The incognito mode in your browser is almost indispensable. Ideal if you don’t want to be ‘followed’ by Google for a while, or – we all do it – want to read an article behind a paywall. But did you know that Google Maps also has its own privacy mode? In this article, we’ll tell you how, why, and when to use incognito mode in Google Maps.
Why a separate incognito mode in the Google Maps app?
But why is there a separate incognito mode for Google Maps anyway? It’s like this: because most people consult Google Maps as a smartphone app on their Android, iOS or tablet. So you use it outside the browser, so you need a separate incognito mode. Do you use Google Maps within Google Chrome? Then you can activate it using the well-known incognito mode (Ctrl+Shift+N).
Use incognito mode in your Google Maps app
But if we’re honest, we use Google Maps when we’re on the road, that is, via the app on your mobile device. The incognito mode in your app is easy to find. By clicking on your profile at the top right, you will get a drop-down menu. There you see it already: Turn on Incognito mode. Click on this and voila: Incognito mode is activated. Deactivation is done in the same way. When incognito mode is on, the dot indicating your location turns black instead of blue. Also, your profile icon suddenly becomes the well-known man with hat and glasses.
Why would you want to use incognito mode?
In recent years, we have all become much more aware of the influence of Big Tech companies such as Google and Facebook, which collect all kinds of data about our lives. Precisely for that reason, it is useful to enable incognito mode in the Google Maps app.
Like in incognito mode in your browser, your search history is not saved in incognito mode on Google Maps. Are you on the family iPad looking for that one shop to get a present for your wife? Then enable incognito mode, so that it remains a surprise.
But perhaps the most important reason is that the Incognito mode in Google Maps is actually an off button for location tracking. Your location will not be shared in places where you may have set it up, such as social media. You can still use the location services on your smartphone. Finally, your incognito mode activity will not be used to serve you personalized ads.
All in all, there are a number of good reasons to turn on this simple, but handy feature within Google Maps every now and then. If you are someone who values ​​privacy, then the Incognito mode for your Google Maps is a good tool for you.