Do you want to keep your Google Maps searches private? We explain step by step how to activate Google Maps incognito mode and why it is useful to protect your privacy while searching for addresses, places or using navigation.
Google Maps is a great tool for discovering new places or finding the quickest route to your destination, but did you know that all your searches and trips are logged? That’s right! Every time you search for a place, ask for directions, or even open the app, that information is saved. However, this may not be convenient if, for example, you’re looking for a surprise gift for someone and don’t want to leave any clues in your history.
Luckily, there’s incognito mode, an extra layer of security for your Google Maps adventures. No one will know what places you’ve searched for , what routes you’ve taken, or where you’ve been. It’s like you’re a ghost on the map, leaving zero traces of your wanderings. If you want to know how to activate Google Maps incognito mode , don’t leave your screen.
How to activate Google Maps incognito mode on mobile
Although Google Maps is super useful, sometimes we need a little discretion, don’t we? Well, activating incognito mode on your mobile device is very easy and won’t take more than a couple of minutes. Here we show you step by step what you have to do:
- Open Google Maps on your Android device.
- In the top right corner of the screen, tap your profile picture.
- A menu will appear. Look for the option “Activate incognito mode” .
- Tap this option and then the “Close” button . You will notice that your profile picture will change to a hat and glasses icon, indicating that you are in incognito mode.
You can now search for addresses, places, and use navigation without Google saving your history. Any searches or routes you make while in incognito mode will not be stored in your Google account.
And on iPhone? Just as easy!
If you have an iPhone, don’t worry, it’s just as easy. Open Google Maps and look for your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap on it and choose “Activate incognito mode” . That’s it! Your map will turn dark and the same spy icon will appear. Just like in the previous case, no one will know where you are.
How to activate Google Maps incognito mode from PC
If you prefer to use Google Maps on your computer, don’t worry, you can also activate Google Maps incognito mode from your PC . Although it’s a little different than how it’s done on mobile, it’s still just as easy. Just follow these steps
- Open the Chrome browser and in the upper right corner, click on the three vertical dots to display the menu.
- Select the “New incognito window” option . You can also do this with the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + N .
- Once the new window opens in incognito mode, search for Google Maps in the search engine and click on the first result.
Why use Google Maps incognito mode?
Now that you know how to activate Google Maps incognito mode on any device, let’s see why it’s so important and in what situations it can save your day.
- Total privacy. If you want to surprise your partner with a romantic dinner, you are planning a surprise getaway or you simply want to look up an address without it being saved in your history, you can plan everything in secret without leaving a trace.
- Temporary searches. Sometimes you just need to find something quickly without it being saved to your Google account. Incognito mode lets you make searches that disappear as soon as you close the app.
- Sharing. If you share your phone or computer with other people, incognito mode prevents them from seeing your searches and locations. This way, you can keep your stuff private without having to worry about anything.
Limitations of Google Maps Incognito Mode
It’s not all rosy. The platform itself warns that there are certain limitations when using Google Maps’ incognito mode . Below, we’ll tell you about some disadvantages of using this privacy feature.
- History – what is that? Google Maps won’t keep track of your trips or routes. This means you won’t be able to access your browsing history or receive personalized suggestions based on your previous journeys.
- The invisible man. Neither you can see where your friends are, nor can they see your location. Say goodbye to sharing location in real time or checking if they have arrived at the meeting point.
- No memory. Google Maps won’t save the places you visit or use them to personalize your searches. If you search for “restaurants near me,” don’t expect recommendations based on your past tastes.
- No News. Say goodbye to traffic notifications, location updates, or messages from other users. In this mode, you won’t receive any kind of notification.
- Silence, it either records… or it doesn’t. What does this mean? Unfortunately, it will be impossible to use the microphone to interact with the Google Assistant in incognito mode. You won’t be able to ask for directions by voice, search for places, or perform other actions using voice commands.
- You are a spectator, not a protagonist. You will not be able to add reviews, photos or information about places. You will also not be able to report problems on the map or suggest edits. Your time on Google Maps will be very discreet.
- Offline maps. This option will not be available with this feature enabled. If you were planning to download maps for offline use, you will need to return to normal mode. Otherwise, it will be impossible.
As you can see, Google Maps’ incognito mode has its pros and cons, but the balance leans towards the privacy it offers. If you want to keep your searches and routes under the radar, enabling the feature is your best option. Keep in mind that protecting your privacy is priceless , and enabling this mode is a simple but powerful step to control the information you share.