While browsing in Incognito mode, there is a certain set of comfort. It is because Incognito mode erases your browser history once the window is closed.
For instance, if you want to search for a birthday gift of a friend on their laptop and you do not want them to know about it, then the Incognito mode will come to be super handy because it will erase the browsing activity. However, the incognito mode does not necessarily hide the IP address of the device.
What Is An IP Address?
Any device that connects to the internet through a device, does that with the help of Internet Protocol which makes it possible for the device to go online. The IP route actually helps the device to connect to the internet. For connecting to the internet, each device is provided with a unique address which is something like a home address and it is called an IP address. The IP address is generally visible to the services and apps that you use online. IP addresses to a certain extent compromise privacy.
Does The Incognito Mode Hide The IP Address?
Incognito mode is generally used by users for their privacy. One can believe that incognito mode provides such a warranty on privacy that it even hides the IP address. However, that is not the case. In short, Incognito mode does not hide your IP address from any websites, companies, advertisers or even your Internet Service Provider. Even though almost all the companies track the IP address of the visitor, not many know about their IP address. You can get to know your IP address from What Is My IP. Even in the incognito mode, companies can track your activities with the help of an IP address.
Incognito only provides protection against the browsing history and not the IP address. Also, while browsing in the incognito mode, you end up accepting any cookies, the same will be stored on your device to track your browsing habits.
Why Is IP Address Tracked?
Right after a browsing session, the first-party cookies are discarded automatically. However, the third-party cookies exist in your browser and track your browsing history. The trackers, who actually use these cookies have access to your device’s IP address. With the information available too, a profile of yours is created on the basis of your online habits. Once your browsing habit is identified, the advertisers deploy targeted advertisements for your profile to lure you to buy a product or service. Your IP address is generally used to sell things to you.
Is It Possible To Hide Your IP Address?
Now that it is clear that the incognito mode does not hide the IP address of a device, one cannot help but wonder is it even possible to hide the IP address? The answer to that question is yes. It is totally possible to hide the IP address and many users prefer to that using a Virtual Private Network or VPN service. A VPN creates a secure connection between the device and the internet and it does that in a manner that the IP address of the device is hidden. It means that the location of the device will remain unknown when using a VPN and keeping the IP address secure.
In addition to that, one can also use a private browser like Brave that automatically blocks all the third-party ads and trackers. In addition to that, it further upgrades the internet security whenever possible to HTTPS. In addition to that, such browsers also ensure that third-party trackers are blocked and they cannot use your IP address to sell you any advertisements. There are many good browsers that allow you to hide your browsing activities from big companies.
If privacy is really important, you can consider not logging in to online platforms to prevent them from tracking you. Also, you can use an anonymous service engine like DuckDuckGo which allows you to browse without keeping any tracking. An additional recommendation is to avoid creating bookmarks if you really want to protect your privacy online.
Even though incognito mode curtain your online behavior from the people around you, it does not truly guarantee any privacy. However, that does not mean that using the incognito mode, you cannot browse the internet both safely and anonymously online. For maintaining your online privacy, you simply need to practice digital hygiene. Just be careful about the personal information that you reveal online along with the links that you click and the transactions that you make.
READ NEXT
For more such interesting article like this, app/softwares, games, Gadget Reviews, comparisons, troubleshooting guides, listicles, and tips & tricks related to Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS, follow us on Google News, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.