What does Chrome's “Incognito Mode” do exactly?











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I was under the impression that Chrome in Incognito Mode wouldn't accept or send cookies, since they could be used to identify you. When starting up Incognito Mode, I do have to re-log-in to gmail, etc. But the log-in stays active during the session.



So it seems to me that Incognito Mode maintains a separate, temporary store of cookies which get destroyed when you exit incognito mode. Does this mean that, if you browse in Incognito Mode all the time, it would have no benefit? Does Incognito Mode do anything else?










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  • I think you should read this
    – Shawn Mehan
    Nov 10 '15 at 0:14















up vote
19
down vote

favorite
1












I was under the impression that Chrome in Incognito Mode wouldn't accept or send cookies, since they could be used to identify you. When starting up Incognito Mode, I do have to re-log-in to gmail, etc. But the log-in stays active during the session.



So it seems to me that Incognito Mode maintains a separate, temporary store of cookies which get destroyed when you exit incognito mode. Does this mean that, if you browse in Incognito Mode all the time, it would have no benefit? Does Incognito Mode do anything else?










share|improve this question






















  • I think you should read this
    – Shawn Mehan
    Nov 10 '15 at 0:14













up vote
19
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
19
down vote

favorite
1






1





I was under the impression that Chrome in Incognito Mode wouldn't accept or send cookies, since they could be used to identify you. When starting up Incognito Mode, I do have to re-log-in to gmail, etc. But the log-in stays active during the session.



So it seems to me that Incognito Mode maintains a separate, temporary store of cookies which get destroyed when you exit incognito mode. Does this mean that, if you browse in Incognito Mode all the time, it would have no benefit? Does Incognito Mode do anything else?










share|improve this question













I was under the impression that Chrome in Incognito Mode wouldn't accept or send cookies, since they could be used to identify you. When starting up Incognito Mode, I do have to re-log-in to gmail, etc. But the log-in stays active during the session.



So it seems to me that Incognito Mode maintains a separate, temporary store of cookies which get destroyed when you exit incognito mode. Does this mean that, if you browse in Incognito Mode all the time, it would have no benefit? Does Incognito Mode do anything else?







google-chrome cookies browser






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asked Nov 10 '15 at 0:10









Eli Rose

2,37331937




2,37331937












  • I think you should read this
    – Shawn Mehan
    Nov 10 '15 at 0:14


















  • I think you should read this
    – Shawn Mehan
    Nov 10 '15 at 0:14
















I think you should read this
– Shawn Mehan
Nov 10 '15 at 0:14




I think you should read this
– Shawn Mehan
Nov 10 '15 at 0:14












4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
18
down vote



accepted










It essentially sets the cache path to a temporary folder. Cookies are still used, but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched. This applies all storage, including Cookies, Local Storage, Web SQL, IndexedDB, cache, etc.



Of course Chrome also leaves pages out of the browser's history.






share|improve this answer



















  • 6




    Something I've observed is that Chrome incognito does have at least some access to your cookies and browser history if you are signed into Chrome. Noticed this once when debugging a webapp. I suggest either using "Guest" account for Chrome or logging out of your Chrome account (assuming you ever logged in) before going incognito.
    – Mark
    Jan 17 '17 at 22:33










  • I have mentioned your name and @Mark in my answer
    – Accountant م
    Nov 20 at 0:47




















up vote
3
down vote













Chrome's incognito mode sets the cache to a temporary folder. When you close the browser window the folder is deleted. So all your history, logins, and downloads are forgotten.



Incognito does not stop sites from keeping information about your visit nor does it hide the browsing from people using a tool like Wireshark to see what you are viewing.






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    If you don’t want Google Chrome to save a record of what you visit and download, you can browse the web in incognito mode.



    A detailed link of what Chrome itself says



    https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en






    share|improve this answer




























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      Just an important privacy note on @Jared Dykstra answer and @Mark comment.




      but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched.
      This applies all storage, including Cookies




      Not 100% true



      Today I opened a new fresh chrome incognito window and requested youtube.com . but I surprisingly found that youtube is recommending some videos to me!!! How? based on what ? I'm supposed to be a very new client with fresh browser - I noticed the recommended videos was based on the videos I usually watch while signed in to my google account from chrome or firefox -



      After investing the cookies I was shocked that chrome is sending these cookies to youtube.com along with the very first request send to youtube.com from a new freshly opened incognito window.



      GPS
      PREF
      VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
      YSC


      I guess youtube.com servers used these cookies to know who I'm and recommend videos for me based on them.



      I checked Firefox and it does not do that, it starts the private windows with 100% empty cookies header!






      share|improve this answer





















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        4 Answers
        4






        active

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        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes








        up vote
        18
        down vote



        accepted










        It essentially sets the cache path to a temporary folder. Cookies are still used, but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched. This applies all storage, including Cookies, Local Storage, Web SQL, IndexedDB, cache, etc.



        Of course Chrome also leaves pages out of the browser's history.






        share|improve this answer



















        • 6




          Something I've observed is that Chrome incognito does have at least some access to your cookies and browser history if you are signed into Chrome. Noticed this once when debugging a webapp. I suggest either using "Guest" account for Chrome or logging out of your Chrome account (assuming you ever logged in) before going incognito.
          – Mark
          Jan 17 '17 at 22:33










        • I have mentioned your name and @Mark in my answer
          – Accountant م
          Nov 20 at 0:47

















        up vote
        18
        down vote



        accepted










        It essentially sets the cache path to a temporary folder. Cookies are still used, but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched. This applies all storage, including Cookies, Local Storage, Web SQL, IndexedDB, cache, etc.



        Of course Chrome also leaves pages out of the browser's history.






        share|improve this answer



















        • 6




          Something I've observed is that Chrome incognito does have at least some access to your cookies and browser history if you are signed into Chrome. Noticed this once when debugging a webapp. I suggest either using "Guest" account for Chrome or logging out of your Chrome account (assuming you ever logged in) before going incognito.
          – Mark
          Jan 17 '17 at 22:33










        • I have mentioned your name and @Mark in my answer
          – Accountant م
          Nov 20 at 0:47















        up vote
        18
        down vote



        accepted







        up vote
        18
        down vote



        accepted






        It essentially sets the cache path to a temporary folder. Cookies are still used, but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched. This applies all storage, including Cookies, Local Storage, Web SQL, IndexedDB, cache, etc.



        Of course Chrome also leaves pages out of the browser's history.






        share|improve this answer














        It essentially sets the cache path to a temporary folder. Cookies are still used, but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched. This applies all storage, including Cookies, Local Storage, Web SQL, IndexedDB, cache, etc.



        Of course Chrome also leaves pages out of the browser's history.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Nov 11 '15 at 16:05

























        answered Nov 10 '15 at 0:14









        Jared Dykstra

        3,012419




        3,012419








        • 6




          Something I've observed is that Chrome incognito does have at least some access to your cookies and browser history if you are signed into Chrome. Noticed this once when debugging a webapp. I suggest either using "Guest" account for Chrome or logging out of your Chrome account (assuming you ever logged in) before going incognito.
          – Mark
          Jan 17 '17 at 22:33










        • I have mentioned your name and @Mark in my answer
          – Accountant م
          Nov 20 at 0:47
















        • 6




          Something I've observed is that Chrome incognito does have at least some access to your cookies and browser history if you are signed into Chrome. Noticed this once when debugging a webapp. I suggest either using "Guest" account for Chrome or logging out of your Chrome account (assuming you ever logged in) before going incognito.
          – Mark
          Jan 17 '17 at 22:33










        • I have mentioned your name and @Mark in my answer
          – Accountant م
          Nov 20 at 0:47










        6




        6




        Something I've observed is that Chrome incognito does have at least some access to your cookies and browser history if you are signed into Chrome. Noticed this once when debugging a webapp. I suggest either using "Guest" account for Chrome or logging out of your Chrome account (assuming you ever logged in) before going incognito.
        – Mark
        Jan 17 '17 at 22:33




        Something I've observed is that Chrome incognito does have at least some access to your cookies and browser history if you are signed into Chrome. Noticed this once when debugging a webapp. I suggest either using "Guest" account for Chrome or logging out of your Chrome account (assuming you ever logged in) before going incognito.
        – Mark
        Jan 17 '17 at 22:33












        I have mentioned your name and @Mark in my answer
        – Accountant م
        Nov 20 at 0:47






        I have mentioned your name and @Mark in my answer
        – Accountant م
        Nov 20 at 0:47














        up vote
        3
        down vote













        Chrome's incognito mode sets the cache to a temporary folder. When you close the browser window the folder is deleted. So all your history, logins, and downloads are forgotten.



        Incognito does not stop sites from keeping information about your visit nor does it hide the browsing from people using a tool like Wireshark to see what you are viewing.






        share|improve this answer

























          up vote
          3
          down vote













          Chrome's incognito mode sets the cache to a temporary folder. When you close the browser window the folder is deleted. So all your history, logins, and downloads are forgotten.



          Incognito does not stop sites from keeping information about your visit nor does it hide the browsing from people using a tool like Wireshark to see what you are viewing.






          share|improve this answer























            up vote
            3
            down vote










            up vote
            3
            down vote









            Chrome's incognito mode sets the cache to a temporary folder. When you close the browser window the folder is deleted. So all your history, logins, and downloads are forgotten.



            Incognito does not stop sites from keeping information about your visit nor does it hide the browsing from people using a tool like Wireshark to see what you are viewing.






            share|improve this answer












            Chrome's incognito mode sets the cache to a temporary folder. When you close the browser window the folder is deleted. So all your history, logins, and downloads are forgotten.



            Incognito does not stop sites from keeping information about your visit nor does it hide the browsing from people using a tool like Wireshark to see what you are viewing.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Nov 11 '15 at 7:02









            ikhaliq15

            13111




            13111






















                up vote
                0
                down vote













                If you don’t want Google Chrome to save a record of what you visit and download, you can browse the web in incognito mode.



                A detailed link of what Chrome itself says



                https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en






                share|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote













                  If you don’t want Google Chrome to save a record of what you visit and download, you can browse the web in incognito mode.



                  A detailed link of what Chrome itself says



                  https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en






                  share|improve this answer























                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote









                    If you don’t want Google Chrome to save a record of what you visit and download, you can browse the web in incognito mode.



                    A detailed link of what Chrome itself says



                    https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en






                    share|improve this answer












                    If you don’t want Google Chrome to save a record of what you visit and download, you can browse the web in incognito mode.



                    A detailed link of what Chrome itself says



                    https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95464?hl=en







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Nov 10 '15 at 0:16









                    Biraj B Choudhury

                    472413




                    472413






















                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote













                        Just an important privacy note on @Jared Dykstra answer and @Mark comment.




                        but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched.
                        This applies all storage, including Cookies




                        Not 100% true



                        Today I opened a new fresh chrome incognito window and requested youtube.com . but I surprisingly found that youtube is recommending some videos to me!!! How? based on what ? I'm supposed to be a very new client with fresh browser - I noticed the recommended videos was based on the videos I usually watch while signed in to my google account from chrome or firefox -



                        After investing the cookies I was shocked that chrome is sending these cookies to youtube.com along with the very first request send to youtube.com from a new freshly opened incognito window.



                        GPS
                        PREF
                        VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
                        YSC


                        I guess youtube.com servers used these cookies to know who I'm and recommend videos for me based on them.



                        I checked Firefox and it does not do that, it starts the private windows with 100% empty cookies header!






                        share|improve this answer

























                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote













                          Just an important privacy note on @Jared Dykstra answer and @Mark comment.




                          but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched.
                          This applies all storage, including Cookies




                          Not 100% true



                          Today I opened a new fresh chrome incognito window and requested youtube.com . but I surprisingly found that youtube is recommending some videos to me!!! How? based on what ? I'm supposed to be a very new client with fresh browser - I noticed the recommended videos was based on the videos I usually watch while signed in to my google account from chrome or firefox -



                          After investing the cookies I was shocked that chrome is sending these cookies to youtube.com along with the very first request send to youtube.com from a new freshly opened incognito window.



                          GPS
                          PREF
                          VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
                          YSC


                          I guess youtube.com servers used these cookies to know who I'm and recommend videos for me based on them.



                          I checked Firefox and it does not do that, it starts the private windows with 100% empty cookies header!






                          share|improve this answer























                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            0
                            down vote









                            Just an important privacy note on @Jared Dykstra answer and @Mark comment.




                            but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched.
                            This applies all storage, including Cookies




                            Not 100% true



                            Today I opened a new fresh chrome incognito window and requested youtube.com . but I surprisingly found that youtube is recommending some videos to me!!! How? based on what ? I'm supposed to be a very new client with fresh browser - I noticed the recommended videos was based on the videos I usually watch while signed in to my google account from chrome or firefox -



                            After investing the cookies I was shocked that chrome is sending these cookies to youtube.com along with the very first request send to youtube.com from a new freshly opened incognito window.



                            GPS
                            PREF
                            VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
                            YSC


                            I guess youtube.com servers used these cookies to know who I'm and recommend videos for me based on them.



                            I checked Firefox and it does not do that, it starts the private windows with 100% empty cookies header!






                            share|improve this answer












                            Just an important privacy note on @Jared Dykstra answer and @Mark comment.




                            but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched.
                            This applies all storage, including Cookies




                            Not 100% true



                            Today I opened a new fresh chrome incognito window and requested youtube.com . but I surprisingly found that youtube is recommending some videos to me!!! How? based on what ? I'm supposed to be a very new client with fresh browser - I noticed the recommended videos was based on the videos I usually watch while signed in to my google account from chrome or firefox -



                            After investing the cookies I was shocked that chrome is sending these cookies to youtube.com along with the very first request send to youtube.com from a new freshly opened incognito window.



                            GPS
                            PREF
                            VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE
                            YSC


                            I guess youtube.com servers used these cookies to know who I'm and recommend videos for me based on them.



                            I checked Firefox and it does not do that, it starts the private windows with 100% empty cookies header!







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Nov 20 at 0:45









                            Accountant م

                            1,70211124




                            1,70211124






























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