How to Turn Off Private Browsing on iPhone? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Elsa Updated on Nov 18, 2024 Filed to: iOS Parental
Normally, your web browser tracks all your browsing activity and stores cookies and data from all the websites you visit.
But with Private Browsing, it won't leave traces of search history or cache files on your device because it prohibits the browser from tracking cookies and browsing history.
So, when we want to access our search history, share tabs with other Apple devices, take advantage of features like AutoFill and Bookmarks, and save login details or preferences on various websites, we need to turn off Private Browsing.
Then, how do you safely turn off Private Browsing on your iPhone? In this text, we will demonstrate a detailed guide.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Turn Off Private Browsing on iPhone?
We’ll show you the steps on how to remove private browsing on iPhone for both Google Chrome and Safari.
Provide a detailed solution for dealing with private browsing mode being locked and the safari private browsing button missing on the iPhone.
1 How To Turn Off Private Browsing in Safari?
Follow these simple steps to turn off Private Browsing in Safari on iPhone:
Step 1. Open the Safari app.
Step 2. Tap the Tabs icon (two squares) in the bottom right corner.
Step 3. Swipe left to the "# Tabs" tab group button (# is the no. of tabs currently open) and tap the desired tab to exit Private Browsing mode.
Tips 1: How To Turn Off Locked Private Browsing in Safari?
In iOS 17 "Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing" feature. If this is turned on, you'll need to disable it first before you can turn off Private Browsing on your iPhone.
Here are the steps on how to disable private browsing on iPhone:
Step 1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap "Safari".
Step 3. Under the "Privacy & Security" section, toggle off "Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing "by moving the slider to the left.
Note that you can turn this feature on by navigating the same menus and moving the slider to the right again. When you exit private browsing, Safari will turn from a darker theme to a lighter theme.
Tips 2: How To Fix Safari Private Browsing Button Missing on iPhone?
Sometimes, you may open Safari and find that the Private browsing button is missing or greyed out.
Fret not! We’ll explain exactly how to fix that!
There’s a specific setting that can temporarily disable or hide the Private Browsing button on Safari. This can be found in the "Screen Time" menu inside the "Settings".
This can be a worthwhile feature for parents to prevent their kids from privately accessing inappropriate content.
If this is enabled, the "Private "button will be either greyed out or missing in the Safari tab menu and you won’t be able to access private browsing.
In that case, try these troubleshooting steps:
Step 1. Go to "Settings" and tap "Screen Time".
Step 2. Scroll down and select "Content & Privacy Restrictions."
Step 3. Turn on the slider next to "Content & Privacy Restrictions." Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
Step 4. Now tap on "Content Restrictions."
Step 5. Choose "Web Content" and make sure "Unrestricted" is selected. This will enable the Private browsing button once again.
Note: If you want to disable the private button again, for example, to monitor your kid’s usage, you can go back to the same "Web Content "menu and choose either the “Limit Adult Content” or "Allowed Websites Only" option.
2 How To Turn Off Private Browsing on Google Chrome?
In Chrome, all you need to do is simply close all your incognito tabs to turn off Incognito Mode:
Step 1. Open the Google Chrome app.
Step 2. Tap the "tabs icon" (square box with a number) in the bottom right corner.
Step 3. Tap the "Incognito icon" at the top to see all the open private tabs.
Step 4. Close all incognito tabs by tapping the "X" icon on each one.
Step 5. Tap the "Tabs icon" again to return to regular browsing mode.
What to Expect After Turning Off Privacy Browsing Mode?
Once you've turned off Private Browsing on your iPhone, you'll revert to regular browsing mode, which means:
Your browsing history will be saved and accessible in Safari or Google Chrome.
Cookies and site data will be stored, giving you a more personalized browsing experience.
Websites may remember your login details and preferences
AutoFill information like usernames and passwords will be available
The browser interface will change from dark to light mode
AutoFill and other regular browsing features will be available for use.
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to access any browsing data from your private browsing sessions. Only subsequent browsing activity will be recorded after you disable incognito mode.
How To Ensure Kids Online Browsing Safety?
If you're a parent reading this, turning off Private Browsing is just one step in ensuring your child’s safety. Your child can still be vulnerable to online threats and malicious activity.
A more robust approach to your child’s safety is to consider using parental control software like AirDroid Parental Control.
AirDroid Parental Control
• Remotely Monitor Your Child's Device Usage and Online Activities in Real Time.
With AirDroid Parental Control, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your child is protected while browsing the web on their iPhone.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has answered your question of How do I turn private browsing off on my iPhone?
By turning off Private Browsing, we will regain access to regular browsing history, cookies, and other data that can enhance your browsing experience.
But remember that private browsing exists for a reason - to protect your online privacy. Make sure to enable it when needed, especially on shared devices or public networks.
FAQs About Turn Off Private Browsing Mode on iPhone
Can You Permanently Turn Off Private Browsing Mode?
Elsa
No, private browsing mode cannot be permanently disabled on iPhone. It’s a built-in feature of Safari and Chrome that can be turned on or off as needed.
However, there’s a workaround using the "Screen Time" feature on iPhone that can temporarily disable Private mode on Safari until you turn it back on. We’ve provided detailed steps and explanations in the article above.
How To Enable Private Browsing on iPhone?
Elsa
If at any moment you want to change back from regular browsing to private browsing, you can enable it using these steps:
Step 1. Open the "Safari" web browser.
Step 2. Tap the "Tabs icon" in the bottom right corner.
Step 3. Swipe right on the tab bar to activate "Private Browsing."
The URL address bar will turn dark, indicating you're in Private Browsing mode.
If you use Google Chrome instead, tap the three-dot menu icon and select "New Incognito Tab" to start private browsing.
Is Private Browsing Really Private on iPhone?
Elsa
No, Private browsing is not 100% private!
Although your web browser doesn’t store cookies, search history, or cache data, your ISP, network administrator, and the websites you visit still have access to your data.
Also, incognito browsing doesn’t hide or mask your IP address, so that’s accessible as well.
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
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