Private Browsing in Safari opens tabs that do not save your history, searches or AutoFill information on the iPhone. The iOS 8 feature has changed a lot: today Private is a tab group you switch to, and on iOS 17 and later it can be locked with Face ID or Touch ID.
Quick Answer
Open Safari, tap the Tabs button, then tap Private (or swipe to it) and tap the plus sign to open a private tab. Tap the tab count to switch back.
How to Use Private Browsing on iPhone
- Open Safari.
- Tap the Tabs button (two overlapping squares).
- Tap Private at the bottom, or swipe right to the Private group.
- Tap the plus sign to open a new private tab.
- Browse normally. The address bar turns dark to show you are private.
- To leave, tap the Tabs button and switch to your regular tab group.
What Private Browsing Does and Does Not Do
| Private Browsing | Effect |
|---|---|
| History | Not saved on the iPhone |
| Cookies | Deleted when the private tabs close |
| AutoFill | Not saved |
| Your network or employer | Can still see traffic |
| Sites you sign in to | Still know it is you |
Troubleshooting
- No Private option: Screen Time content limits may disable it. Check Settings, Screen Time, Content and Privacy Restrictions.
- Private tabs ask for Face ID: that is the lock feature. Turn it off in Settings, Apps, Safari, Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing.
- Pop-ups blocked in private tabs: see how to enable pop-ups in Safari.
- Signed in by mistake: see how to remove a Google account from Safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are private tabs closed automatically?
No. They stay open until you close them, but they are locked when you leave if the lock setting is on.
Is Private Browsing the same as a VPN?
No. It only affects what is stored on your iPhone.
Can I use private browsing in Chrome on iPhone?
Yes, with Incognito tabs in the Chrome app.
Does this work on iPad?
Yes, the steps are the same.
Summary
- Open Safari.
- Tap Tabs.
- Choose Private.
- Tap plus for a new tab.
- Switch back when done.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.