How to enable incognito mode in Yandex Browser on Xiaomi phone: all ways

Incognito mode in Yandex Browser on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi models) allows you to browse the web without saving history, cookies and data forms. This is especially useful if you use public Wi-Fi, want to hide search queries from other users of the device or test the operation of sites without the influence of cache. However, many Xiaomi owners face difficulties in finding this feature – its location depends on the version of MIUI and the browser itself.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to open the incognito tab on Xiaomi phones, including hidden methods for older versions of Yandex Browser. You will also learn how to fix common errors (for example, when an incognito button disappears) and how incognito mode differs from a guest session. Instructions are suitable for devices on MIUI 12-14 or more new versions.

1. Standard method: button in the browser menu

The most obvious method is to use a built-in button in the Yandex Browser interface, which is available in most current versions of the application, but its location may vary.

To open the incognito:

1. Launch Yandex Browser on your Xiaomi.
2. Slap the icon «⋮» (three dots) in the lower right corner of the screen.
3. In the drop-down menu, select the item “New Incognito tab” (mask and hat icon).

If the button is not on the menu, upgrade your browser to the latest version through the Google Play Store or Mi App Store. In some regional versions of MIUI (for example, for China), Yandex Browser can be modified - in this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

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If the incognito button disappeared after the MIUI update, try resetting your browser settings: go to Settings → Applications → Yandex Browser → Storage → Clear data. This will return the standard interface, but remove saved tabs and bookmarks.

2. Quick access through the tab panel

In the latest versions of Yandex Browser (7.0 and later) there was a convenient tab control panel where you can quickly switch between normal and incognito modes.

How it works:

• 🔍 Open your browser and tap the icon "square with a number" (list of tabs) in the upper right corner.
• 👤 Your profile will appear at the bottom of the screen, next to it will be the Incognito button. Press it.
• 🔄 Now all new tabs will open incognito until you return to normal mode.

This is convenient if you switch between modes frequently. Note: in MIUI 13/14 with power saving mode enabled, the tab bar can load more slowly - wait for the interface to load fully.

3. Alternative method: through the search bar

Little-known life hack for Xiaomi: In some versions of the Yandex Browser, you can open an incognito tab directly from the search bar without going to the menu, this method works even if the standard button is hidden.

Instructions:

1. Open Yandex Browser and tap the search bar (where it says “Enter a request or address”).
2. Enter any character (e.g., 1) and click on the “magnifying glass” icon (search).
3. On the search results page, tap three dots next to the address bar.
4. From the menu, select “Open in incognito mode”.

This method is suitable for browser versions 6.5-7.2, where the interface has not yet been completely redesigned. On new Xiaomi devices (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), it is better to use the standard method from the first section.

4. Incognito mode via browser widget

If you add the Yandex Browser widget to the Xiaomi home screen, you can open incognito viewing right from there without running the app itself. This saves time and is convenient for quick access.

How to set up:

• 📱 Hold your finger in the free seat of the home screen and select "Widgets".
• 🔎 Find the list “Yandex Browser” and drag it to the screen.
• 👁️ The widget will have an Incognito button — tap it to open a new private tab right away.

On some MIUI firmware (especially POCO with custom shells), the widget may not display the incognito button, in which case update your browser or use a shortcut on your desktop:

1. Press the Yandex Browser icon on the screen.
2. Select “Create a shortcut” → “New incognito tab.”

5. Problem Solving: Incognito button is missing

Sometimes, after updating MIUI or Yandex Browser, the incognito button disappears from the menu.

• 🔄 Reset browser settings (for example, after cleaning the cache).
• 📱 Regional restrictions (in Chinese versions MIUI some features are hidden).
• 🛠️ Optimizer conflict MIUI (Battery function and performance → Optimization can block interface elements).

How to return the button:

1. Check for updates for Yandex Browser in Google Play.
2. Go to the browser settings (⋮ → Settings → Privacy) and enable the option to "Show the incognito button."
3. If you use MIUI 12.5+, disable battery optimization for the browser: Settings → Battery and performance → Battery Optimization → Applications → Yandex Browser → Without restrictions

✅ Updated Yandex Browser to the latest version

✅ Rebooted the phone.

✅ Checked the privacy settings in the browser

✅ Disabled battery optimization for the browser

✅ Try alternative methods (widget, search bar)-->

Important: On Xiaomi devices with firmware for China (e.g. Redmi K50 with Chinese MIUI), incognito mode can be blocked at the system level, in which case install a global version of the browser via APK or use a VPN to circumvent restrictions.

6. Differences incognito from guest mode in Yandex Browser

Many Xiaomi users confuse the incognito mode and the guest session in Yandex Browser. While both options do not preserve history, there are key differences between the two:

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14, a guest session can be useful if you give the phone to another person — they won't be able to access your data even through your browser history.

1. Open the Yandex Browser.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select "Guest Mode."

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Incognito mode is suitable for temporary private browsing, and guest session – for complete data isolation when transferring the phone to another user.

7.Security: What Incognito Really Hides

Many people mistakenly believe that incognito makes them completely anonymous online, but it doesn't actually hide:

• 🌍 Your IP- address (see by sites and provider)
• 📡 Data transmitted over unsecured connections (HTTP).
• 👁️ Your activity from a Wi-Fi network administrator (e.g., in a cafe or office).
• 📱 Logs MIUI if sync with Xiaomi account is enabled.

To really hide your activity on Xiaomi:

• 🔒 Use it. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe).
• 🛡️ Enable tracker blocker in your browser settings (Settings → Privacy → Block trackers).
• 🔄 Clean the DNS- cache regularly through the MIUI Security app.

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi devices with Chinese firmware (Redmi/POCO for the domestic market), traffic can pass through Xiaomi servers even in incognito mode. If privacy is critical, install an alternative browser (such as Firefox Focus) or use Tor Browser.

8. Frequent errors and their elimination

Incognito mode on Xiaomi can cause problems, and here's how to solve them:

If after all the manipulations, the incognito mode still does not work, try:

1. Remove and re-install Yandex Browser.
2. Reset your network settings to Xiaomi (Settings → SIM- Maps and Networks → Network Reset).
3. Check if the antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) is blocking the browser.

⚠️ Warning: Some models of POCO (e.g., POCO F4) may need to re-activate the incognito mode via settings of MIUI (Settings → Additional → Privacy → Allow private browsing) after resetting to factory settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions