Want to surf the web without leaving a digital footprint on your iPhone 12? Private browsing is your answer. Simply launch Safari, tap the tabs icon, switch to private mode, surf as you please, and close tabs when done. It’s that easy!
After you complete the action of private browsing, your browsing history, search records, and cookies from the session won’t be saved on your iPhone 12. This means that no one else using your device will be able to see which websites you visited.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Do Private Browsing on iPhone 12
Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly go over what we’re about to do. Private browsing on your iPhone 12 is all about keeping your online activities to yourself. You’ll be using Safari’s built-in feature that doesn’t save your browsing history, search history, or autofill information.
Step 1: Launch Safari
Open the Safari app on your iPhone 12.
Safari is the default web browser on your iPhone 12. If you have another browser set as default, you’ll need to open Safari manually.
Step 2: Tap the Tabs Icon
Find the tabs icon at the bottom right of the screen and tap it.
The tabs icon looks like two overlapping squares. Tapping it will show you all the open tabs.
Step 3: Switch to Private Mode
Tap the word “Private” at the bottom left corner of the screen.
After tapping “Private,” the interface will switch to a darker color scheme to indicate that you’re now in private browsing mode.
Step 4: Surf the Web
Browse the internet as you normally would.
Now that you’re in private mode, your iPhone 12 won’t keep track of your browsing history, and your search history won’t be stored.
Step 5: Close Tabs When Done
After you finish, tap the tabs icon again and close all open tabs to end the private browsing session.
It’s important to close all tabs to ensure that your private browsing session is completely ended.
Tips for Private Browsing on iPhone 12
- Remember that private browsing doesn’t make you invisible online. Your ISP and websites can still track your activity.
- Private browsing can help you log into multiple accounts on the same website simultaneously.
- Use private browsing to view websites without them being influenced by your previous search history.
- Remember to close all tabs after your private browsing session to ensure privacy.
- Consider using a VPN alongside private browsing for enhanced online privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will private browsing on my iPhone 12 prevent ads from tracking me?
Private browsing will prevent some forms of tracking, but advertisers often use sophisticated methods to track users across the web.
Can I set Safari to always open in private browsing mode on my iPhone 12?
No, Safari does not have an option to always open in private browsing mode. You’ll need to switch to private mode manually each time.
Will bookmarks I create in private browsing mode be saved after I close the session?
Yes, bookmarks created during a private browsing session will be saved and accessible later, even outside of private mode.
Can I download files in private browsing mode on my iPhone 12?
Yes, you can download files while in private browsing mode, but the download list will be cleared after the session ends.
Will my autocomplete information be saved in private browsing mode?
No, information such as passwords and autofill data won’t be saved when you’re in private browsing mode on your iPhone 12.
Summary
- Launch Safari.
- Tap the tabs icon.
- Switch to private mode.
- Surf the web.
- Close tabs when done.
Conclusion
Private browsing on your iPhone 12 is a fantastic feature for those moments when you need a little extra privacy online. Whether you’re shopping for a surprise gift, checking your bank account, or simply want to browse without leaving traces, going incognito with Safari’s private browsing mode has got you covered. Just remember, while it shields your history from being seen on your device, it doesn’t make you completely anonymous on the web.
It’s always a good idea to pair private browsing with additional security measures like a VPN for the utmost privacy. Keep these steps and tips in mind next time you want to browse privately, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your personal browsing habits stay just that—personal.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.