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How to Enable Private Browsing in Safari on Mac
Edited 1 day ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
SafariMacPrivacySecurityBrowserIncognitoOnline SafetySettingsInternetWeb
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Safari is a widely used web browser developed by Apple, designed to provide a fast and convenient browsing experience on Mac computers. One of the useful features Safari provides is "private browsing". Understanding how to enable private browsing in Safari on Mac and what it offers can help users maintain privacy while surfing the Internet. This comprehensive guide covers the step-by-step process of enabling private browsing in Safari, explains its benefits, and takes a closer look at the limitations and best practices for private browsing.
Understanding private browsing
Private browsing is a feature that allows users to browse the Internet without storing data about their session. When private browsing mode is activated, Safari does not save a record of your browsing history, the pages you visit, your search history, or your autofill information. However, downloads and bookmarks you create in private browsing sessions may still be stored.
This feature is useful in situations where you don't want your browsing activity to be recorded on your computer, such as when using a shared or public Mac. It's important to note that private browsing doesn’t make you anonymous on the web. Your activity may still be visible to the websites you visit, your employer or educational institution if they’re using a network they control, or your Internet service provider (ISP).
Step-by-step guide to enable private browsing in Safari on Mac
Given the importance of maintaining privacy while browsing, you may want to use private browsing mode on different occasions. Here's how you can easily enable it on Safari for Mac:
Start private browsing
- First, launch Safari. You can do this by clicking the Safari icon in the Dock or by searching for Safari using Spotlight (press Command + Space, then type "Safari" and press Enter).
- Once Safari opens, look at the menu bar at the top of your screen and click on the word File.
- In the dropdown menu, select New Private Window. This will open a new window where you can start your private browsing session.
Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly open a new private browsing window. Simply press Shift + Command + N simultaneously to open a new window in private browsing mode.
Recognizing private browsing mode
When private browsing is enabled in Safari, you’ll notice a few visual differences that indicate you’re in this mode:
- The Safari window will darken in color, usually indicated by a change in the color of the URL bar.
- A notification at the top of the window will inform you that private browsing is active. This message may explain that Safari will not keep track of your browsing history.
End a private browsing session
Ending private browsing in Safari is as easy as starting it. Simply close the private window by clicking the small red circle in the upper-left corner of the window. Alternatively, you can press Command + W while the window is active.
After you close the Private Browsing window, if you open a regular Safari window, it will no longer be in Private Browsing mode. It's important to note that any sites or tabs open in the Private Browsing window will not be restored.
Best practices for private browsing
Although private browsing is a powerful tool for maintaining privacy, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you're using the feature effectively:
- Clear downloads: Any files you download during a private session will remain on your computer even after you close your private browsing window. Be sure to clear your downloaded files if you want to maintain privacy.
- Understand the limitations: Private browsing doesn't hide your browsing from everyone. The websites you visit can still track your activities, and network administrators can still access your browsing activity.
- Use secure websites: For better privacy, especially when using private browsing, make sure the websites you visit are secure, indicated by "HTTPS" in the URL bar.
Limitations of private browsing
Despite its name, private browsing has some limitations that users should be aware of. Although it prevents local recording of browsing history, other methods of tracking still exist. Here are some key points to consider:
- Your identity can still be tracked: Even in private browsing mode, sites can track your identity using methods like cookies and IP address tracking. Additional measures must be taken to remain completely anonymous on the web.
- Network visibility: If you’re on a network managed by an organization or school, the administrator may still be able to track your online activity.
- Data saved in other forms: Although history and search queries are not recorded, any files you download or bookmarks you create will be saved unless they are manually deleted.
- Third-party tools: Private browsing does not eliminate tracking by third-party software on your device.
Conclusion
Enabling private browsing in Safari on Mac is a straightforward process that can benefit users who want to keep their browsing activity private. While it's a useful feature for hiding your search history and visited sites from others who use your Mac, it's important to understand the scope and limitations of its privacy protection. Regular users should be wary of the residual ways in which their activity can be tracked and take appropriate security measures to maintain true anonymity, such as using a VPN or adjusting additional security settings on their device.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the implications, you can effectively use private browsing to enhance your online privacy while still enjoying your browsing experience on Safari for Mac.
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