Many users believe that browsing in incognito mode makes them invisible online. While this “private browsing” feature does provide local privacy, it has serious limitations that are often misunderstood.
What does incognito mode actually do?
Incognito mode prevents the browser from saving:
- Your browsing history.
- Cookies and site data.
- Search queries and form entries.
It’s useful for shared devices or avoiding autocomplete suggestions, but it does not make you anonymous on the Internet.
Who can still see your activity?
Even in incognito mode, the following entities can monitor your traffic:
| Entity | Can See You in Incognito? |
|---|---|
| Your ISP | Yes |
| Visited websites | Yes |
| Network administrator (school/work) | Yes |
| Operating system | Partially |
| Browser itself | Yes (for some features) |
For example, visiting a site like example.com in incognito will still expose your IP address and other metadata unless you use extra privacy tools.
Does incognito mode hide your IP?
No. Your public IP address remains visible to websites and advertising trackers. To protect your IP better, check out this guide on protecting your IP while downloading or browsing.
Major limitations of incognito mode
Incognito mode does not block browser fingerprinting, a method that websites use to identify users based on browser characteristics. Learn more in our article about browser fingerprinting.
Other key limitations:
- Does not encrypt your traffic.
- Does not stop malware or tracking extensions.
- DNS queries may still be recorded.
When is incognito mode useful?
Some good use cases include:
- Logging into alternate accounts.
- Avoiding personalized search suggestions.
- Testing website functionality as a developer.
However, it is not a privacy solution. Tools like VPNs or anonymous browsers are required for that purpose.
Better alternatives for online privacy
- Use a reliable VPN with a kill switch enabled.
- Try the Tor Browser for high anonymity.
- Install privacy-focused extensions that block trackers and scripts.
You can also browse our privacy FAQ section for more insights.
Want to know what websites can see?
Visit Cualesmiip.com to check your public IP address and what technical data your browser is currently exposing.
In this article we've learned that:
- Incognito mode does not hide your IP or encrypt traffic.
- ISPs, networks, and websites can still track you.
- Fingerprinting allows sites to identify you even without cookies.
- For real privacy, you need tools like VPNs, Tor, or anti-tracking browsers.
Curious to see what your device is revealing right now? Check your public IP here and take control of your digital footprint.
