- Assume that your browsing activities are never completely private: Private browsing will not prevent routers, firewalls, or proxy servers from tracking your activities
- Visit these up-to-date vendor support sites for everything you want to know about these popular browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari