How to Browse the Web More Privately

Every site you visit can collect information about you, and advertising networks follow you across many sites. You cannot stop all tracking, but a few settings and habits reduce it considerably. This guide covers the steps that matter most and explains what private browsing mode does and does not do.

What private browsing does

Private or incognito mode does not save your history, cookies or form entries on the computer after you close the window. It does not hide your activity from your employer, your internet provider or the websites you visit. Think of it as a clean session on this computer, not as anonymity.

Turn on tracking protection

Chrome, Edge and Firefox: open the privacy settings and choose a stricter tracking protection level, such as Strict or Enhanced.
Safari: turn on Hide IP address and Privacy Report from the Safari settings.

Control cookies

Block third-party cookies where your browser allows it. This stops many advertising trackers from following you between sites, while most websites still work normally. You may need to allow cookies for banking and shopping sites.

Choose a privacy-focused search

Search engines that do not build profiles of you are an option if you prefer. Use a search engine that matches your needs, and check its privacy policy.

Limit extensions

Extensions can read everything you do in the browser. Install only the ones you need from official stores, and review their permissions. Remove any you no longer use.

Use a password manager and two-factor authentication

Privacy and security overlap. A password manager stops you reusing passwords, and two-factor authentication protects your accounts. See how to use a password manager.

Review your privacy settings

Check the privacy settings in your social media and Google or Microsoft accounts. Turn off ad personalisation and location history if you do not need them. Review app permissions on your phone once a year.

Frequently asked questions

Does clearing my history remove my data?

It removes the local record on that device only. Websites and providers may still keep their own logs.

Is a privacy browser better?

Some privacy-focused browsers block trackers by default and are a good choice. Use the one you find easy to keep updated.

Use separate browser profiles

Browsers let you create separate profiles for work, shopping and personal use. Each profile keeps its own history, cookies and extensions. This limits how far a tracker can follow you across different parts of your life, and it makes it easier to clear one area without losing the others.

Be selective about sign-ins

Signing in to a site links your browsing to your account, even if you use private mode. Use a different account or a separate profile when you want to keep activities apart. Also check whether a site offers a sign-in with another service, because that can share information between the two.