How to Test a Website Using a Private or Incognito Window

Overview

If a website appears broken, displays an error, or isn't loading correctly, opening it in a private or incognito browser window can help determine whether the issue is caused by saved cookies, cached data, or a browser extension. Private and incognito windows start a temporary browsing session that doesn't use your existing sign-ins, cookies, or cache, and most extensions are disabled by default. This makes it a quick first step to try before making any permanent changes to your browser.

In this article:

• Resources
• Procedure
  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Safari
• Is there any additional information I should know about?
• Next Steps
• Need additional help or have issues

Resources

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• Web browser of your choice
• Computer running Windows or macOS
• The web address (URL) of the site you want to test

Procedure

Select the browser you're using below, open a private or incognito window, then navigate to the website you want to test.

Google Chrome

1. In the upper right corner of the browser, click the three-dot menu.
2. Click New Incognito Window.
3. In the new window, navigate to the website and check whether the issue still occurs.

Keyboard shortcut: CTRL + SHIFT + N (Windows) or CMD + SHIFT + N (Mac).

Microsoft Edge

1. In the upper right corner of the browser, click the three-dot menu.
2. Click New InPrivate Window.
3. In the new window, navigate to the website and check whether the issue still occurs.

Keyboard shortcut: CTRL + SHIFT + N.

Mozilla Firefox

1. In the upper right corner of the browser, click the three-line menu.
2. Click New Private Window.
3. In the new window, navigate to the website and check whether the issue still occurs.

Keyboard shortcut: CTRL + SHIFT + P (Windows) or CMD + SHIFT + P (Mac).

Safari

1. Click File in the menu at the top of the screen.
2. Click New Private Window.
3. In the new window, navigate to the website and check whether the issue still occurs.

Keyboard shortcut: SHIFT + CMD + N.

Is there any additional information I should know about?

If the website works correctly in a private or incognito window, the issue is likely related to cached data, cookies, or a browser extension in your regular browsing session. If the website still shows the same error in a private or incognito window, the issue is likely not caused by your browser and may need to be reported to IT Services or the website owner.

Private and incognito windows don't save browsing history, cookies, or site data once closed. Any files you download or bookmarks you save during the session are still kept and will be available in your regular browsing session afterward.

Next Steps

If testing confirmed the issue is related to cached data or cookies, clearing your browser's cache and cookies may resolve it permanently.

• Clear Cache and Cookies in your Web Browser

Need additional help or have issues

For support, requests may be submitted anytime using the appropriate Support for Issues with University Computer(s) form. Requests generate a Ticket which will be worked in order received and urgency by UAA Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.

For immediate assistance please review the Contact Us page for the appropriate support group.