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

Incognito mode in Yandex on Xiaomi smartphones is an easy way to hide search history, cookies and form data from prying eyes. However, many users face difficulties when activating it: the button does not appear, then after updating MIUI settings are reset. In this article, we will discuss all ways to enable incognito, from the standard method to bypassing restrictions on older versions of the browser.

Xiaomi’s feature is that it often modifies standard applications, including Yandex.Browser.For example, MIUI 13/14 firmware may not have an incognito icon on the home screen, and some regional versions of the browser may have the feature turned off altogether by default. We’ll show you how to bypass these nuances and guarantee to run a private mode – even if you’re using the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X5 with custom firmware.

Why Yandex’s Incognito Mode on Xiaomi Works Differently Than Other Phones

It’s about deep integration of MIUI with system applications. Unlike pure Android, where the Yandex browser is installed from Google Play unchanged, Xiaomi often uses a pre-installed version with a modified interface.

• 🔄 The absence of the incognito button on the main screen (it is transferred to the menu "More").
• 🔒 Blocking function in some regions (e.g. China).
• 📱 Conflicts with MIUI Optimization, due to which incognito tabs spontaneously close.
• 🔄 I will reset the settings after updating the firmware.

In addition, Xiaomi with MIUI 12.5+ has additional data protection: the system can request permission to access the storage even for private tabs. This is not a bug, but a security feature, but it can be disabled (for this, see the section on settings).

Method 1: Standard incognito enabled via browser menu

This is the most reliable method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices (including Redmi 9A, POCO F3, Mi 11).

1. Open Yandex.Browser (if not, download from Google Play).
2. Slip on the icon "More" (three dots or three stripes) in the lower right corner.
3. In the drop-down menu, select "New Incognito tab" (mask icon).
4. Now all search queries and pages visited will not be saved.

If you don't have the "New Incognito tab," you have a modified version of your browser. Go to alternatives.

Update Yandex.Browser to the latest version |Close all background applications (especially VPN) |Disable power saving modes in MIUI |Check if child mode is installed-->

Method 2: Alternative methods of inclusion (if no button)

On some MIUI firmware (e.g., the Xiaomi Mi A3 with Android One), the standard way doesn't work.

Method 1: Through the search string

Enter in the browser address bar:

chrome://flags/#incognito-mode-availability

Press Enter, then select Enabled from the drop-down menu and restart the browser. After that, the incognito icon will appear in the menu.

Method 2: Hot keys (for keyboard devices)

If you have connected a Bluetooth keyboard to Xiaomi, use the combination:

Ctrl + Shift + N

This will open a new incognito tab (works on MIUI 14 and later).

Method 3: Install an alternative version of the browser

If nothing helps, download Yandex.Browser Lite or Yandex.Browser Alpha from the official website. In these versions, the incognito mode works stably:

• 🌐 Yandex.Browser Lite (lightweight version).
• 🧪 Yandex.Browser Alpha (with experimental functions).

How to Check if Incognito Really Works

Many users mistakenly think that incognito makes them completely anonymous.

• 📝 Does not save search history and visited pages on the device.
• 🍪 Remove cookies after closing the tab.
• 🔍 Does not transfer data to Yandex’s personal account (unless you are authorized).

But IP-The address and location are still visible to the sites and the provider to make sure that the incognito is working properly:

1. Open the incognito tab and go to yandex.ru/internet.
2. Check if your search query is displayed in history (should not be available).
3. Close the tab and reopen the history – no data should be saved.

💡

If you want complete anonymity, combine incognito with VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare. VPN You can turn it on directly in the settings: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point and VPN

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after successful incognito inclusion, Xiaomi users are faced with bugs.

Problem 1: Incognito tabs spontaneously close

Reason: MIUI Optimization compulsively clears memory.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Yandex.Browser and disable MIUI Optimization.
3. Add your browser to Secure Applications (under Battery and Performance).

Problem 2: Incognito bookmarks are not saved

It's not a bug, it's a feature of the regime, to keep the tab:

1. Open the desired page in incognito.
2. Copy the URL (long tap on the address bar → Copy).
3. Open the regular tab and paste the link, then bookmark.

Problem 3: Incognito doesn’t work in web views (WebView)

Some applications (e.g. VK or Telegram) open links via WebView where incognito is not available.

• 🔗 Click on the link with a long tap and select "Open in the browser".
• 📱 Install Yandex.Browser as the default application for links.

💡

If after updating MIUI incognito mode is gone, reset the browser settings: Settings Yandex.Browser → Additional → Reset. This will return the standard interface with the incognito button.

How to increase privacy on Xiaomi: additional settings

Incognito mode is just the first step. For complete privacy, set up:

1. Disabling synchronization with Yandex account

If you are logged in to a browser, your data can be stored on Yandex servers even in incognito to disable:

1. Slip on the avatar in the upper right corner of the browser.
2. Select "Account Management" → "Disable Synchronization".

2. Lock trackers

In the settings of Yandex.Browser (Settings → Privacy) enable:

• 🛡️ "Block dangerous and annoying sites" (protection against phishing).
• 🚫 "Do not track my data" (sends a request to sites not to collect information).

3. setting up MIUI for data protection

In the global settings Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
2. Disable access to geolocation and microphone for Yandex.Browser.
3. In the Advertising section, reset the advertising ID.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ There's a hidden Privacy Protection feature that can block incognito work. To turn it off, type ##4636## in the dialer, then go to Settings. → Data protection and deactivate the option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s incognito mode