How to See Incognito History on PC and Mobile Device

Some users do not like to keep a long list of recently searched words, phrases, or sentences. Also, if users want to avoid prying eyes or local search results, they switch to incognito mode. There is more to these browsing app features than their sleek black themes. 

The main benefit is that it provides users with more privacy. One can liken its improved privacy to an extra layer of secrecy that requires more prying to uncover. Therefore, this article will show you how to look and where to find incognito history on your PC and mobile devices. Alongside how to see incognito history, we will reveal how the feature works.

Part 1. How to See Incognito History on Computers

Incognito modes are not as sophisticated as most users think. Users rely on it to automatically remove their internet surfing history. However, this article section will show you how to see incognito history on your computer.

1Via DNS

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is responsible for mapping and translating readable domain names in browsers to an actual IP address (Internet Protocol like 45.48.241.198). Hence, it is often called the phonebook of the internet. To view incognito history on a computer, you only need to open the DNS cache stored on your PC. Here is how to access DNS using a Windows computer and Mac.

Windows

Mac

2With Chrome Extensions

Another method of seeing incognito history on the computer is using an extension. Several extensions can start documenting your browser history once it has been installed. Also, you have to grant the extension permission to read your incognito activities, like browsing history.

An example is an extension called Off The Record History. It can maintain the personal history for up to 7 days. However, it won't record a website if the page is not fully loaded before closing the tab.

Part 2. Can I View My incognito History on Android Phone or iPhone?

Yes, you can view your incognito history on Android phones and iPhones. However, seeing incognito history on a mobile device requires third-party apps. These apps are used to monitor browsing activities in real-time. For example, you can use Kidslox.

It is a parental control app that helps a parent to know what apps and web pages their kids are surfing on the internet. Therefore, real-time usage of every app on the device is documented, including your incognito mode. Hence, you cannot review incognito browsing history before the third-party app is installed. AirDroid Parental Control is also helpful for you. It can help parents remotely view their kid's live screen anytime.

Part 3. How to Tell If Someone Is Using Incognito mode?

If you want to know if someone is using incognito mode without using the methods above to check the history, then follow this step. Begin by clearing the current history of the person's browser. Then, watch if they surf the internet. If their browsing history does not reflect, they must have used the incognito mode. However, you must also consider that they may have wiped their browsing history.

Part 4. How Does Incognito Mode Work?

As earlier emphasized in this article, incognito mode is less sophisticated than we have been made to believe. Therefore, it is incorrect to believe that it does not leave a trace online of your activities. It does not guarantee private browsing or being tracked. It probably has another name if you cannot find incognito mode on your web browser. Other examples are InPrivate Mode on Microsoft Edge, Private Browsing on Safari, and Private Mode on Firefox and Opera, among others.

The controversial fact about how the incognito mode works is that your IP address is not hidden. Your traffic or data is not encrypted. Therefore, interested ISP (Internet Service Providers) or third parties can still see those data. Furthermore, the incognito mode does not hide your location because your GPS and IP address can still give away your location. Do not feel terrible that all these features are inaccessible on incognito modes. If you check the terms of service, your web browser would have included these details there.

Also, your web browser would have included the services provided during this mode. The first is that all records of your browsing history, auto-save, cookies, and extensions will be paused. Hence, the incognito mode does not save your history. Likewise, even when you already have an account logged in, you must input your details again in incognito mode. It logs you out of all accounts while in the mode and deletes your cookies.

Bonus Tip: How to Delete Incognito History

Since you know that your incognito history is saved using your DNS cache, this section will show you how to get rid of it.

Windows

Mac

Android

iPhone

Use the same step for Android phones above or restart your device.

VPN

If you truly want to mask your online activity, you should install a trusted VPN. After use, there will be no record of your DNS cache.

In Conclusion

Many users must be aware of using the incognito mode on their apps, websites, and web browsers. A good insight into its use is that once enabled, your web browser, website, or other apps stop keeping any local record. Hence, no one can pinpoint if you had used it when you did. However, all your activities on the internet are still accessible to your network administrators or ISP. Likewise, you can see incognito history on your device.

Hottest Question Related to See Incognito History

Here are some of the thrilling questions being asked about how to see incognito history.

Q 1. Can My Parents See My Incognito History on Wi-Fi?

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Yes, your parents can see your incognito history on Wi-Fi. In addition, the network admin of your mobile network, like your parent, principal, café owner, employer, etc., can access details about the sites you visit.

Q 2. Can Your Internet Service Provider See Your Incognito History?

Elsa

Yes, your ISP can see your incognito history. Internet Service Providers are similar to the network admins of your mobile network. Since incognito only affects data stored locally on your devices, your online activities are still accessible to your ISP.

Q 3. How to Check Incognito History Chrome?

Elsa

You can check Chrome incognito history by typing chrome://chrome/history/ in your website address box. Alternatively, you can download Chrome extensions to check incognito history.

Q 4. How to View Google Incognito History?

Elsa

You cannot check the incognito history in your Google browser directly. However, you can follow the steps shown in this article to access the DNS files. The steps depend on the device you are using. For Windows, you can use the CMD, the console option on Mac, or a third-party app for mobile devices.

Q 5. How to Find Safari Private Browsing History?

Elsa

You need the Finders app to access Safari Private Browsing History on your Mac computer. In your Library, you can check the WebpageIcons.db for the page URL. But on a Windows computer, you can find PageURL through your File Explorer.

Q 6. How to See Incognito History on Android Without Any App?

Elsa

You can see the incognito history on your Android phone without any app by typing chrome://chrome/history/ in your website address box. You can also use an extension for your browser to get the web pages you have visited.