How to Lock Chrome Incognito Tabs Behind Face ID on iPhone

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(Pocket-lint) – Google has updated its Chrome browser on iOS devices with a cool feature: the ability to lock incognito tabs with Face ID, Touch ID, or a password.

What’s the point of locking incognito tabs in Chrome?

Chrome’s incognito mode prevents Chrome from saving your browsing activity to your local history. Now Google is adding an extra layer of security to incognito tabs opened in your Chrome mobile browser. Basically, if you lock them behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a password, they won’t be visible until they are authenticated. This is handy if you quit the Chrome app and reopen it later, as this prevents someone from using your device and viewing your open tabs.

How to lock Chrome’s private browsing tabs

If the option is not yet available, you may have to wait. It’s happening now, according to Macrumors. Google revealed it was testing the feature in February.

Terms & Conditions

You need an iPhone or iPad running the latest version of the Chrome app for iOS. (You can now download Chrome 92 from the App Store.)

Enable locked tabs in Chrome

To activate the feature, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings in the Chrome app.
   • It is under the menu… in the corner.
2. Scroll to Confidentiality.
3. Select Lock incognito tabs when you close Chrome.

Now, when you view Chrome’s private browsing tabs on your device, you’ll need to unlock them with Face ID, Touch ID, or your password first.

Want more iPhone tips and tricks?

See our guides:

Written by Maggie Tillman. Originally published on July 21, 2021.