How To: Open Links Directly into Chrome's Incognito Mode on Android

Open Links Directly into Chrome's Incognito Mode on Android

Chrome's Incognito Mode is a great feature for folks that don't want their browsing history tracked. When it's enabled, Incognito Mode makes sure that all cookies and cache that are saved while you're browsing are deleted as soon as you leave a webpage.

Unfortunately, though, Incognito Mode can only be accessed while you're already using Chrome. So links that are opened from an external app like Google Search or your favorite messaging service will load in Chrome's regular view, which leaves a long trail of browsing history.

But a new Xposed module from developer ollide will allow you to set Incognito Mode as the default handler of all links. So if you prefer to keep your browsing history to yourself, you'll certainly want to check this one out.

Requirements

Step 1: Install IncognitoTab

First up, head to the Download section of your Xposed Installer app and search for IncognitoTab, then tap the top result.

From here, swipe over to the Versions tab, then hit the "Download" button next to the most recent entry.

Within a few seconds, Android's installer interface should come right up, so tap "Install" on this screen.

When that's finished, you'll get a notification from Xposed telling you that the module isn't activated yet and that a reboot is needed. Just tap the "Activate and reboot" button on this notification, and Xposed will take care of the rest for you.

Step 2: Set IncognitoTab as the Default Handler of Links

When you get back up, there's just a tiny bit of setup left. Start by opening a link from any app not named Chrome—a Google Search should do the trick here.

At this point, you'll see a system menu asking you to set an app as the default handler of these types of links. Select "Incognito Tab" from this list, then press "Always."

(1) Incognito Tab set as the default link handler, (2) Link opens in Incognito Mode directly

From now on, all external links will load in Incognito Mode directly—no need to worry about leaving a trail of cache anymore.

With that all set up, if you'd like to add search functions to Chrome's Incognito Mode, check out this guide. What are some other Chrome tweaks that you'd like to see in the future? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

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5 Comments

News about xposed for android 5.1 , not for nexus player :D

Not yet, but we're constantly monitoring so that we can have a guide up as soon as it's ready.

Ok , thanks :D I can't wait anymore :p

IncognitoTab is not working properly on my S4 Mini. Instead of opening the chosen link in incognito, it just opens a blank none-incognito tab. Anyone else encountered this?

"all cookies and cache that are saved while you're browsing are deleted as soon as you leave a webpage"

Is that correct? On the desktop, that information is saved until the last incognito tab is closed, even tabs in another incognito window or tabs that have nothing to do with the site in question. All instances of Chrome incognito share the same volatile memory/cache until the final incognito tabs are closed.

Is that behavior different in the Android app?

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