If you want to use Reddit but don’t want the site to track your activity, you can turn on Reddit’s anonymous browsing function. This allows you to browse privately without worrying that your cookies, IP address, and history will be used by Reddit to send you personalized recommendations. This guide shows how to go into Reddit incognito mode.
Good to know: if you are worried about your past habits on Reddit, view and delete your Reddit history.
Use Reddit’s Anonymous Browsing Feature
Reddit has both desktop and mobile apps, but only the mobile app has a native way to browse anonymously. The best part is that you don’t even need an account to do it.
- Open the Reddit app, and tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Tap the down caret icon on the right side of your username.
- Tap “Anonymous Browsing.”
- Tap “OK” on the pop-up confirming anonymous browsing on Reddit.
Reddit will switch to a darker theme, showing you’re now incognito. If you want to exit this mode, tap the profile icon in the top-right corner, then tap “Leave Anonymous Browsing.”
Also helpful: crosspost on Reddit so that your posts reach more people.
Take Your Browser Incognito to Stay Anonymous on Reddit
Like the mobile app, neither the desktop app nor the Reddit website will allow you to browse anonymously. The best you can do is put your browser in incognito mode, which will prevent your browser from storing any cookies and history associated with Reddit.
You’re anonymous on Reddit if you don’t sign in to your Reddit account while your browser is incognito. In our example, we are using Chrome, but the incognito mode of any modern browser will work the same.
Follow the steps below to browse Reddit in incognito mode:
- Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
- Select “New Incognito Window.”
- Go to the Reddit website to see a black theme, showing that you’re incognito.
It’s no problem if you’re using a browser other than Chrome. Below are the steps to enter incognito mode on other popular web browsers:
- Firefox: click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) -> “New private window.”
- Edge: click “More” (three horizontal lines), then “New inPrivate window.”
- Safari: click “File -> New Private Window.”
You can also use incognito mode on your phone’s browser to browse Reddit anonymously. Follow the steps below to learn how to do it on the Chrome app:
- Open the Chrome app on your phone. On iOS, tap the three horizontal dots in the bottom-right corner. On Android, tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
- Tap “New incognito tab.”
- Go to the Reddit website.
- If you have installed the Reddit app, you’ll see a prompt asking if you want to switch to it. Tap “Continue” to keep using the browser.
Using a different browser? Follow the steps below to browse Reddit anonymously on other popular mobile browsers:
- Safari: tap “Tabs” (two interesting squares) -> “X tabs -> Private.”
- Firefox: tap “Tabs” (square icon) -> “Private Browsing.”
- Opera: tap the hamburger menu -> “Private Mode.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does anonymous browsing last on Reddit?
If you’re active, you can browse anonymously for as long as you want. If you’re inactive, the app will revert to normal browsing in 30 minutes.
Can I upvote/downvote in anonymous browsing mode?
When you use anonymous browsing mode, you won’t be able to carry out any actions that will require an account. You’re essentially in read-only mode, meaning you can’t post, vote, or comment.
Does Reddit track anonymous browsing?
No, Reddit does not track your browsing when you do it anonymously.
Is Reddit incognito truly incognito?
It is only incognito so far as your browser won’t be able to track your cookies and IP address. However, that information is still available to Reddit and your ISP. If you don’t sign in, Reddit won’t know whose account it belongs to.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Chifundo Kasiya.
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