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How to Enable or Disable Lock for Incognito on Chrome browser

Chrome allows locking the incognito mode when we close or switch away from the browser using the device’s biometric authentication to keep the session private. With a toggle switch, we can enable or disable this feature from Chrome’s Privacy and Security option for Android and iOS devices. We need to authenticate ourselves to unlock the incognito mode window.

Enable or Disable Lock for Incognito in Chrome browser

The Chrome browser has a security feature that allows you to lock the incognito mode from unauthorized access. It locks the open incognito tabs when you leave or switch away from the Chrome browser app without completely exiting the incognito windows.

It uses the device’s lock pattern, biometric, face ID, etc., to protect the incognito mode. We must validate ourselves to open the existing private browser session or even turn on or off the locking feature from the settings menu.

Currently, the feature is available for mobile devices, including Android tablets and iPads. Perhaps, it may be introduced even on the Chrome desktop browser.

Incognito Lock for Chrome Android

The Android phones have fingerprint and face match as biometrics that can be used for unlocking the incognito mode. We can enable or disable the option from the Chrome browser settings as below:

  1. Open the Chrome browser on Android.
  2. Tap on the More vertical 3dots icon menu and select Settings.
  3. Select the Privacy and Security option from the list.
  4. Toggle the switch for the Lock Incognito tab when you leave Chrome option.
    Lock incognito tabs option on Chrome Android
  5. Verify the lock authentication to enable the incognito lock.

It will ask for the biometric or screen unlock when reopening the incognito window on Chrome Android.

Unlock Incognito button on Chrome Android

You can also use the screen lock pattern for unlocking Chrome Incognito mode on Android.

To disable the lock for incognito in Chrome, toggle the switch to turn off the option from the privacy and security page on the Chrome Android app.

Incognito Lock for Chrome iPhone

The iPhone device has the Face ID unlock that can be used for locking the incognito mode for unauthorized access. Here are the steps to customize the Chrome settings:

  1. Launch the Chrome browser on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on the More vertical 3dots icon menu and select the Settings menu.
  3. Open the Privacy and Security settings option.
  4. Toggle the switch for Lock incognito tabs when you close Chrome option.
    Lock incognito tabs option on Chrome iPhone
  5. Verify your biometric authentication to turn on the incognito lock.

When you reopen the active incognito mode tab, it will ask for biometric or passcode authentication.

Unlock with Face ID on Chrome iPhone for Incognito mode tab

We can also use the screen lock passcode for authentication if the Face ID is not configured on the device.

Similarly, to disable the locking security for incognito in Chrome iPhone, you need to toggle the switch to turn off the option from the privacy and security page.

Bottom Line

Protecting unauthorized access to incognito mode is a great feature that the Chrome browser has added. It uses biometric authentication or a screen lock to unlock the private browsing mode.

The lock only gets activated if you’ve closed the Chrome browser without terminating the active incognito mode session. Even if the browser is killed from the task manager, the incognito window will be protected until the user is verified or completely closed the session.

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Kushal Azza

Kushal has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical; however, his passion for technology and gadgets has made him a digital & tech geek. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems and creating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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