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Browser Safety

This page explains how to use Incognito/Private mode, what browser history is, and simple steps to keep your online activity private. Protecting your privacy isn’t just about hiding your searches; it helps you stay safer and feel more in control online.

Staying Safer Online: Browser History, Incognito Mode & Using the “Escape Website” Button

What is browser history? Your browser history is a record of all the websites you’ve visited, stored on your device. It helps you find and revisit pages, but it also means others using your device can see what sites you’ve browsed.

What is Incognito Mode? Incognito Mode (also called Private Browsing) lets you surf the web without saving your browsing history, cookies, or site data after you close the window. This helps keep your activity hidden from other users on your device. However, it does not hide your visits from websites, your internet provider, or your employer/school network.

If you need to quickly leave this page, click the “Escape Website” button to immediately go to Google.com. Remember, using the escape button alone does not clear your history, so be sure to clear your browser data when needed.

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Tips for Safe Browsing

Use Incognito or Private mode so your device doesn’t save browsing history, cookies, or searches.

Don’t save passwords for domestic violence support websites or emails.

Be cautious with shared family accounts (like shared Google, Apple, or email accounts) which may sync browsing history.

Clear your browser history and cache after visiting domestic violence sites if you’re not in private mode.

Set up a screen lock or password to help keep others from checking your phone or computer.

Never save passwords or allow the browser to remember login info on public or shared computers.

Trust your instincts — if you feel unsafe, step away and seek help in person or by phone when it’s safer.

Use a trusted friend’s device or a library/public computer when possible, so nothing is saved on your personal device.

Bookmark only safe, neutral sites — avoid bookmarking domestic violence pages if someone else checks your device.

Keep hotline numbers somewhere safe outside your device, like on paper, in case you can’t access your phone or internet.

How to Erase your search History/ Enter Incognito Mode

Although this is not a comprehensive list, here are quick instructions for erasing your browser history and entering Incognito or Private mode on the most common browsers. Click on each drop‑down menu below to see more information about your browser and learn how to protect your privacy.

  • Incognito mode:

    1. Open Chrome.

    2. Click the three dots ⋮ in the top-right corner.

    3. Choose “New Incognito window.”

    4. A new dark window opens; you’ll see the sunglasses icon to confirm you’re browsing privately.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. Click the three dots ⋮ → select History → then click History again.

    2. Choose Clear browsing data on the left.

    3. Select a time range (like “Last hour” or “All time”).

    4. Check Browsing history (and optionally cookies, cache, etc.).

    5. Click Clear data.

  • Incognito mode:

    1. Open the Chrome app.

    2. Tap the three dots ⋮ (top-right on Android; bottom-right on iOS).

    3. Select “New Incognito tab.”

    4. Your new private tab will have a dark background and the sunglasses icon.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. Tap the three dots ⋮ → choose History.

    2. Tap Clear browsing data….

    3. Pick the time range and what you’d like to delete.

    4. Tap Clear data (Android) or Clear Browsing Data (iOS).

  • Private browsing:

    1. Open Safari.

    2. In the menu bar, click File → New Private Window.

    3. You’ll see a dark Smart Search field, showing you’re in Private mode.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. In the menu bar, click History → Clear History….

    2. Choose a time range (e.g., last hour, today, all history).

    3. Click Clear History.

  • Private browsing:

    1. Open Safari.

    2. Tap the Tabs button (looks like two squares).

    3. Tap where it says [number] Tabs or Start Page → choose Private.

    4. Tap + to open a new private tab.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. Open Settings app → scroll to Safari.

    2. Tap Clear History and Website Data.

    3. Confirm when prompted.

    1. Open Firefox.

    2. Click the menu ☰ button (three horizontal lines).

    3. Select “New Private Window.”

    4. A purple mask icon appears, showing you’re in Private mode.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. Click the menu ☰ → choose History → Clear Recent History….

    2. Select a time range and the data you want to remove.

    3. Click OK.

  • Private browsing:

    1. Open the Firefox app.

    2. Tap the tab icon → tap the mask icon for a private tab.

    3. Open new sites from here to keep them private.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. Tap the menu ☰ → go to Settings.

    2. Tap Data Management (iOS) or Delete browsing data (Android).

    3. Choose what to delete, then confirm.

  • InPrivate browsing:

    1. Open Edge.

    2. Click the three dots ⋮ in the top-right corner.

    3. Select “New InPrivate window.”

    4. The new window will show InPrivate next to the address bar.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. Click the three dots ⋮ → History.

    2. Click Clear browsing data.

    3. Pick a time range and data types.

    4. Click Clear now.

  • InPrivate browsing:

    1. Open the Edge app.

    2. Tap the tabs button → tap InPrivate.

    3. Tap + to open a new InPrivate tab.

    Erase browsing history:

    1. Tap the three dots ⋮ → go to Settings.

    2. Tap Privacy → Clear browsing data.

    3. Choose what to delete and confirm.

Note: If you can’t find instructions for your specific browser on how to erase your browsing history or enter Incognito/Private mode, try searching online with this phrase:
“how to enter incognito mode [your browser name]” or “how to erase browser history [your browser name]” for step-by-step guides.