Incognito mode on Xiaomi phone: how to turn on and use without traces

Modern Xiaomi smartphones collect a huge amount of user data, from search history to geolocation. Incognito mode allows you to temporarily suspend this collection, hiding your activity from the browser, applications and even some system services MIUI. But how to turn it on Redmi devices, POCO or flagship models Xiaomi 13/14? In this article, we will analyze all the ways – from the standard browser to hidden shell functions.

Many people mistakenly think that incognito completely anonymizes the user, but in fact it only prevents the local history from being saved on the device. IP-The address, carrier data, and other meta-information can still be tracked by providers or websites, but for most household tasks — checking email on someone else's phone, searching for gifts, or viewing sensitive documents — this is enough.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China (the global version is called the Global version) MIUI Global) some incognito features may be restricted due to local legislation. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

1. Standard method: Incognito mode in the Xiaomi browser

Most Xiaomi users use the built-in Mi Browser (formerly Xiaomi Browser) browser, which activates incognito in literally two taps, but there are nuances with data synchronization.

To open a private tab:

Launch the Mi Browser (Blue Globe icon).
Touch the icons «⋮» (three points) in upper right corner.
Select the option “New Incognito window” (or New Incognito tab in English).

Incognito window marked with icon 🕵️‍♂️ with a hat and dark theme by default.

Important: even in incognito, Mi Browser can send anonymous statistics to Xiaomi (this is spelled out in the privacy policy).

Go to the browser settings → Privacy.
Turn off the options “Send Error Reports” and “Improving the browser”.

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If you use incognito frequently, add a shortcut to the home screen: open a private tab. → press ⋮ → Add to the main screen.

2.Google Chrome: How to enable incognito on Xiaomi

Many users prefer Google Chrome because of synchronization with a Google account, which has an incognito mode similar to the desktop version, but adjusted for MIUI:

📱 Method 1: Open Chrome → tap on the icon «⋮» → Select "New Incognito tab».
🔍 Method 2: Enter in the address bar chrome://flags/#incognito → Find the Incognito Screenshot flag and turn it off (this will prevent screenshots from being taken privately).
🔄 Method 3: If Chrome is getting stuck in incognito, clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Chrome → Memory. → Clear the cache.

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14, Chrome can conflict with the system memory optimizer to avoid sudden tab closures:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Chrome.
Select “No Limits” in the “Battery Optimization” section.

📊 What browser do you use on Xiaomi?

Mi Browser

Google Chrome

Firefox

Other

I don't know.

3. Hidden mode in MIUI: private profile

MIUI offers a deeper level of privacy, a second space, a separate profile with its own apps, settings, and even a password, and unlike incognito in a browser, it hides all system-level activity, including calls and SMS.

To create a second profile:

Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
Click “Create” and follow the instructions (you need to come up with a separate one). PIN-code).
After setting up, switch between swipe profiles down the notification panel (image icon) 👤).

Function	Incognito mode in the browser	Second Space (Second Space)
Hiding the history of the browser	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes, for all applications)
Hiding calls/SMS	❌ No.	✅ Yes.
Individual Google accounts	❌ No.	✅ Yes.
Password protection	❌ No.	✅ Yes (PIN/print)

⚠️ Note: The second space doesn’t hide yours. IP-address or operator data. Use complete anonymity VPN (For example, Xiaomi Mi VPN from GetApps).

4.Private mode in Xiaomi applications

Some standard MIUI applications also support hidden mode:

📷 Gallery: Select the photo → ⋮ → Hide (files will be moved to the.hidden folder, accessible only through the file manager).
📝 Notes: Create a note → ⋮ → Block (requires a password).
🎵 Music: Mi Music can hide songs from listening history in Settings → Confidentiality.

To access hidden files in the gallery:

Open File Manager (File Manager)
Tap on «⋮» → «Settings» → Enable "Show hidden files».
Go to the Internal Storage folder →.hidden.

Browser synchronization with Mi Account is disabled|Hidden files are password protected|Second space activated|VPN plugged in|Cleared the cache. Chrome/Mi Browser-->

5.Incognito problems at Xiaomi and their solution

MIUI users often encounter private mode bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

🚫 Incognito does not open: Clear browser data (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Browser/Chrome → Memory. → Clear the data).
🔄 Tabs spontaneously close: Disable battery optimization for the browser (see the section about Chrome).
📱 Second space not working: Update MIUI until the latest version or reset the settings in Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
🔒 Forgot the password from hidden files: Delete the.hidden folder via PC (plug your phone in mode) MTP and use Total Commander).

If the incognito option has disappeared after the MIUI update:

Check the firmware region: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (must be Global or EEA).
Install an alternative browser (such as Firefox Focus) where incognito is enabled by default.

What to do if incognito is blocked by antivirus?

Some antiviruses (e.g. Mi Security) may block private tabs as “suspicious activity.” To fix: Open Mi Security → Settings → Privacy Protection. Turn off the option “Scan incognito tabs.” Add the browser to exceptions: Settings → Exceptions → Add the app.

6. Alternative ways to privacy on Xiaomi

If standard incognito isn’t enough, consider these options:

🛡️ VPN + Tor: Install Orbot (Tor for Android) and connect via Mi VPN. It's hiding. IP and encrypt traffic.
📱 Guest mode: In Settings → System system → Additionally. → Guest mode can create a temporary profile without access to personal data.
🔄 Resetting advertising ID: Go to Settings. → Google → Advertisements and click “Reset Advertising” ID» (This will make it harder to target advertising).

For maximum anonymity, combine:

Second space + VPN.
Firefox Focus browser with tracker blocker.
Disable advertising personalization in Settings → Privacy.

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On Xiaomi devices with MIUI, incognito alone is not enough for complete privacy – use a combination of second space, VPN and alternative browsers.

7. Frequent Questions About Incognito Mode on Xiaomi

❓ Can you make an incognito tab permanent?

No, private tabs in Mi Browser and Chrome are closed after the session is over, but you can put the incognito label on the home screen (see section 1).

❓ Do I see my activity in incognito by a telecom operator or Wi-Fi?

Yes. Incognito mode only hides the story on the device, the provider or the administrator of the Wi-Fi can see the visited sites, and for complete anonymity, use a VPN.

❓ Why my Xiaomi doesn’t have the option of “New Incognito Window»?

Probable reasons: Modified firmware installed (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), browser upgraded to beta with bug, firmware region China (where the feature may be disabled) Solution: upgrade your browser via Google Play or install Chrome.

❓ How to delete incognito history after closing tab?

In Mi Browser and Chrome, the incognito history is not saved — it is erased automatically when the last private tab is closed. If you see the stored data, manually clear the browser cache.

❓ Does incognito work in apps like Instagram or Telegram?

No. Incognito mode is a function of browsers only. On social networks and instant messengers, use: Second Space (MIUI), Secret Chat mode on Telegram, Login through a temporary account (for example, Burner Mail).