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

Incognito mode in the browser is not just a "secret tab," but a powerful privacy protection tool. - Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with a shell MIUI You can turn it on in Yandex.Browser in a number of ways, but many users are faced with nuances, from the absence of a button in the menu to sudden crashes. Why is this happening? MIUI It often modifies standard applications, and Yandex.Browser itself has several versions with different interfaces.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of activating incognito mode – from the basic method through the menu to hidden functions for experienced users. You will learn how to get around typical errors (for example, when the incognito button disappears after updating), how private mode in Yandex.Browser differs from similar functions in Google Chrome, and how to check whether your activity remains hidden. 10/11/12 and other popular models, we have prepared specific recommendations taking into account the features of their firmware.

If you’ve never used incognito, start with the first section, which explains why you need it and what data you still have (spoiler: this is not a magic wand for complete anonymity), and we advise experienced users to immediately move to the advanced settings or the error-solving section.

Why do you need incognito on your phone?

Many people mistakenly believe that incognito makes them completely invisible online, but in fact, its main tasks are local:

✅ Does not store browsing history in your browser (but the carrier or sites may see your activity).

✅ Remove cookies after closing tabs** – this prevents sites from tracking your preferences (e.g. ad networks).

✅ It does not auto-fill forms and passwords – convenient if you log in to an account on someone else’s device.

❌ He doesn't hide yours. IP-address (this is required) VPN).

❌ Does not block viruses or phishing sites (use antivirus for security).

❌ Does not protect against surveillance by an employer or provider if you are on a corporate network.

On Xiaomi Redmi, incognito is especially useful if:

• 🔒 You log in to social networks or mail on someone else's phone (for example, a friend's phone).
• 🛒 Looking for gifts or comparing prices to avoid “lighting up” your interests in advertising.
• 📱 Testing sites under different accounts (for example, checking how the page looks for new users).
• 🔍 Looking for sensitive information (medical, legal) that you don’t want to see in history.

Important: B MIUI If you use a system browser (not Yandex), incognito may work differently. Yandex.Browser offers more flexible settings, including blocking trackers and protection against digital fingerprint.

Basic method: how to turn on incognito in Yandex.Browser on Redmi

The simplest method works on all Xiaomi Redmi models (from Redmi). 9A Up to Redmi Note 13 Pro+) It doesn't require any additional settings:

1. Open Yandex.Browser (if it is not, install it from an official source).
2. Touch the badge «⋮» (three dots) in the lower right corner of the screen.
3. In the menu, select the item “New Incognito tab” (mask icon) 🎭).
4. Now, all the tabs that are open in this window won't save history.

🔹 How to know if the mode is on?

• 📱 At the top of the screen will appear a black panel with the inscription Incognito and the mask icon.
• 🔍 The address bar will become dark (in the bright theme of the browser).
• 🚫 The user profile icon (if it was) will disappear.

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Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially in regional versions for China, the standard Yandex.Browser can be replaced by Mi Browser. In this case, incognito is included differently - see the section on alternative browsers.

If the New Incognito tab button is not on the menu, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 You have an outdated version of your browser (update to Google Play or AppGallery).
• 📱 On the phone installed modified firmware (for example, custom). MIUI third-party).
• 🔒 Parental controls or corporate policies block the function.

Advanced settings: incognito by default and tracker lock

If you use private mode frequently, you can configure Yandex.Browser to always open in incognito or automatically delete data after closing.

Method 1: Incognito default

1. Open the settings of Yandex.Browser → Confidentiality.
2. Activate the option “Always open incognito mode”.
3. Restart the browser – now all new tabs will be private.

Method 2: Enhanced protection against trackers

In the same section, include:

• 🛡️ «Block Trackers – Prevents data collection by advertising networks.
• 🚫 «To prevent sites from identifying my location».
• 🔍 «Do not save these forms" - disables autofill.

🔹 For Redmi models with MIUI 14+ optional option available:

Settings → Additional → Experimental functions → “Improved protection in incognito mode”

She's encrypting. DNS-requests and masks the digital fingerprint of the browser (fingerprinting), which complicates the identification of your device.

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Note: Xiaomi Redmi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi 9T) Turning on all security features can slow down your browser by 10-15%. If you notice lags, turn off the option to Block Trackers and use extensions like uBlock Origin instead.

💡

Setting up “Incognito by default” doesn’t interfere with using regular tabs – you can always open them manually through the menu.

Alternative: Incognito mode in Mi Browser on Xiaomi

If your Redmi defaults to Mi Browser (not Yandex), you can turn on incognito as follows:

1. Open Mi Browser.
2. Touch the badge «⋮» → «New Incognito Window (or Private Window in English).
3. The window will be marked with an icon. 🕵️.

🔹 Differences Mi Browser from Yandex.Browser in incognito mode:

🔹 How to completely remove Mi Browser and install Yandex?

If you are not satisfied with the standard browser, it can be disabled (it will not be possible to remove it completely, since it is system):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser and select “Disable”.
3. Install Yandex.Browser from Google Play or AppGallery.

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Attention: On some firmware MIUI for China ROM) Disabling system applications can cause a launcher to malfunction. Before doing so, back up through Settings. → The phone. → Backup.

Typical errors and their solutions

Xiaomi Redmi users often encounter problems when trying to turn on incognito, and here are the most common cases and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Incognito button is missing after update

🔧 Decision:

• 🔄 Reinstall Yandex.Browser (pre-export bookmarks through Settings) → Imports/exports).
• 📱 Clear the browser cache: Settings → Annexes → Yandex.Browser → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 If it doesn’t work, try to revert to the previous version. APK (Download from the official Yandex website).

Problem 2: Incognito opens, but history still persists

🔧 Decision:

• 🛠️ Check if synchronization with Yandex account is enabled (Settings) → Account).
• 🔍 Make sure you actually close all incognito tabs (sometimes they stay in the background).
• 📱 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI improperly handles the browser cache.

Problem 3: When you open incognito, the browser produces an error “Could not load the page”

🔧 Decision:

• 🌐 Check your internet connection (incognito can be blocked when a weak Wi-Fi signal is in place).
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN Proxies: They may conflict with a protected regime.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

💡

If incognito is unstable, try using Firefox Focus, which is a private surfing browser and is often better compatible with your browser. MIUI.

How do you know if incognito really works?

Many Xiaomi Redmi users are questioning whether their activity is hidden.

Test 1: Checking the history of the browser

1. Open several sites in incognito mode.
2. Close all tabs.
3. Go to History (watch icon in Yandex.Browser).
4. If the sites are not displayed, incognito works.

Test 2: Checking cookies

1. Log in to any site (for example, VKontakte) in incognito mode.
2. Close the tab and open the site again.
3. If you are not remembered (you had to enter the login / password again) – the cookies are cleared.

Test 3: Checking the digital fingerprint

Go to the Electronic Frontier Foundation's Cover Your Tracks website and compare the results in both normal and incognito mode, and if the fingerprint's uniqueness score has decreased, the protection works.

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Note: On Xiaomi Redmi with global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Global), Yandex.Browser can send anonymous telemetry even in incognito mode. To disable this, go to Settings → About the browser → Send an error report and deactivate the option.

On Redmi models with Snapdragon processor (e.g. Redmi) K50) Incognito mode may conflict with Game Turbo if it is active.

Frequent questions about incognito on Xiaomi Redmi