Search & browse privately

You’re in control of what information you share with Google when you search. To browse the web privately, you can use private browsing, sign out of your account, change your custom results settings, or delete past activity.

If you want to search the web without saving your search activity to your account, you can use private browsing mode in a browser (like Chrome or Safari).

How private browsing works

Private browsing works differently depending on which browser you use. Browsing in private usually means:

• The searches you do or sites you visit won't be saved to your device or browsing history.
• Files you download or bookmarks you create might be kept on your device.
• Cookies are deleted after you close your private browsing window or tab.
• You might see search results and suggestions based on your location or other searches you've done during your current browsing session.

Important: If you sign in to your Google Account to use a web service like Gmail, your searches and browsing activity might be saved to your account.

Open private browsing mode

Learn how to search privately on these browsers:

• Chrome
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge
• Firefox

Turn on Incognito mode

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google app .
2. Tap the Search bar.
3. Above the keyboard, turn on Incognito mode.

Turn off Incognito mode

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google app .
2. Tap the Search bar.
3. Above the keyboard, turn off Incognito mode.

Sign out of your Google Account

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google app .
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture or initial Manage accounts on this device.
3. Under the account you want to remove, tap Remove from this device.

Learn how to stay signed in or out of your Google Account.

Secure your browsing with Face ID or Touch ID

You can turn on Face ID or Touch ID for Incognito mode to make your browsing session more secure.

Turn on Face ID or Touch ID

1. On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google app .
2. At the top right, tap your Profile picture or initial Settings Privacy and Security.
3. Turn on Enable Face ID for Incognito mode or Enable Touch ID for Incognito mode.

Tip: To turn on Face ID for the Google app, go to your Google app settings. Then, turn on Enable Face ID to open the app.

If asked whether to stay in Incognito mode

If you have Face ID or Touch ID turned on, close the app, and then return after more than 15 minutes, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to stay in Incognito mode.

• To go back to regular browsing, tap Exit Incognito.
• To continue private browsing, tap Continue. You’ll be asked to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to re-enter your session.