Highlights
- Ever look something up online, but then you realize that you really didn’t want to search for it, in case someone else sees your history?
- Or perhaps you have handed over your phone to a friend and didn’t want to risk exposing your recent browsing spree.
- Whatever the reason, there have been times when we all longed to just make our online activity… disappear. Enter Samsung Internet’s Secret Mode.

With the internet being such a large part of the way we now do business, privacy is one of the greatest concerns for the people who surf the internet.
In an environment of increased data breaches, tracking, and unwelcome spying, it’s important to be able to browse the Internet privately.
Acknowledging that, Samsung has Secret Mode via its Samsung Internet browser, an answer for those who prefer to keep things under wraps on the Internet.
But what is Secret Mode, exactly? How does it work? And how easy is it to turn it on or off? In this explainer, we will take you through everything you need to know about Secret Mode in Samsung Internet so you can get the most out of this top privacy feature.
What is Secret Mode in Samsung Internet?
Secret Mode on Samsung Internet is different; it’s a private browsing mode that helps you to surf the web without being traced. Like Google Chrome Incognito Mode or Safari Private Browsing, Secret Mode allows you to
- You can use it without a browsing history.
- No cookies or site data are saved.
- Files you download are session-only (unless you save them elsewhere in Secret Mode).
- This does not include your passwords, forms, and search history.
- Optional: You can protect Secret Mode with a password or biometric (fingerprint, facial recognition) authentication.
She said the goal of Secret Mode is to give users a privacy-related browsing experience where they wouldn’t have to worry about someone snooping and seeing their browsing history or other personal information.
Key Features of Samsung Internet’s Secret Mode
Before we talk about how to turn it on or off, you may be wondering what Secret Mode is and why some users like it:
1. No Browsing History
With normal browsing, each site you visit will be entered into your history. Secret Mode is a way to browse without leaving a search history.
2. No Cookies or Site Data
Websites can typically store cookies to trace your actions. Secret Mode eliminates this risk and prevents targeted ads from being tracked online.
3. Password Protection
Unlike many other browsers, you can lock Secret Mode on Samsung Internet with a password or biometric (fingerprint or facial scan). One extra layer of protection that ensures no unauthorized person is able to enter Secret Mode.
4. Separate Bookmarks
Secret Mode has its own bookmarks, which are kept totally separate from whatever you’ve got going on in regular browsing. This allows you to keep your private browsing separate.
5. Downloads Stay Private
Downloads in Secret Mode remain viewable in Secret Mode unless you move them yourself.
6. Enhanced Security
Secret Mode has been upgraded on the new Samsung Internet. The new and improved Secret Mode gives you a more secure browsing experience.
How to Turn On Secret Mode in Samsung Internet
Enabling Secret Mode in Samsung Internet is one simple trick. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open Samsung Internet
- Find the Samsung Internet app on your device and open it.
Step 2: Tap the Tabs Button
- A Tabs icon (two overlapping squares) is generally present in the bottom toolbar.
Step 3: Enable Secret Mode
- Tap the Tabs button.
- You should see an option that says “Turn on Secret Mode” or “Enable Secret Mode.”
- Tap it.
Step 4: Set Up Password (Optional)
- If you are using Secret Mode for the first time, Samsung will ask you to create a password or biometric lock.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a secure password or add fingerprint authentication.
That’s it! You’re now in Secret Mode. You will see a slight change in browser theme — typically darker or with a Secret Mode icon — to let you know you are on private browsing.
How to Turn Off Secret Mode in Samsung Internet
Exiting Secret Mode is equally simple:
Step 1: Tap the Tabs Button
- While still in Secret Mode, tap the Tabs icon again.
Step 2: Disable Secret Mode
- Look for an option like “Turn off Secret Mode” or simply “Exit Secret Mode.“
- Tap it.
Note: Screenshots are also disabled in the Secret mode by default, which can be enabled in Secret Mode settings.
Regular browsing mode should now be restored. All the tabs that you opened in Secret Mode will be hidden and inaccessible and can be viewed again when you relaunch Secret Mode.
How to Set Up and Manage Secret Mode Lock
One of the best features of Samsung Internet is the option to lock Secret Mode too, so if someone does get hold of your phone, they can’t go snooping in your private tabs either.
Step 1: Open Samsung Internet Settings
- Tap the Menu (three lines at the bottom or top corner) > Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Privacy
- Look for the Personal browsing data option.
- And then click in the Secret mode settings.
Step 3: Enable Lock
- Tap Use password.
- Create a password, and optionally enable Fingerprint Lock.
Step 4: Adjust Lock Settings
- You can change your password, turn the biometric features on and off, or remove the lock altogether via this section.
Additional Tips for Using Secret Mode
1. Use VPN for Extra Anonymity
Secret Mode does not hide your browsing activity on the local device, nor does it hide your IP address from websites or ISPs. Using Secret Mode alongside a VPN can provide even more anonymity.
2. Keep Secret Mode Updated
Samsung Internet has updates that are frequently released. Updating your browser makes it so that you get the most updated security enhancements for Secret Mode.
3. Understand the Limitations
- Secret Mode doesn’t mean you’re invisible on the internet.
- Your work, school, or ISP may still track your internet traffic.
- Secret Mode is primarily aimed at protecting your privacy on your own device.
What are the pros and cons of Samsung’s Secret Mode?
Pros of Samsung Internet Secret Mode
- Keeps your browsing private.
- Protects against unauthorized access via password/biometrics.
- Separates personal and private web activities.
- Easy to activate and use.
Cons of Samsung Internet Secret Mode
- Doesn’t hide your IP address.
- If you forget your Secret Mode password, resetting it might be complicated.
- No cross-device sync available.
Final Thoughts
Samsung Internet’s Secret Mode is a very useful tool for anyone wishing to keep their browsing privacy a secret. If you want to browse sensitive subjects, shop in privacy, or just keep your digital tracks to a minimum on your own device, Secret Mode has a trusted solution.
It’s easy to enable or disable, and you even have the option to lock it with a password or some biometrics, and you won’t be leaving any crumbs from your browsing session.
But keep in mind that as Secret Mode works to shield you locally, it doesn’t make you invisible online, though. If you want to go further down the privacy route, Secret Mode can be used in conjunction with VPNs or encrypted search engines.
As we grow more dependent on our smartphones for our shopping, banking, and more, small steps, such as using Secret Mode, can go a long way in ensuring our digital safety.
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