Safari is one of the most popular browsers in the world, and many of us use it on our iPad to surf the internet. However, there are times when we don’t want our search history to be saved or our cookies to be tracked. This is where Incognito mode comes in – a private browsing mode where your browsing history and cookies are not saved. But how do you activate Incognito mode on Safari for iPad? In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods that you can use to go Incognito on Safari iPad.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Going Incognito on Safari iPad
Safari has become a popular browser for iPad users because of its speed and functionality. However, going incognito on Safari iPad can be a challenge for many users. By default, Safari on the iPad doesn’t have a dedicated button or menu option for incognito mode. This can make it difficult to find and activate, especially if you are new to using Safari.
Fortunately, there are several ways to activate incognito mode on Safari iPad, which we will discuss in the next section.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we move on to the different methods of going Incognito on Safari iPad, there are a few things that you should prepare for:
1. Update your Safari app to the latest version.
2. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
3. Clear your Safari cache and cookies.
4. Keep in mind that while Incognito mode prevents Safari from tracking your browsing history and cookies, it doesn’t stop other websites or ISPs from tracking your activity.
Method 1: Via Private Browsing
Private browsing is the most common method used to go Incognito on Safari iPad. With this method, you can use Safari without having your browsing history and cookies saved. Here are the steps to activate Private Browsing:
Step 1: Launch Safari on your iPad.
Step 2: Tap on the Tabs icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Tap on the Private button located at the bottom left corner of the screen.
Step 4: A new Private Browsing tab will open. You can now browse the internet without any of your activity being saved.
Pros:
– Easy to use.
– Safari doesn’t track your browsing history and cookies.
– You can use this method to switch between private and normal browsing.
Cons:
– Other websites and ISPs can still track your activity.
– Some websites may not display properly on Private Browsing.
Method 2: Via Safari Settings
Another method to go Incognito on Safari iPad is via the Safari settings option. This method is useful if you want to enable private browsing across all tabs. Here is how you can go Incognito via Safari settings:
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2: Navigate to Safari in the left pane.
Step 3: Tap on the toggle switch next to "Private Browsing" to enable it.
Step 4: A pop-up will appear asking if you want to close all tabs. Tap on "Close All".
Pros:
– This method enables private browsing across all tabs.
– Easy to access through the Settings app.
Cons:
– Private browsing cannot be turned off until you visit Safari settings again.
– It is easy to forget that private browsing is enabled if it is activated via Safari settings.
Method 3: Via Siri
For those who prefer using voice commands, Siri can also be used to activate private browsing on Safari iPad. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Activate Siri by holding the Home button or saying "Hey Siri".
Step 2: Say "Enable Private Browsing on Safari".
Step 3: Siri will open Safari in private browsing mode.
Pros:
– A hands-free and fast way to go Incognito on Safari iPad.
– Ideal for those who don’t want to fiddle with buttons or settings.
Cons:
– May not work accurately if Siri doesn’t understand the command.
– You still need to close all tabs manually if you want to clear your history.
Method 4: Via Tab Switcher
The Tab Switcher method is another effective way to go Incognito on Safari iPad. With this method, you can toggle between your regular browsing history and your private browsing history seamlessly. Here are the steps to activate private browsing via the Tab Switcher:
Step 1: Launch Safari on your iPad.
Step 2: Tap and hold the Tabs icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select "Private" in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Step 4: A new Private Browsing tab will open. You can now browse the internet without any of your activity being saved.
Pros:
– You can switch between private and regular browsing easily.
– All tabs can be cleared with just one tap.
Cons:
– It is easy to accidentally close your tabs if you don’t use the Tab Switcher carefully.
– Private browsing doesn’t automatically close when you quit Safari.
Method 5: Via Shortcuts
The Shortcut Method is an advanced method to activate private browsing on Safari iPad. With this method, you can create a shortcut on your home screen to quickly activate private browsing. Here are the steps to activate private browsing via Shortcuts:
Step 1: Launch the Shortcuts app on your iPad.
Step 2: Tap on "Create Shortcut".
Step 3: Tap on "Add Action".
Step 4: In the search bar, type "Open URLs".
Step 5: Tap on "Open URLs".
Step 6: In the URL field, enter "https://www.google.com/?private browsing=1".
Step 7: Save the shortcut and add it to your home screen.
Pros:
– Creates a shortcut for private browsing for quick access.
– Ideal for those who want to create custom Incognito mode commands.
Cons:
– Not easy for new Safari users.
– You may have to update this shortcut when there is an update to iOS.
Why Can’t I Go Incognito on Safari iPad?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to go Incognito on Safari iPad, such as:
1. You have not updated your Safari app to the latest version.
2. Your internet connection is unstable.
3. You have not cleared your Safari cache and cookies.
4. You are using an older version of iOS that does not support private browsing.
Here are the fixes for the above issues:
1. Update your Safari app to the latest version.
2. Check your internet connection and try again.
3. Clear your Safari cache and cookies.
4. Upgrade your iOS version to the latest version that supports private browsing.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for using Incognito mode on Safari iPad:
1. Keep in mind that Incognito mode doesn’t stop other websites or your ISP from tracking your activity.
2. Always clear your Private Browsing tabs after use to avoid confusion.
3. Use a VPN to add an extra layer of protection to your online activity.
5 FAQs about Going Incognito on Safari iPad
Q1: Can I use private browsing and normal browsing simultaneously?
A: No, you cannot use private and normal browsing simultaneously. But you can switch between them easily.
Q2: Can I save passwords in private browsing mode?
A: No, you cannot save passwords when using Private Browsing mode.
Q3: Does private browsing mode protect me from viruses and malware?
A: No, Private Browsing mode does not protect you from viruses and malware. You should still exercise caution when browsing the internet.
Q4: Can websites still track me if I’m in private browsing mode?
A: Yes, websites can still track your activity when you are in private browsing mode. It only prevents Safari from recording your activity.
Q5: How do I exit private browsing mode?
A: To exit private browsing mode, you need to close all tabs or switch to regular browsing mode.
In Conclusion
Going Incognito on Safari iPad is an essential tool for protecting your browsing history and cookies. We’ve covered some of the best methods to activate private browsing mode on Safari iPad. Whether you prefer using voice commands or the Settings app, there is a method that suits your needs. Remember to clear your tabs after using private browsing mode, and use a VPN for added protection. With these tips, you can enjoy safe and secure browsing on Safari iPad.