How to enable extensions in Incognito windows

Most browsers have a version of Chrome’s “Incognito” mode (sometimes called “private windows” instead), which can hide your browsing history from other people who might use your device. But what about your favorite extensions? Will they work with Incognito or private windows?

In this short article: how to enable and use extensions in Incognito mode, and why privacy-first browsers are a better solution.

How private browsing (or “Incognito” mode) works

Incognito (or private) windows hide your page visits and search history in your local browser, on your device. So another person who also uses that same device wouldn’t see your browsing or search history. This makes Incognito mode a good way to hide info on a shared device, as it clears local browsing history once you close the window.

Incognito mode does also add some limited privacy protections, specifically:

• Browsing data from an Incognito window doesn’t persist on local storage.
• It gives you empty storage once you open a new Incognito window.

Note: Enabling an extension in Incognito or private mode doesn’t somehow change the extension itself, or make it any more secure. An extension that’s vulnerable to hacks will remain so whether you’re in a regular or Incognito / private window.

With that context, here’s how to use extensions in Incognito or private windows.

How to enable extensions in Incognito mode for different browsers

Usually, extensions you’ve downloaded in your browser will need to be specifically enabled for Incognito (or private) windows. Below are instructions to do so for some major browsers.

Enable extensions in Google Chrome Incognito windows

Generally, Chrome extensions won’t work in Incognito mode. To enable them:

1. Open Chrome, and click “⋮” at the top of any window or tab.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Extensions.
4. Find the extension you want to allow in Incognito windows.
5. Click Details under that extension.
6. Toggle on Allow in Incognito.

Enable extensions in Firefox private windows

Like Chrome, Firefox doesn’t automatically allow extensions in Incognito or Private windows. To enable them:

1. Open Firefox, and click the “≡” menu bar at the top of any window or tab.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Extensions & Themes.
4. Under Manage Your Extensions, find the extension you want to allow in private windows. Click the “…” menu beside the extension’s name.
5. Click Manage.
6. Next to Run in Private Windows, select Allow.

Enable extensions in Microsoft Edge private windows

Like Firefox, Microsoft Edge calls Incognito mode “Private Browsing mode.” And like other browsers, by default Edge disables extensions in private windows. To enable them:

1. Open Edge, and click the “…” menu bar at the top of any window or tab.
2. Click Extensions.
3. Under the Extensions heading in your toolbar, find the extension you want to allow in private windows. Click the “…” menu beside the extension’s name.
4. Click Manage Extension.
5. Check Allow in Private.

Enable extensions in Brave private windows

Like other browsers mentioned above, Brave automatically disables extensions in Private browsing mode. To enable them:

1. Open the Brave browser, and click the “≡” menu bar at the top of any window or tab.
2. Click Extensions.
3. Click Manage Extensions.
4. Find the extension you want to allow in Private windows.
5. Click Details under that extension.
6. Toggle on the Allow in Private setting.

Privacy-first browsers like Brave give you real privacy

As discussed, you shouldn’t rely solely on Incognito mode for online privacy. While Incognito does offer some privacy protections, with Big Tech browsers like Chrome and Edge, you can still be tracked regardless of what kind of window you open. To achieve real security, you’ll need to use a private-by-default browser like Brave.

Unlike most browsers, with Brave your online activity is always private. The Brave browser uses built-in ad and tracker blocking, and offers a virtual private network to ensure your online activity remains hidden from advertisers, websites, Big Tech, and even your Internet service provider (ISP). This is the real protection most people seek when they use Incognito or private windows.

And since Brave is private by default, you won’t need to download specific privacy / security extensions, or enable them in Brave Private windows. With Brave, you’re already protected. Download Brave today to start browsing privately.