How Do I Check a Link in an Incognito Window?

The short answer is to open a new incognito window in your browser by clicking on the three dots located on the top right side of your browser, then select “New Incognito Window.” After that, simply paste the link you want to check into the address bar of this incognito window to verify if it is working properly.

Full Explanation

Using an incognito window is a straightforward way to test if a link is functioning correctly without any browser history, cache, or cookies affecting the result. When you open a new incognito window, it runs in a private browsing mode. This means that whatever you check or browse in this mode does not get recorded in your browser’s history and often bypasses some cached data that might interfere with how a link behaves.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Locate the three dots in the upper right corner of your browser window. This is typically known as the browser menu.
Click on these three dots to open a drop-down menu.
Select the option labeled “New Incognito Window” from the menu. This will open a separate browser window in incognito mode.
Copy the link you want to check and paste it into the address bar of the newly opened incognito window.
Press Enter or Return to load the link and observe if it is working as expected.

Real Examples

For example, if you have a link to a website or a blog post that you want to test to ensure it leads to the correct page, using an incognito window removes influences such as logged-in sessions or personalized content that could affect the link behavior. By doing this simple check, you get a clear view of how the link works for a user visiting your page for the first time.

Common Mistakes

Not using the incognito window and testing links in a regular browser tab which could show cached content or personalized browsing data.
Forgetting to paste the link into the incognito window’s address bar after it opens, leading to confusion about whether the link was tested.
Using the wrong menu option or clicking outside the intended menu, therefore not opening an incognito window at all.

FAQs

Q: Why should I use an incognito window to check a link?
A: It helps ensure the link is tested without interference from browser history or cached data.

Q: How do I know if I’m in an incognito window?
A: Incognito windows usually have a distinct look or an icon that shows you are in private browsing mode.

Q: Can I open multiple incognito windows?
A: Yes, you can open as many incognito windows as you need.

Key Takeaways

Opening a new incognito window lets you check a link in a fresh browsing session.
Access the incognito mode through the three dots menu in the top right side of your browser.
Always paste the link directly into the incognito window to ensure an accurate test.
Using this method helps identify if a link works as intended for new or anonymous users.