Google Chrome on iOS will soon let you make Incognito tabs a lot more private

Face ID to the rescue!
By Stan Schroeder  on 
Google Chrome on iOS will soon let you make Incognito tabs a lot more private

Incognito tabs in Chrome are a nice privacy feature. If you're not careful, however, you could hand your phone to someone who might see exactly what you didn't want them to see.

Google has fixed this in the latest Google Chrome beta on iOS, 9to5Google reported Thursday.

The new version of the app lets you add Touch ID or Face ID security to your Incognito tabs. Once you do that, whenever you open an Incognito tab, it will be blurred until the phone confirms it's you, either via a face or fingerprint scan.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

The feature can be turned on and off by going to "Settings" -> "Privacy" -> "Lock Incognito tabs when you close Chrome."

As noted by 9to5Google, Google Search and Google Drive already have a similar privacy-protecting feature on iOS.

Incognito on Chrome lets you browse fairly (but not completely) privately, with the browser not leaving any local traces of the websites you visited.

Google Chrome hasn't officially been updated on iOS since December, likely due to Apple's new privacy requirements regarding iOS apps. Despite the delay, it's reasonable to expect that the new version of Chrome will come soon, bringing the new Incognito privacy feature with it.

Topics Google iOS

Stan Schroeder
Stan Schroeder
Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.


Recommended For You
How to watch Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans online for free
By Lois Mackenzie
Delhi Capitals' Mukesh Kuma and teammates

Grab 'Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order' for $5 at PlayStation ahead of May the 4th
Screen grab from gameplay of "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order" video game featuring main character holding lightsaber looking at scenic view

How to cancel your Netflix account
he Netflix website home screen on a laptop computer.


How to watch 2024 MotoGP live streams online for free in the U.S.
Pedro Acosta of Spain leads Maverick Vinales

More in Tech

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 24
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 24
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 24
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 23
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!