How to Use Guest Mode on Google Chrome: Desktop & Mobile

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Easy steps to turn on Chrome's Guest Mode

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: December 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using a Computer

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Using Mobile

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FAQ

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Warnings

Google Chrome has a “Guest Mode” feature that provides a blank profile for someone who’s temporarily using Chrome. It can be helpful when you want to use a public computer or someone wants to borrow your computer. When you exit Guest Mode on Chrome, your browsing activity will automatically be deleted. This wikiHow article will teach you how to enable Guest Mode on the Chrome browser using your Windows or Mac computer.

Quick Steps

Launch Google Chrome on your computer or laptop.
Click the profile icon in the top-right corner.
Click Open Guest profile.
Close the window when you're done browsing.

Section 1 of 3:

Using Guest Mode on Desktop

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1
Click the profile (people) icon in the top-right corner. A drop-down menu will open.^{[1]
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- If you don't see this icon, click ⋮ in the top-right corner, and then select Your Chrome.
- If Google Chrome isn't updated, click ⋮ in the top-right corner, select Settings, and then select About Chrome to update it.
A new window will open after doing so. You will see the "You’re browsing as a Guest" message on the new guest tab.

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Pages you view in the Guest window won’t appear in the browser history. Also, this mode won’t leave other traces, like stored cookies, after you close all open Guest windows.
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Create a Chrome profile (optional). If someone uses your device regularly, you can opt to create a Chrome profile for them to separate any bookmarks, history, or other save data they may want. This is helpful to keep your saved data separate. Do the following:
- Click the person icon in the top-right corner (or select ⋮ > Your Chrome).
- Click Add Chrome profile.
- Click Sign in to create a profile using your Google account or click Continue without an account.
- Add a name for the Chrome profile.
- Select a color theme.
- Click Done.

Section 2 of 3:

Using Incognito Mode on Mobile

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Tap More ⋮ in the top-right corner of the Chrome app. While Guest Mode isn't available on the Google Chrome mobile app, you can still use Incognito Mode.
- If you're using an iPhone or iPad, this will look like More ••• instead.
- Incognito Mode will hide your browsing history and block any third-party cookies. You'll still have access to all of your bookmarks and other saved information while in this mode.
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Tap New Incognito Tab. This will open a new tab in Incognito Mode.
- While you're in Incognito Mode, your browsing history will not be saved. Third-party cookies will also be blocked by default.

Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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What's the difference between Guest Mode and Incognito Mode? Guest Mode allows someone to browse without access to any bookmarks, history, or saved information. This is different from Incognito Mode, which gives you access to all these things while keeping the session's data private. If you're the one browsing but you want to search things discreetly, you should use Incognito Mode. If you're letting someone borrow your laptop or computer, you should let them use Guest Mode.
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Can I use Guest Mode on the Chrome mobile app? Currently, you can't use Guest Mode on an Android, iPhone, or iPad. However, you can still use Incognito Mode on the Chrome app. This will still allow you to browse privately.
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What does "You're browsing as a guest" mean? When you see this message, this means your browsing session won't be saved after you close the window. This includes your history, any cookies, and other data typically saved.
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Why can't I find Guest Mode? If you don't see the person icon in the top-right corner of the Chrome browser, click the ⋮ icon, and then select Your Chrome. You should see the option to Open Guest profile.
- If you don't see this option, you may need to update your Google Chrome. To do this, click the ⋮ icon, and then select Settings. Click the About Chrome section in the left panel to check for any new updates.
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How do I turn off Guest Mode? To leave Guest Mode on Google Chrome, simply exit out of the browser. There's currently no way to disable the Guest Mode feature without a third-party extension.

Community Q&A

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Question

Does this work for Chromebooks?

CliGibbs27

Community Answer

On Chromebooks there is a different process. Either enable guest mode in settings or ask your Chromebook's owner to enable it. Then sign out of your device, and press the bottom left corner to enter guest mode. This may not work on a school or business computer.

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Question

Can I download songs using guest mode?

CliGibbs27

Community Answer

You can download songs in guest mode, but make sure you download them to an external storage device or backup to the cloud before exiting guest mode.

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Tips

Guest Mode stops Chrome from saving your browsing activity.

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Warnings

Your activities in Guest Mode will still be visible to websites that you visit, your internet service provider, and whoever runs the network you’re using.

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