The purpose of incognito mode, also known as private browsing, is to stop your browser from saving cookies, temporary data, and your search history. Nonetheless, your Internet service provider (ISP), your device, or the system itself may still retain some evidence of your actions.  Here's how to remove your laptop's and mobile device's incognito search history for total privacy.
 
Understanding Incognito Mode
Incognito mode prevents the browser from storing your history, but:

Your ISP, network administrator, or websites can still track you.

Some DNS (Domain Name System) queries may be logged by your router.

Your activity may be stored in device logs or third-party apps.

In such a case, to completely erase the history, follow these steps:

Clearing DNS Cache is important (laptop and mobile)

Even if your browser does not save history, your device can store a DNS cache, which logs the websites visited.

On Windows (laptop/desktop)

Open the Command Prompt (press Win + R, type cmd and press Enter).

Type: ipconfig /flushdns

Press Enter - this clears the DNS cache.

On macOS (laptop/desktop)

Open the Terminal (press Cmd + Space, type 'Terminal' and press Enter).

Type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Press Enter and enter your password when asked.

On Android (mobile)

Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.

Long press your connected network and select Forget Network.

Reconnect to Wi-Fi to reset the DNS cache.

On iphone (mobile)

Enable and disable Airplane mode to clear the DNS cache.

Restart your device for extra assurance.

Deleting incognito tabs and browser data

While incognito mode doesn't store history, some browsing data may be saved in cookies.

For google Chrome (mobile and laptop)

Open Settings → Privacy & Security.

Tap Clear Browsing Data then select Cookies and Cached Images.

Tap Clear Data.

For Firefox, Edge, Safari

Follow the same steps to clear cookies and cache under Privacy Settings.

Using a VPN for Extra Privacy
If you want complete privacy, use a VPN to encrypt your browsing activity. This prevents tracking by your ISP or network provider.
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Incognito mode

SIBY JEYYA

06/03/2025 09:15 AM