How to Enable Private Browsing in Safari - Safari

Open the Safari menu and select Private Browsing to enable private browsing in Safari. This feature allows you to browse without storing your browsing history, search history, or cookies on your device.

Starting a Private Browsing Session

To enable private browsing in Safari, click the Safari menu in the top menu bar. Navigate to Private Browsing and select it. A new window will open with a private mode indicator visible in the interface. The address bar and interface elements may appear slightly different to signal that you are in private mode.

Once activated, Safari will not record any of your online activity during this session.

What Private Browsing Protects

Private browsing in Safari prevents the storage of browsing history, search queries, and website data. Passwords are not saved, and cookies from visited sites are not retained after the session ends. This anonymous browsing mode is particularly useful when accessing sensitive accounts or shopping on shared computers. However, downloads remain visible in the Downloads window, and websites may still track your IP address.

Exiting Private Mode

Closing the private browsing window automatically ends the anonymous session. Any tabs open in that window are not saved. To return to standard browsing, open a regular Safari window or close all private windows. Your normal browsing history resumes recording in non-private windows.

Safari 5.1.7 offers this privacy feature for Windows users seeking a straightforward way to protect their online activity. The private mode requires no additional settings configuration—simply enable it through the menu. For regular users concerned about privacy, enabling private browsing for sensitive transactions provides a practical, built-in layer of protection without installing third-party extensions or tools.