How to browse the web anonymously and prevent Chrome from tracking you
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When you browse the web using Chrome or another browser, your computer saves some data on the websites you visit as part of your browser history. Chrome does not need to collect this data, especially if you want to browse the web anonymously.
Here’s how to surf the web without being tracked.
Use a VPN
First, you’ll want to use a VPN. We recently published a guide on how to install and use one. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to connect to the Internet in a more secure way and helps prevent others on the same network from seeing what you’re doing.
You can think of it like browsing the web through a steel tube, where it’s hard to see and collect your data. It is especially important to use a VPN when you are browsing from public Wi-Fi, such as those in coffee shops or hotels.
I recommend and pay for PIA, otherwise known as “Private Internet Access” but there are plenty of options out there.
Use incognito mode
Chrome and most other browsers have a built-in feature called Incognito Mode.
This prevents your browser from saving any data from websites you visit, including cookies, history, or data that you may enter into a web form (such as credit card number, address, name, or anything else.) People who might be snooping on you are tracking you. That’s why you’ll first want to start with the first step, setting up the VPN. Also, keep in mind that if you’re using a school or employer VPN, rather than your own network, administrators can still see what you’re doing.
To use incognito mode, follow these steps:
- Click the three dots at the top right of the browser.
- Choose New Incognito Window.
- Start browsing.
- To exit incognito mode, close the open window.
Use guest mode
“Guest Mode” is the option you want to use if you use it for someone else Computer and web browsing, perhaps if you use a backup computer at work or a library to print documents.
It allows you to visit websites without storing cookies or browser history. You can think of this as browsing from a clean slate: you won’t be able to access any of your bookmarks or data saved to your Google account within Chrome.
To activate guest mode:
- Tap the little person icon at the top right of the screen, next to the window’s minimize and close buttons.
- Select “Guest”.
- Close this window when you are done browsing.
Things to think about while browsing privately
Using the web incognito and with a VPN does not protect you 100 percent. If you save things to your hard drive (photos, videos, documents) all of that is still technically available for people to see later.
Also, as Google notes, any bookmarks created in Incognito mode will still be available when you exit Incognito, which means you shouldn’t save any sites you don’t want others to know you’re visiting.
Your site may still be visible to the websites you visit. A VPN can help you mask this, as you can manually change the server you’re accessing and make it look like you’re logging in from somewhere else – like a foreign country. If you’re not using a VPN, Google’s location services within Chrome can access nearby Wi-Fi routers, the strength of your Wi-Fi connection, your device’s IP address (which can help identify you) and more.
You will never be invincible
Finally, know that your data is never at risk. You can always better protect yourself from snooping or being tracked by following the rules above, but anyone who might have your password — or someone who has already hacked into your computer through other means — can still likely see what you’re doing. This guide is supposed to help you feel good about keeping the most eyes off, but that doesn’t mean you should use it for illegal activities.
WATCH: Here’s what you need to know before you go online
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