I dug into my browser’s settings and explored other options to make it a bit more private, which has made me feel better about all the hours I spend surfing the internet. Here are a few simple steps to privacy-proof your browser, just like I did.
1Use Your Browser’s Built-in Privacy Features
One of the easiest ways I’ve made my browsing experience more private is bylaunching my browser in Incognito Mode. It keeps your browsing history, cookies, and site data from being stored on your device once you close the session. However, remember that this doesn’t stop websites from tracking you or your internet service provider (ISP) from seeing what you’re doing.
Most browsers have a feature that warns you when you’re about to visit a website known for being risky, whether it’s trying to steal your data or infect your device with malware. On Chrome, it’s calledEnhanced Safe Browsing. Firefox calls it Phishing Protection. And if you use Microsoft Edge, it is called Enhanced Security mode. To enable it, go into the settings and look for this feature—steps will vary depending on your browser.
I alsoswapped out Google as my default search enginefor something more privacy-focused. There areprivacy-focused search engines out there, like DuckDuckGo or Startpage, that don’t track your search history or build a creepy profile about you.
Lastly, depending on your browser, you cantweak settings to limit the data advertisers collect(like your browsing activity) or even opt out of personalized ads altogether, which I’ve found incredibly useful. You can alsoblock third-party cookies, which are notorious for following your every move online and reporting to advertisers and data brokers.
2Configure Browser Settings to Maximize Privacy Protection
you’re able to start byturning off “Enhanced Spell Check” in your browser. This feature sends everything you type to Google’s servers for analysis. That’s not just searching for spelling mistakes—any form you fill out, any password you mistype, any search you make—all of it could potentially be sent off to the cloud.
I used to think search suggestions were super convenient with features like “Improve Search Suggestions” and “Make Searches and Browsing Better” enabled. I start typing “how to make,” and before I even finish, it’s suggesting “pancakes,” “money,” and “your ex jealous.” But then I realized these search suggestions could potentially send my search queries to the cloud. So,I switched this off to stop auto-suggest in my browserwith its (sometimes wildly inaccurate) guesses about what I’m searching for. Sure, it means I have to type a few more letters before hitting enter, but I’ll trade that for more privacy any day.
I’ve also made it a rule to review site permissions regularly and deny access to anything—location, camera, microphone, or notifications—that feels unnecessary. While there are legitimate reasons some sites need access to these (like video calls or maps), others are just being nosy.
3Regularly Clear Browser Data
I make it a habit toclear my browser datawhenever I’m done using my browser. I don’t mind logging back into a few websites if it means I keep prying eyes at bay. Plus, it’s refreshing to know that my browser isn’t holding onto a miniature archive of everything I’ve looked at over the past month.
Most browsers let you automate this process, so you canset it up to clear cookies and cache every time you close your browser.
4Use Privacy-Enhancing Extensions
You caninstall a few privacy-enhancing browser extensionsthat work behind the scenes to block trackers, ads, and other shady stuff trying to follow you around the web. If you’re wondering whether using these extensions will slow down your browser, I don’t think so. In fact, because they’re blocking so much junk from even loading in the first place (like ads and tracking scripts), my pages often load faster. It’s a win-win: better privacy and a smoother browsing experience.
If you’re new to using extensions, don’t go overboard. You don’t need to install every privacy-related extension out there. Too many extensions can sometimes cause issues with websites not loading properly, so it’s all about finding the right balance.
5Use a VPN
ISPs are notorious for collecting user data, selling it to advertisers, or even sharing it with the government. And let’s not forget therisks when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks—the kind you find at your local coffee shop or airport—where bad guys can intercept your data. A VPN turns that sketchy public Wi-Fi into a much safer experience.
There are many good VPN services out there, butI recommend going with one with a no-logs policy(this means they don’t keep records of your online activity). Be cautious of free VPNs, too. They often come with major security trade-offs, like collecting and selling your data themselves.
6Use a Privacy-Focused Browser
If you’re using a mainstream browser like Chrome, you might want to consider the trade-off you’re making for convenience. Google’s Chrome is fast, reliable, and, well, everywhere. But here’s the catch: Chrome is owned by Google, a company whose business model revolves around collecting and monetizing your data. That means unless you take steps to tighten your privacy, your browsing history, searches, and habits are all feeding into a massive data-collection machine that’s used to target ads and track you across the web.
Thankfully, severalbrowsers built with privacy in mind, like Brave and LibreWolf, are available. Switching to one of them could save you the hassle of beefing up privacy settings on your current browser.
