The answer is nuanced: while private mode prevents your browsing history from being saved on the device itself, it doesn't make you completely invisible online.
Here's a breakdown of what private mode (also known as incognito mode in some browsers) does and doesn't do:
What Private Mode Does:
- Hides browsing history on the device: When you close a private browsing window, your browsing history, cookies, and site data are typically deleted from that device. This means someone else using the same device after you won't be able to see what you were doing.
- Doesn't save login information: Private mode generally doesn't save usernames, passwords, or other login details. This is only true for the session and will be forgotten once the window is closed.
What Private Mode Doesn't Do:
- Hide your activity from your internet service provider (ISP): Your ISP can still track your online activity, regardless of whether you're using private mode. They have access to the websites you visit.
- Hide your activity from your employer or school network: If you're using a computer or network provided by your employer or school, they can likely monitor your internet activity, even in private mode.
- Hide your activity from the websites you visit: Websites can still track your activity using your IP address, even if you're in private mode. They might also use other tracking techniques, such as browser fingerprinting.
- Protect you from keyloggers or malware: If your device is infected with malware, private mode won't protect you from having your activity tracked.
How This Relates to Your Parents:
Whether your parents can see your private mode browsing depends on a few factors:
- Shared Device: If you and your parents share a device, private mode prevents them from seeing your browsing history directly on that device after you've closed the private browsing window.
- Network Monitoring: If your parents have monitoring software installed on your home network, they might be able to see the websites you visit, even in private mode. This is because the network traffic still passes through their router and can be logged.
- Parental Control Software: Similar to network monitoring, parental control software installed on your device or network can track your online activity, regardless of private mode.
In summary, private mode primarily protects your privacy from other users of the same device. It does not provide complete anonymity online and will not circumvent network-level monitoring or parental control software.