Google Chrome for Android can now block incognito tabs with biometric authentication

Google Chrome secures your private browsing sessions on Android by adding a biometric authentication lock.

Google is currently rolling out a feature on Android that adds an extra layer of security when browsing the web in private browsing (incognito) mode. The tech giant revealed in a blog post that the ability to block incognito sessions behind biometric authentication on mobile devices is being made available to Android users after debuting on iOS.

Google Chrome Protects Your Private Browsing Sessions on Android

When this feature is enabled, you will need to verify your identity with face recognition or a fingerprint every time you want to return to an incognito tab after signing out of Chrome or after switching to another app.

Incognito session blocking first appeared on Android in 2022, more than a year after the feature began testing on iPhone and iPad, but only as an experimental option that had to be enabled through a hidden setting. According to 9to5Google’s experience on Android last year, this feature shows you a gray screen with the Incognito logo right in the middle when you return to a tab protected by this new layer of security. Then you must click “Unlock Private Browsing”to open biometric authentication, or verify your identity with a PIN.

by adding a biometric authentication lock

This feature is not yet available on my device at the time of this writing, but you can check if you have access to it by clicking on the menu (three-dot icon) in the top right corner of Chrome. Then open Settings and go to “Privacy and Security”to enable “Lock incognito tabs when Chrome closes”if you see it.