A stylized incognito browser window with a hat and glasses icon.

Incognito or private browsing mode is a useful feature that helps users helps users browse anonymously on the internet without leaving a trace of their browsing activity.. However, there are times when you may want to disable incognito mode for various reasons, such as for security, parental controls, or simply personal preference.

Whether you're using a new window or private tabs, this guide will show you how to turn off incognito mode across major browsers, Android devices, and YouTube.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Browsing Without Incognito Mode enabled?

Browsing without incognito mode can leave your browsing history, cookies, and cache stored on the device, potentially compromising your privacy. This data can be accessed by websites to track your activities and preferences, leading to targeted ads or even security risks if the device is shared.

Incognito mode isn’t safe for complete privacy. Learn how to turn off incognito mode in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and YouTube.

1. How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Google Chrome

How to block websites on Google Chrome

Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)

  1. Open Chrome browser.
  2. Look for the incognito window (it has a dark background and a spyglass icon).
  3. Simply close the private window by clicking the "X" in the top-right corner to disable private browsing.

Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+Shift+W (Windows/Linux) or Command+Shift+W (Mac) to close the incognito window.

Mobile (Android & iOS)

  1. Open the Chrome app on your iPhone or Android device.
  2. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select Tabs.
  4. Close the incognito tabs by tapping the X or swiping them away.

2. How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Mozilla Firefox

Computer with Firefox logo on it, representing how to pin to taskbar in Firefox

Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. Look for the incognito window (it’s typically dark with a mask icon).
  3. Close the window by clicking the "X" in the top-right corner.

You can also press Ctrl+Shift+W (Windows/Linux) or Command+Shift+W (Mac) to close it quickly.

Mobile (Android & iOS)

  1. Open Firefox on Android phones or iOS devices.
  2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom-right corner.
  3. Select Tabs.
  4. Close the incognito tabs by swiping them away.

3. How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Microsoft Edge

Laptop on desk displaying Microsoft Edge logo, flanked by a potted cactus and books, relating to the best browser for Windows 11.

Desktop (Windows & Mac)

  1. Open Microsoft Edge on your Windows PC or Mac.
  2. Find the incognito window (marked with a dark background and a spy icon).
  3. Close the window by clicking the "X" in the top-right corner.

Alternatively, use Ctrl+Shift+W (Windows) or Command+Shift+W (Mac) to close the window.

Mobile (Android & iOS)

  1. Open the Edge app.
  2. Tap the three dots in the bottom-center.
  3. Select Tabs.
  4. Close incognito tabs by swiping them away.

4. How to Turn Off Incognito Mode in Safari

How to block websites on Safari

Desktop (Mac)

  1. Open Safari browser.
  2. Find the incognito window (indicated by a dark background).
  3. Close the window by clicking the "X" in the top-left corner.

Mobile (iPhone or iPad)

  1. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap the tabs icon at the bottom right (two overlapping squares).
  3. Tap Private to turn off incognito mode, then tap Done to return to the regular browsing mode.

5. How to Disable the Incognito Tab in Wave Browser

How to block websites on Wave Browser
  1. Open Wave Browser and click the three dots in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
  3. Find the Incognito Mode setting and toggle it off.
  4. Restart the browser to apply changes.

6. Turn Off Incognito Mode on YouTube

Incognito mode on YouTube prevents your search history from being saved, but turning it off is easy.

Desktop (Web Browser)

  1. Open YouTube.
  2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
  3. If "Turn off incognito" is an option, click it. Your session will return to the standard mode.

Mobile (Android & iOS)

  1. Open the YouTube app.
  2. Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner to open settings.
  3. If you are in incognito mode, you’ll see an option that says Turn off incognito.
  4. Tap it, and your session will return to the regular browsing mode.

Incognito mode is a handy feature for private browsing, but there are times when you may want to disable it. Whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, or YouTube, the process is simple and quick. By following the steps above, you can easily turn off incognito mode on your desktop or mobile device whenever needed.

Tip: If you're using parental controls to block or unblock websites, or need to block incognito mode for privacy reasons, consider adjusting the settings in your default browser or using third-party apps to manage this feature.