Most browsers include an Incognito mode that allows users to surf anonymously without saving their search or browsing history locally. Some applications, including YouTube, also include Incognito mode. Here, we will discuss how you enable Incognito Mode on YouTube.
The method I am about to show will work on both; Android and iPhone. YouTube’s Incognito mode lets you watch videos privately without recording them in your search or watch history. Videos you watched or searchers you made in Incognito mode will leave no traces when you leave the Incognito mode.
How to Enable Incognito Mode on YouTube App
Incognito Mode on YouTube is a privacy-enhancing feature that allows users to browse videos without their viewing history being recorded. This means that any videos watched in Incognito Mode won’t affect your recommendations, and your browsing history won’t be saved.
Here are the steps to activate Incognito Mode on YouTube.
1. Open your YouTube application.
2. Now to access the option to enable incognito mode, click on your profile icon.
3. You will find an option to enable incognito mode. Just tap on the Turn on Incognito option.
4. A confirmation screen will show up. Tap on the Got it button.
5. You will notice the black banner that says You’re Incognito at the bottom of your screen once you are in incognito mode.
Note
The Turn on Incognito option will only appear when you sign in to the YouTube app.
How to Disable Incognito Mode on YouTube App
The Incognito Mode will automatically turn off if you are inactive for 90 minutes, ensuring both privacy and security. Upon expiration, it seamlessly signs you back in with your Google Account, maintaining your browsing history and preferences.
However, if you prefer to manually disable Incognito Mode, you can follow the steps outlined below:
1. In the YouTube app, tap on the Incognito Icon. The icon; is present at the same place where you would typically see the profile picture icon.
2. A menu will appear. Tap the Turn off Incognito option to disable the Incognito mode on the YouTube app.
It will restore your YouTube account to where you left it before enabling Incognito mode. YouTube will now continue to keep track of your watch and search history. Did you know? You can pause the watch history and search history without enabling Incognito mode on YouTube.
How to Pause Watch and Search History on YouTube App
If you don’t want to enable Incognito Mode, as it will impact your YouTube recommendations, you can simply turn off your watch and search history.
To do so, follow the following steps:
1. Open your YouTube application and click on your profile icon.
2. Here you will find the Settings option tap on it.
3. Next, you will find all the settings options. Go to the Manage all History settings to disable watch and search history.
4. It will open up the YouTube History Manager, tap on the Controls tab, and click on the Turn Off option to pause the watch and search history options.
5. After that, any new video you watch won’t be saved in your YouTube history if you enable Pause watch history, which means it won’t affect YouTube recommendations.
6. Similarly, when you Pause search history, YouTube will stop recording future search history.
Conclusion
Enabling Incognito mode on YouTube can be useful if you want to keep your search and watch history private. To enable it, simply follow these steps. However, it’s important to remember that while Incognito mode hides your activity from your device and Google account, it doesn’t completely erase your online footprint. Google and your internet service provider can still track your activity in Incognito mode, so it’s not a foolproof way to stay anonymous online.
If you’re concerned about your privacy, you can take additional steps such as deleting your Google Web & App Activity, which can be done by following the linked guide. I hope this information helps. Feel free to share it with others and leave a comment if you have any suggestions or questions. We’re always here to assist you.