If you’re using an iPhone or iPad and want to keep your search history and activity private, you can use Google Search in Incognito Mode. This setting is available in the Settings app and it’s located under the Privacy section. To set up Incognito Mode, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and open the Privacy section.
- Scroll down to the bottom and find the Google Search option.
- Toggle on Incognito Mode by clicking on it.
“Incognito Mode” is a common feature in web browsers that allows you to use the web somewhat anonymously. On an iPhone or iPad, if you’re using the Google app as a web browser instead of Safari or Chrome, you can browse in incognito. Here’s how.
The Google app for the iPhone and iPad offers an all-in-one experience. All of the searching and browsing results happens within the app. It’s essentially a mini-browser of its own that includes Discover, but you may not want your activity recorded.
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First, open the Google app on your iPhone or iPad. Use Apple’s Spotlight Search to locate the app if you can’t find it on your home page or App Library.
Next, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
Now select “Turn on Incognito” from the drop-down menu.
A banner across the top of the screen will say “Incognito Mode is on.” You can now do searches and browse the internet without the activity being saved to your account.
To turn off Incognito Mode, return to the Google App’s home page and tap the “Turn Off” button.
That’s all there is to it! Just like Incognito Mode in a browser, your search and browsing history will not be saved to your account. This is a nice little trick to know if you find yourself using the Google app like a browser a lot.
To keep your information tidy without as much manual input, check out Google’s auto-delete options.
RELATED: How to Make Google Auto-Delete Your Web and Location History
