If you’re a Samsung Galaxy user, you might be using Samsung Internet’s Browsing Assist AI features. While exploring the browser, you may have noticed Secret mode. It’s similar to the incognito mode in Chrome or other browsers. Let’s dive into how Secret mode works and how to enable or disable it.
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What Is the Secret Mode in Samsung Internet
The Secret mode in Samsung Internet browser is actually the incognito mode or private mode available in web browsers like Chrome and Safari. You get the same browsing experience, but with an extra layer of privacy. Secret mode removes your searches, cache, and browsing history automatically when you exit it.
On top of that, it allows you to save pages and bookmarks which are only visible in Secret mode. They are not available while viewing regular tabs or part of the browsing data. So, if you frequently visit websites you prefer to keep private, you can bookmark them within Secret mode for quick access.
Here’s what happens when you use Secret mode:
- Closing Secret mode automatically wipes the browsing history, cache, cookies, and passwords.
- It lets you save bookmarks and downloaded pages, but they only appear inside the mode.
- Files (photos, videos, audio, websites, etc.) downloaded in Secret Mode are hidden and you can only open them in Secret Mode. It’s like the Secure Folder feature.
- You can also lock Secret mode with a password (read about this later).
Turn on and off Secret Mode in Samsung Internet
1. Open Samsung Internet on your phone.
2. Tap the tab manager icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap Turn On Secret Mode.
3. On the next screen, you can choose to lock Secret Mode with a password or biometrics. Toggle on Lock Secret Mode and tap Start to lock it.
4. Set a password (if you opted to lock the mode) and verify it again. You can use Secret Mode after that.
5. To turn Secret Mode off, tap the tab manager icon again and select Turn Off Secret Mode.
How to Customize Secret Mode
Tap the tab manager icon at the bottom of the screen. In the top-right corner, tap the three-dot menu and select Secret Mode Settings.
Alternatively, you can visit Settings > Personal Browsing Data > Secret Mode Settings.
On this screen, you can:
- Choose whether to open links from other apps directly in Secret Mode.
- Keep downloaded files separate from your regular downloads for enhanced privacy.
- Enable face recognition or fingerprint unlock for an extra layer of security.
- Reset Secret Mode to its default settings if needed.
Add Secret Mode Shortcut to the Menu
1. Open Samsung Internet browser on your Galaxy phone and go to its Settings.
2. Tap Layout and menus > Customize menus.
3. Drag and drop Turn on Secret mode shortcut to the toolbar menu and you’re ready to use it.
After that, you can turn Secret mode on or off directly from the toolbar (tap the icon with three horizontal lines).
How Safe Is the Secret Mode
Secret mode protects your browsing privacy, automatically clears data when you exit it, locks with a password to prevent unauthorized access, and files you download are stored separately from your regular downloads. These are good enough reasons to consider using the Secret Mode whenever such a browsing need arises.
Since Secret Mode uses the same level of encryption as Samsung KNOX, it is relatively secure and preferable option than vanilla incognito mode of other browsers. Planning to switch from Google Chrome? Read our Google Chrome vs. Samsung Internet comparison to know the caveats and merits before you switch.
Despite Samsung calling it private, your internet service provider (ISP) may still track your browsing activity. Consider using a reputable VPN app to protect your browsing activity from your ISP.
