How to Disable Private Browsing on iPhone in 2025
Wondering if you turn off the browsing mode on your iPhone, what will happen? Well, most users don’t really need this option, which is why they continue to ask about disabling private browsing on their iPhones.
Well, it’s not a big deal because simply disabling private browsing on an iPhone has no drawbacks. If you’re worried that your private data will be lost, that’s not the case. You only have to turn it off, and that’s what this guide is all about.
Methods to Disable Private Browsing on iPhone in 2025
You can turn off private browsing on iPhone via different methods now. Nearly all of them are pretty straightforward and require no expertise.
1. Disable Private Browsing on Safari
On iPhone, you can just go to Settings and then tap on Safari, and scroll down to disable Private Browsing. Right now, it varies according to the iOS.
If you have iOS 17 and want to disable private browsing on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Launch the Safari app on your iPhone.
- Click on Tabs.
- Swipe to the [number] Tabs group, then touch the tab you want to open.
For those with iOS 16 or a previous operating system on their iPhone:
- Open the Safari app on iPhone and tap the Tab button.
- Tap on Private to see the Tab Group List.
- Touch [number] Tabs, then Done.
2. Disable Private Browsing on Screen Time
For parents who want to disable private browsing on iPhone permanently, here is how to do it via Screen Time:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time on your iPhone (you have to turn on Screen Time first).
- Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions in the Screen Time section.
- Turn it On.
- Go to Content Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites.
- Go back to Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap on Allow Changes below.
- Select Private Browsing and set it to “Don’t Allow.”
Private Browsing is now completely disabled in Safari.
3. Disable Private Browsing in Traditional Browsers
Here, we are going to show how you can turn off private browsing on Chrome, Firefox Focus, and Microsoft Edge.
For Google Chrome
- Launch Chrome.
- Tap on the three-dot menu and then go to Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security.
- Disable Incognito Mode.
If you cannot disable incognito mode directly, you can use Screen Time to block Chrome for this action.
For Firefox Focus
- Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Disable Firefox Focus under Allowed Apps.
For Microsoft Edge
- Launch the Browser and go to Settings.
- Disable InPrivate Browsing.
Why You Should Disable Private Browsing on iPhone
Private browsing on an iPhone or any other iOS device makes it difficult to track your own activity since private browsing mode hides overall history. Also, if you have private browsing enabled, a few websites may act a bit strange since they don’t really jive with this feature and result in slower load times.
You may also note that while your iPhone or any other device is in private browsing mode, it will store all the junk files, which will consume more space. Lastly, you cannot sync the browsing data in your iPhone with other devices since private browsing disables this feature too.
Does VPN Hide Private Browsing
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an enhanced version of private browsing that is not just limited to hiding your browsing history locally. Premium-grade and top-notch VPNs in 2025 don’t need to disable private browsing as they take this matter into their own hands and offer an encryption method instead.
Through encryption, your IP address, browsing history, and even your whole device will be made anonymous everywhere. It’s a great thing considering that too many hacking and tracking attempts are executed in today’s digital frame.
Conclusion
Disabling private browsing on iPhone, to some people, is a way to have a secure and manageable online world, especially if their children use their device daily. There are various methods by which you can disable private browsing on iPhone or any iOS device in 2025.
Private Browsing might be a useful feature in Safari and other normal browsers, but it should be disabled before conducting any online business that involves sensitive details or information. If you want this to be hidden at all times, consider using a VPN to help you via encryption that fully hides your IP address, online data, and keeps you hidden from trackers in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private browsing on iPhone private?
The only thing private browsing on iPhone does is hide your browsing history. Your ISP can still track you as private browsing mode does not offer online anonymity.
How do I get rid of private browsing mode on my iPad?
The reason you cannot disable private browsing mode on the iPad is that it is set by the parental controls or through device management settings.
Can anyone see my incognito history?
You must know incognito mode does not prevent web tracking; your personal information, such as your device’s IP address and online activities, is visible to online trackers.
Does iPhone Private Browsing have a VPN?
No, Apple’s Private Browsing Mode isn’t run by a VPN, but it’s only a privacy feature that routes your internet traffic through 2 separate relays and not one.
