Keep Your YouTube Searches Private: How to Go Incognito on the App

Keep Your YouTube Searches Private: How to Go Incognito on the App

Most people know about the incognito mode in web browsers, but fewer realize that YouTube offers a similar feature in its mobile app.

Just like browsing privately on Chrome or Firefox, using YouTube's incognito mode allows you to watch videos without saving your search and watch history. While this feature doesn't make you completely invisible online, it's a handy tool for browsing content without affecting your recommendations or leaving a trace in your account history.

Why Use YouTube Incognito Mode?

When you browse YouTube with incognito mode enabled, the platform treats your session as though you aren't logged into your account. This means that any videos you search for or watch won't influence your future recommendations or be saved to your viewing history. It's ideal if you want to watch content that's outside your usual interests or if you're using a shared device and prefer to keep your activity private.

How to Turn on Incognito Mode in YouTube

Activating incognito mode on YouTube is easy, but you'll need to be signed into your account to access it. Here's how:

  1. Open the YouTube app and go to the home page.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
  3. From the dropdown menu, select "Turn on Incognito".

Once enabled, you'll see a black bar at the bottom of the screen to indicate that you're in incognito mode. This mode essentially gives you a "logged-out" experience without actually signing you out, so your activity won't link back to your account.

What Changes When You're in Incognito Mode?

While in incognito mode, YouTube won't display your subscriptions, personalized recommendations, or previous views. Your account's search and watch history won't update, and no traces of the session will show up later. It's important to note, however, that you won't be able to like, comment, or interact with videos while browsing privately—those actions are only available in regular mode.

How to Turn Off Incognito Mode

To turn off incognito mode, simply tap the icon in place of your profile picture (a hat-and-glasses symbol) and select "Turn off Incognito." This restores your usual YouTube experience, with your history and activity tracking resuming as normal. Additionally, if you're inactive for more than 90 minutes, YouTube will automatically exit incognito mode to protect your privacy.