How to Disable Incognito Mode on Android (updated)

If anyone wants to disable incognito mode from their device, this is the way. Today in the blog, I’m going to show you how to disable Chrome’s incognito mode, so whenever someone opens it, it gets closed immediately. This is what our users and visitors enjoy – tips and tricks like this.

portrait image of android in my hands with incognito mode opened on the chrome app

Firstly, let me clarify this: there are a few ways available to remove or disable the incognito mode on your Android device. However, only a few of them are genuinely very effective, and effectiveness may vary from device to device. But the best way is by using an app, which I have shared below in the post, along with the download link.

Steps to Disable Incognito Mode Using APK

Below is the step-by-step guide for removing the incognito mode by performing a simple task, which is reversible.

  • Firstly, download an APK file from the given links below.
  • Secondly, install the APK file on your device. Right after installing the app, it will ask for some notification permissions, which help the app to know whenever the incognito mode is turned on. It automatically detects that and closes the incognito mode instantly as soon as it opens.
installed the incognito away apk
installing the incognito away apk

incognito away apk not enabled
incognito away apk turned on
image of enabling the incognito mode and notification

Why Does Someone Want to Disable Google Chrome’s Incognito Feature?

There are a few reasons why you might want to disable incognito mode on your Android device. For example, if you have children, you may want to disable incognito mode to prevent them from browsing the web privately without your permission. Or, if you share your Android device with others, you may want to disable incognito mode to prevent them from seeing your private browsing history.

image of android on my table with incognito mode opened on the chrome app

Google Family Link is a parental control app that allows you to manage your children’s Android devices. If you have children, you may want to disable incognito mode using Google Family Link. To disable incognito mode use Google Family Link:

  1. Open the Google Family Link app on your device.
  2. Tap the child’s name whose incognito mode you want to disable.
  3. Tap Manage Settings > Chrome > Privacy and Security.
  4. Under Incognito mode, tap Block.
  5. Tap Block to confirm.

Method 2: Using a third-party app

There are a number of third-party apps available that can disable incognito mode on Android. Some popular options include:

  • Incoquito
  • Block Incognito Mode
  • Incognito Blocker

In my personal opinion to get rid of Incognito mode completely from your Android there is an app called Incognito Away APK, So when you download and install the Incognito Away APK it will ask you for a few permissions such as notification formations when you get unable to this it will block the Incognito mode permanently.  so anyone who is trying to open the Incognito tab will not work at all.

By using this app it can be able to stop Incognito mode from creating a tab or from anyone creating an Incognito tab and using it.

To use a third-party app to disable incognito mode, simply download and install the app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and follow the instructions to disable incognito mode.

Method 3: Editing the Android system files

Editing the Android system files is the most advanced method for disabling incognito mode on Android. It is important to note that editing the system files can potentially damage your device, so you should only attempt this method if you are comfortable doing so.

image of android in my hands with incognito mode opened on the chrome app

To disable incognito mode by editing the system files:

To disable incognito mode by editing the system files, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. Open a file explorer window on your computer.
  3. Navigate to the following directory: /system/build.prop
  4. Right-click the build.prop file and select “Open with.”
  5. Choose a text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit.
  6. Add the following line to the end of the file: ro.zygote.disable_incognito=1
  7. Save the file and close the text editor.
  8. Disconnect your Android device from your computer.
  9. Restart your Android device.

This should disable incognito mode on your Android device.


Way 1. Use a Third-Party App Locker (Advanced Settings)

One of the easiest ways to control Incognito Mode is by using advanced app lockers. From my experience, apps like AppLock allow you to lock specific parts of an app, such as Chrome’s Incognito tabs.

  • How it works: You can set up rules to block private browsing windows, control when Chrome is accessible, or lock privacy settings altogether.
  • Pro Tip: I found Advanced Protection AppLock especially handy because it not only blocked Incognito mode but also let me schedule app locks, which added an extra layer of control over my device’s browsing activities.

Way 2. Modify DNS Settings to Restrict Incognito-Used Sites

By altering the DNS settings on your device or router, you can indirectly reduce the effectiveness of Incognito Mode. This method restricts access to commonly visited sites in private mode.

  • What I did: I switched to CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS, which lets you block adult content or websites typically accessed through Incognito.
  • Router Control: I took it a step further by setting up DNS filtering at the router level, which effectively limits Incognito browsing across my entire network.

Way 3. Install Mobile Device Management (MDM) Tools

For more robust control, I explored Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions like Google Family Link. This method is great for both personal and professional use.

  • What’s cool: MDMs allow you to remotely control browser settings, disable Incognito Mode, or block entire browsers.
  • My Experience: I found it helpful for managing devices for my younger relatives, ensuring they couldn’t bypass internet safety settings by using private browsing.

Way 4. Switch to Browsers Without Incognito Mode

If you’re tired of Chrome’s Incognito Mode, like I was, switching to a browser that doesn’t support private browsing can make life easier.

screenshot of spin browser from the play store
  • Safe Browsers: I started using Spin Browser and Safe Browser. These browsers are built with parental control in mind and don’t have Incognito Mode.
  • Customizations: Some browsers let you tweak settings internally to disable Incognito entirely, which can be helpful if you prefer total control.

Way 5. Disable Chrome Using Developer Options

I learned that Android’s Developer Options give you control over which browsers can run. You can even disable Chrome and force another browser without Incognito.

  • What I did: I went into Developer Options (Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number multiple times), and used Select WebView Implementation to choose a browser that doesn’t have Incognito Mode.
  • Result: I was able to disable Chrome temporarily and rely on a browser that doesn’t support private browsing.

Way 6. Set Up Usage Logs for Accountability

One way I deterred Incognito browsing was by setting up usage logs through apps like Qustodio or Google Family Link.

  • What I did: I received regular reports on browsing habits, even in private mode, making Incognito less appealing because users knew their activity was being monitored.
  • Bonus: This feature was especially useful for parental control, helping me keep an eye on browsing habits.

Conclusion

We tried to cover all the points on the topic. If you are a parent or guardian, I understand your concern about your children’s internet activity. You can use parental control apps, such as Google Family Link, to monitor your children’s browsing history and prevent them from using incognito mode. You can also use parental control apps to block specific websites and apps and to set time limits on screen time. And the app which is suggesting you is one of the best apps and also recommended by a YouTuber, here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Kunal
Kunalhttps://fixing-mostly.com/author/kunal-kashyap/
Kunal Kashyap, the tech guru behind FixItKunal.com, simplifies complex tech issues with clear and user-friendly guides. With expertise in Android, iOS, and more, his tutorials empower users to tackle tech problems confidently. Kunal's engaging style makes technology accessible to both beginners and experts. Beyond tech, he explores psychology and keeps up with tech and business trends awarded by the Government and Namita Thapar.

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