Private browsing protects you from the next person who uses your device. It does very little about anyone else.
What it does
When you close a private window, your browser forgets that session's history, cookies and form entries. That's useful on a shared computer or for gift shopping.
What it doesn't
- Your internet provider, employer or school network can still see which sites you visit.
- Websites still see your IP address, and they know who you are if you sign in.
- Downloads and bookmarks you save stay on the device.
Using it alongside a VPN
They solve different problems: private browsing keeps activity off your device, while a VPN keeps it from the network. Neither stops tracking through accounts you're signed into.
The short versionIncognito Mode is about your device, not your privacy online.