How Are Cookies Managed in Incognito Browsing?

Incognito mode is a simple way for website visitors to keep their internet browsing private. While it offers many privacy benefits by managing cookies differently from regular browsing, it is important to understand how to properly manage cookies from users who visit your site in incognito mode.

If you want to explore more about how incognito mode manages cookies and the precautions you must take to remain compliant, read on.

What is incognito browsing? 

Incognito browsing is when website users enable a setting in their browser that allows them to explore the web in secret mode. It works by removing the local data from their web browsing sessions. This means they can hide their identity while visiting your site, but they cannot hide their browsing behavior.

No browsing activity will be recorded in their search history, which means any cookies your website attempts to store on their computer will be blocked or deleted. Other temporary files, trackers, and third-party toolbars are also disabled.

However, while the online activity of your website visitors isn’t saved, you can still track their activity when they visit your site in incognito mode. So, while you may not be able to deliver a personalized experience for them, you can use information from their sessions to improve the overall visitor experience.

The back end of your website uses these to remember information about each user, such as their preferences, basket contents, or login details. When in incognito mode, it’s important to understand how these cookies are managed differently.

Prevents permanent cookie storage

When using incognito mode, cookies that are set during a session won’t be saved permanently. Once a visitor closes the incognito window, any cookies stored during the session are permanently deleted.

Enables temporary use of cookies

You can still use cookies to manage a visitor’s browsing sessions in incognito mode. This means that when they access your site, it will remember their data while their incognito session is active. These cookies are only temporary and are deleted once the session is closed.

Blocks cookies from third-party websites

Incognito generally blocks session cookies from third-party websites to protect a user’s privacy. These are usually persistent cookies used for tracking and advertising purposes. They are limited in incognito mode to restrict the amount of data third parties can gather about your browsing history.

Accommodates browser preferences

In incognito mode, some browsers allow users more control over cookie management. In some cases, they’ll be able to specify exceptions for certain websites. This enables them to tailor their incognito browsing experience, allowing cookies from certain sites while still blocking others. For example, a visitor might want to remain logged in on your website but still block advertising cookies, and incognito mode allows them to do this.

Requires proper configuration

Incognito mode may not function as intended if it is configured incorrectly. For example, some browser extensions aren’t compatible with incognito mode, or certain settings may still allow cookies to be stored. As such, users are recommended to check their browser settings and extensions regularly to ensure they are in line with their privacy preferences.

Incognito mode provides your website visitors with some degree of privacy. However, there are exceptions where you may need to manage cookies differently.

Session restoration

Some browsers use restoration features to retain cookies if a browser crashes or closes unexpectedly. While this may be beneficial for regular browsing, it could mean your site retains cookies that should have been deleted, compromising the user’s privacy.

Third-party tracking

Some tracking mechanisms can bypass the limitations of incognito mode. For example, your site might use fingerprinting to collect information about a device’s settings and configurations to create a unique profile. In incognito mode, this technique can still track and identify users across sessions without the need for traditional cookies.

Browser bugs

Like any software, browsers are susceptible to glitches or bugs. These issues can sometimes interfere with cookies, causing them to persist even in incognito mode. Keeping browsers updated minimizes this risk.

Server-side storage

Some websites store data on a server as well as on a visitor’s local device. This means that even if cookies are deleted from the device, the user will still be recognized through server-side data when they access the website, even after incognito mode has ended.

If you are a web manager, ensure your cookie usage is legally compliant by obtaining user consent before setting tracking cookies.

When a user is browsing in incognito mode, their cookies and other session data will be automatically deleted once they close the browser window.

However, this only applies to cookies collected during that private browsing session. Historical cookies may still be stored on users’ devices if they’ve visited your website before. To clear cookies from previous sessions, users must follow the steps for their specific browser, such as Safari, Firefox, or Chrome.

In Google Chrome, users can also delete their incognito browsing history by selecting the relevant incognito tab from the History menu.

Some website visitors who use incognito mode are beginning to understand that it is not an all-encompassing privacy solution. Therefore, they may use incognito mode in combination with other tools.

Other precautions to think about include: 

Hiding browser activity

Incognito mode is designed to hide a website visitor’s browsing from other users on the same device. However, it won’t hide their activity from you, as a website owner, or the user’s IP address. Unless the visitor is using additional tools, such as a virtual private network (VPN), you will still be able to track their activity on your website.

Blocking existing cookies

If someone has visited your website before, it’s highly likely that cookies from previous browsing sessions are stored on their device. Incognito mode only blocks browsing data from the time it is switched on. Therefore, your site can still access any cookies stored beforehand. The only exception is if the user clears their cookie cache before starting to browse in incognito mode.

Using public Wi-Fi

Some people believe they are protected when using public Wi-Fi if they are in incognito mode. However, this is not the case. Incognito mode does not provide protection from data interception by malicious actors on the same network. To stay secure on a public network, using a VPN is essential, even when browsing in incognito mode.

Downloading on to devices

If you offer downloadable files from your website and a visitor downloads them while browsing in incognito mode, it’s important to note that these files are still stored on the user’s device. Therefore, they can be accessed by other users of the same device.

Closing incognito windows

If a site visitor uses incognito mode, their cookies won’t be deleted automatically until they close the mode. If incognito mode is accidentally left running, other users will still have access to all browsing session data.

Protecting against malware and viruses

Incognito mode is not a tool for protecting users from viruses or malware. Therefore, users are advised to use reliable antivirus software and exercise caution when downloading any files.

Avoiding phishing threats

Like with malware and viruses, incognito mode does not protect users from phishing threats. Any sensitive information they enter on your site, such as payment details, could still be at risk. Therefore, it’s essential that you take appropriate measures to protect user data through encryption and other security techniques.

Using VPN services

Using incognito mode with a reliable VPN service offers the highest level of security. This allows website visitors to hide their IP address and encrypt their internet traffic, making it more difficult for third parties to track their online browsing.

• Incognito mode clears local data and cookies, offering private browsing on a user’s device.
• Cookies are temporarily allowed in incognito mode for session management but are removed once the window is closed.
• Tracking and third-party cookies are restricted; however, advanced methods like fingerprinting may still work.
• Even in incognito mode, your website can still track a user’s activity unless they use additional privacy tools, such as a VPN.
• Incognito mode is not a replacement for security measures. It does not protect users from malware, data interception on public Wi-Fi, or phishing. Incognito mode only prevents cookies from being stored on the user’s device.

Author bio: Austin Guanzon is the Tier 1 Support Manager at Dialpad, a leading AI-powered customer intelligence platform and the best business phone app. With expertise in customer retention and technical support, Austin has experience with some of the largest tech service companies in the U.S.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organization. We do not endorse any products or services mentioned in the article.