Introduction
Gmail is one of the most popular e-mail services used around the world. But did you know that by default, Gmail saves your search and browsing history in order to serve you personalized ads? If you value your privacy and prefer not to have your online activity tracked, you can turn on incognito mode for your Gmail account on your Android phone. This article will guide you on how to make your Gmail account incognito on your Android phone and provide you with additional tips on how to protect your account.
Why Someone May Want to Make their Gmail Account Incognito on their Android Phone
There are several reasons why someone may want to make their Gmail account incognito on their Android phone.
Protection of Privacy
Turning on incognito mode on your Android phone ensures that your search and browsing activity are not saved on your device. This means that any cookies, cache, or search history related to your Gmail account will not be stored, and hence, your personal data will not be accessible to anyone who may happen to access your device.
Avoiding Targeted Ads
Gmail tracks your search and browsing history to personalize ads that are relevant to you. If you don’t want to receive targeted ads, turning on incognito mode will prevent Gmail from using your search and browsing history to personalize its ads.
How to Turn on Incognito Mode on an Android Phone
There are two ways to turn on incognito mode on an Android phone- through Gmail app settings and through the device’s incognito mode option.
Through App Settings
To turn on incognito mode in the Gmail app settings:
- Open the Gmail app on your Android phone
- Tap on your profile picture located in the top right corner of the screen
- Tap on ‘Turn on Incognito mode’
- A new incognito window will open, and your search and browsing activity will not be saved
Through Device’s Incognito Mode Option
To turn on incognito mode on your Android phone:
- Open the Google Chrome app on your Android phone
- Tap on the three dots located in the top right corner of the screen, and select ‘New incognito tab’
- A new incognito window will open, and any search and browsing activity you do in this window will not be saved on your device
Benefits of Using Incognito Mode for Gmail
Preventing Search History and Cache Save and Accessibility
One of the major benefits of turning on incognito mode for Gmail is the prevention of search history and cache save and accessibility. When you browse the web while logged into your Gmail account, every website you visit and every search you perform is saved in the browser’s cache. This information can be accessed by anyone who has access to your device. Incognito mode prevents this information from being saved in the first place, ensuring your privacy.
Avoiding Personalized Search Results
Gmail saves your search and browsing history to personalize search results and ads. Turning on incognito mode prevents Gmail from tracking your activity, which ensures that your search results will not be affected by your past search and browsing activity.
How to Delete Your Search and Browsing History in Case You Forget to Turn on Incognito Mode
If you forget to turn on incognito mode on your Android phone, you can still erase any traces of your browsing activity by deleting your search and browsing history. Follow these steps:
- Open the Google Chrome app on your Android phone
- Tap on the three dots located in the top right corner of the screen, and select ‘Settings’
- Tap on ‘Privacy’
- Tap on ‘Clear browsing data’
- Choose the browsing data you want to erase, and then tap on ‘Clear data’
Password Protection and Creating a Strong Password
Importance of Keeping Your Password to Yourself
Another way to protect your Gmail account is by creating a strong password and keeping it to yourself. Make sure to choose a password that is hard to guess and includes a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Tips for Creating Strong Passwords
Here are some tips for creating strong passwords:
- Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
- Use a passphrase or a sentence that is easy to remember but hard to guess
- Avoid using personal information such as your name, birth date, or phone number
- Avoid using common words or phrases such as ‘password’ or ‘123456’
Additional Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Gmail Account on an Android Phone
Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Gmail account. It requires you to provide a code in addition to your password to log into your account from an unfamiliar device. To set up two-factor authentication, follow these steps:
- Open the Gmail app on your Android phone and tap on your profile picture
- Select ‘Manage your Google account’
- Select ‘Security’
- Under ‘Sign in to Google’, select ‘2-Step Verification’
- Follow the instructions to turn on two-factor authentication and select your preferred method of receiving a code
Using a VPN to Keep Your Identity Hidden
Another way to keep your Gmail account and online activity secure is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs encrypt your internet connection, making it hard for hackers and other third parties to access your personal information. There are many VPNs available in the market, but make sure you choose a reputable one that does not log your activity.
Conclusion
Preventing your Gmail activity from being tracked is essential for maintaining your privacy and avoiding targeted ads. Turning on incognito mode for your Gmail account is a simple and effective way to achieve this. However, it is important to remember to stay vigilant and take additional steps, such as setting up two-factor authentication and using a VPN, to keep your account and personal information secure. Regularly checking your account activity and reporting any suspicious activity can also help keep your account safe. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your Gmail account and online activity are protected.
