Private browsing, often called Incognito Mode or Private Window, is a built-in feature offered by all major web browsers that lets you browse without saving certain data locally on your device. It is useful when you want to prevent your browsing history, cookies, or form data from being stored after your session ends.
What Private Browsing Does
When you use private browsing:
Your browser does not save browsing history from that session.
Cookies and site data from the session are deleted when you close the private window.
Form entries and search history from that session are not stored locally.
This can help when you are on a shared or public computer or want to temporarily browse without adding to your device’s saved history or cookies.
When Private Browsing Is Useful
Consider using private browsing when:
You are accessing Zendrop from a shared or public device and do not want browsing history, cookies, or login data saved locally
You need to log into Zendrop without saving cookies or credentials on the device
You want to start a fresh Zendrop session without your browser retaining data from previous visits
You are experiencing issues with your Zendrop account or connected store, such as login problems, session conflicts, or unexpected dashboard behavior
You manage multiple stores connected to Zendrop and need to switch between accounts without interference from saved data
Using private browsing can help isolate sessions, prevent stored data from causing conflicts, and ensure your Zendrop account or store functions correctly.
Important: Private browsing does not make you fully anonymous online. It does not hide your activity from websites, your internet service provider (ISP), employers, or network administrators. It simply prevents your browser from retaining data locally once the private browsing session is closed.
How to Open and Use Private Browsing
Below are detailed instructions for major browsers on both desktop and mobile devices.
1. Google Chrome (Incognito Mode)
Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux)
Open Chrome.
Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser.
Select New Incognito Window.
Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + N (Mac).
A new window with a dark theme and Incognito icon opens, you are now browsing privately.
Close all Incognito windows to end the private session.
Mobile (Android / iOS)
Open the Chrome app.
Tap the three dots menu.
Select New Incognito Tab.
Close the tab when finished.
2. Mozilla Firefox (Private Browsing)
Desktop
Open Firefox.
Click the three horizontal bars (menu) in the upper-right corner.
Select New Private Window.
Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + P (Mac).
A new window with a distinct theme appears, any history or cookies from this session will be removed when the window is closed.
Mobile
Open the Firefox app.
Tap the tab icon and then select Private.
Use the private tab as needed, then close it to end the session.
3. Microsoft Edge (InPrivate Mode)
Desktop
Open Microsoft Edge.
Click the three dots menu in the top-right.
Select New InPrivate window.
Edge will open a window with a label indicating InPrivate browsing.
Close the window to end the session.
Mobile
Open the Edge app.
Tap the menu (three dots).
Tap New InPrivate Tab.
Close the tab to end InPrivate browsing.
4. Apple Safari (Private Browsing)
Desktop (Mac)
Open Safari.
From the top menu, select File > New Private Window.
Shortcut: Shift + Command + N.
A private browsing window opens with a different color scheme.
Close the window to end the session.
Mobile (iPhone / iPad)
Open Safari.
Tap the tabs icon.
Tap Private to switch to private browsing mode.
Open or close private tabs as needed.
5. Opera (Private Mode)
Desktop
Open Opera.
Go to Menu (top-left) > New Private Window.
Use Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac) as a shortcut.
Close the private window to end the session.
Mobile
Open the Opera app.
Tap the tabs or menu icon.
Select Private Mode.
Best Practices and Tips
Close all private windows to ensure browsing data from that session is removed.
Downloads and bookmarks saved during a private session will remain after you close the private browser.
If you need stronger privacy protections (such as hiding your IP address), consider using a trusted VPN or a privacy-focused browser.
Summary
Private browsing provides a way to browse without leaving a local trace of your browsing history, cookies, or site data. It’s particularly useful on shared devices or when you want a temporary session separate from your regular browsing.