How to Block Websites in Incognito Mode

Are you constantly distracted by YouTube videos while trying to work? Are you concerned about inappropriate websites popping up when younger users are surfing the web? If so, then you are probably looking for a way to block these websites. Whatever your reason, blocking a website in Incognito Mode is possible through a few different methods depending on your device.

In this article, we’ll explain just that. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve undercover status online no matter your device.

How to Block Websites in Incognito Mode on a Windows PC

Do you wish to control website access on your Windows PC regardless of your chosen browser? All you need to do is make some simple changes to the settings on your Windows PC. The method is uncomplicated and easy. It goes as follows:

1. Open Windows Explorer and press the “Tools” function.
   
2. Click “Internet Options.”
   
3. Head to the “Security” tab and click the red “Restricted Sites” icon.
   
4. Click the “Sites” icon below.
   
5. In the pop-up that appears, manually type the websites you wish to block. Make sure to click “Add” after each site.
   

Once all these steps are completed, you and others are free to safely surf the web.

How to Block Websites in Incognito Mode on a Chromebook

On a Chromebook, you can switch between incognito mode and regular browsing. However, you will only have access to Incognito Mode when using the incognito window. Similar to a Windows PC, you can go block websites at the OS level:

1. Log in to your Google Workspace (G Suite) account located at admin.google.com.
2. Select “Device,” then “Chrome,” then “Settings.”
3. Scroll down and click on “Content” then “URL Blocking” then “URL Blacklist.”
4. Type in relevant URLs in the text field provided.

How to Block Websites in Incognito Mode on a Mac

In 2005, Safari was the first major browser to introduce a private browsing mode. The way it works is by creating a temporary browsing session (single use of your browser from the time you open it to the time you close it). Here is how to enable incognito mode on your Mac:

1. Open the Safari Browser.
   
2. Go to File and select New Private Window.
   

You can also set Safari to always open private browsing windows. Here’s how:

1. In the menu bar choose “Safari” then click “Preferences.”
   
2. In the “General” tab, click the “Safari Opens With” tab.
   
3. Choose “A New Private Window” option. This ensures that a private browsing window will open each time you use Safari.
   

Alternatively, you can use the shortcuts “Shift+Command+N” or “Ctrl+Shift+N” to access private browsing.

How to Block Websites in Incognito Mode on an iPhone

Follow these steps to block the websites of your choice on an iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
   
2. Tap “Content and Privacy Restrictions” and enter your iPhone password.
   
3. Tap “Content Restrictions,” then tap “Web Content.”
   
4. Choose one of the following options: “Unrestricted Access,” “Limit Adult Websites,” or “Allowed Websites Only.”
   

Additionally, if you’re a parent and give your child access to your iPhone for games, you may be concerned about iTunes and App Store purchases. Fear not. By following these steps, you can safely prevent your child from installing, deleting, and making in-app purchases without your approval.

1. Head to Settings.
   
2. Tap “Screen Time.”
   
3. Tap “Content and Privacy Restrictions.” If requested, enter your passcode.
   
4. Tap “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
   
5. Choose your desired setting and set it to “Don’t Allow.”
   

Once all these steps are completed, you’re good to go.

How to Block Websites in Incognito Mode on an Android Phone

Your Android device should come with the Google Play Store app. From here, you can install the “BlockSite” app to assist you in blocking unwanted websites. It will block sites even in incognito mode. Here’s how:

1. Open Google Play Store and install the “BlockSite” app.
   
2. Once it is downloaded, open the “BlockSite” app.
   
   
3. Tap “Go to Settings” when prompted and enable the app’s use.
   
4. Tap the green “+” icon to block your first website or app.
   

FAQs

Is Incognito Mode Safe?

While incognito mode allows you to erase any local traces of your browsing, you can still be identified on the web. Advertisers will still know you are there through technologies such as “Geolocation.” Additionally, incognito mode does not provide any additional security features. Malware can still get through.

Private browsing is designed to protect your privacy within your home and hide your online activity. So even if an advertising agency knows you’ve been searching for a particular gift, it will still be a surprise for the person you are buying for even if they use your computer.

Be the Master of Online Disguise

Whether you’re searching for a birthday present or monitoring what your kid sees online, incognito mode can be very useful. The service deletes cookies and clears your history, ensuring that what you’ve been searching for can be done without a trace.

But while blocking sites in incognito mode is great if you don’t want anyone around you knowing what you’re up to online, you’re still not completely untraceable. Your IP address can always be located by your internet service provider. Also, your site data isn’t entirely anonymous as the website still knows you’re there.

Just something to consider before you next decide to go undercover online.

What makes you want to go incognito? Have you tried any other methods when doing so? If the answer is yes, then leave a comment below.