Privacy is one of the most important factors that Android and IOS devices are now concerned with. Apple is one of the first devices with improved privacy and security on their IOS, WatchOS, and other core software. However, Android has implemented better user privacy and security in Android 12, as seen in the developer preview. But one question which has too many answers, can private browsing be traced on an iPhone or Android?
What is Private Browsing?
Private browsing or incognito mode on any browser on iPhone, Android, PC, or smart device is a feature that does not store temporary private data. These include cookies, browsing history and search results.
A lot of internet users have misconceptions that incognito mode or private browsing mode cannot be traced. However, the objective of the private browsing mode is not to store your temporary data and make it more secure than normal browsing.
The private browsing mode does not store your search history or cookies in your browser. Instead, it hides the websites you have visited on incognito mode, passwords typed and leaves almost no trace. But does that mean private browsing cannot be traced on iPhone or Android devices?
Can Private Browsing be Traced on iPhone?
Yes, private browsing can be traced on iPhone. When you use private browsing mode, your search history is not stored on your browser but can be seen by the ISP. Besides, it is not completely untraceable; your activities can be noted by tracing your IP address, bookmarks, and traffic-related information.
When your browsing events are untraceable, the only situation is when you use a TOR + Proxy network or a VPN service.
Also read: How to Block Website on iPhone and iPad – Content Restriction on IOS
How to access your browsing history on iPhone?
If you are using the Safari browser on your iPhone, you can easily access your browsing history. To see your browsing history, follow the below steps –
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down or, using the search bar, go to Safari Browser.
- At the end of the menu, you can find the “Advanced” option. Click on it.
- Now, click on Website Data, and you can see all recently visited websites on normal browsing.
If you wish to clear your browsing history, here is how to do it –
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down or using the search bar, go to Safari browser.
- You can find the “Clear History and Website Data” option. Click on it.
- A prompt will confirm if you wish to clear search history and website data. Tap on Delete.
This way, you can clear the Safari search history and website data from your iPhone or iPad. But the private browsing can be traced on iPhone. So how to solve this issue? A good VPN can be easy to set up and secure your internet surfing.
Also read: How to Send Secret Messages Using Invisible Ink on iPhone
Using a VPN service
A VPN service secures your browsing on private or normal browsing mode; this is done by first encrypting your data and sending it through secure channels.
Most of the free VPN services sell your data to third-party services. One such is TurboVPN, and it is not a good option to use Free VPNs. They all do the same.
So, which is the viable option and why?
Private browsing data can be traced on iPhone or any other smart device, but you want internet security. In this scenario, we suggest you use the top two VPN services; NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
The reason for suggesting NordVPN and ExpressVPN is straightforward and in your interest. Both the VPN services have better security protocols and independent security audits. They first encrypt your data with AES-256 encryption (military level) and then transmit it through secure channels and split tunnelling. You can leave no trace by switching your virtual location and be untraceable to a maximum for a normal user.
You can read our tests, where we competed NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN on 9 test basis and chose 1 winner.
or you can also opt for the services using the below link,
Using a TOR Network
The TOR is a secure network that protects users on the internet by anonymizing them and changing their location. The TOR network with Privoxy is the ultimate combination to secure your internet activities. This is the same network that penetration testers and security engineers use to protect their privacy and identity. Not to mention, hackers also use this network to stay protected and anonymous on the web.
You can install the TOR browser on your iPhone and use it freely to access the TOR network. However, it is not easy to set up Tor + Privoxy on iPhone devices. You can do it on Linux-based desktop systems but not on an iPhone. So, either you can use the TOR browser or a VPN service to be untraceable on your iPhone or Android devices.
Also read: 9 Best WiFi Range Extender and Internet Signal Boosters
Can Private Browsing be Traced on iPhone?
Yes, private browsing can be traced on iPhone or iPad, and it is not completely safe to use it. You can either use a Tor browser or a VPN service such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN to ensure your identity is safe on the internet.
