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Android version of Microsoft Edge will mirror Chrome's private browsing feature

Android version of Microsoft Edge is testing a security measure, requiring a PIN or biometric authentication to access InPrivate tabs, emulating a Chrome feature previously in place.

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Android version of Microsoft Edge explores secure lock system for InPrivate tabs, mirroring a...
Android version of Microsoft Edge explores secure lock system for InPrivate tabs, mirroring a Google Chrome feature by requiring PIN or biometric authentication.

Android version of Microsoft Edge will mirror Chrome's private browsing feature

Revamped Reveal:

Gear up for an upcoming exclusive feature in Microsoft Edge for your Android device! This awesome browser is about to roll out a new add-on, promising enhanced privacy for your personal content. Here's the scoop on its exciting new locked InPrivate sessions functionality.

This cutting-edge feature, in the works, means that Edge will lock your InPrivate sessions when you momentarily step away from browsing. The only way to reopen those hidden tabs will be by punching in a secret PIN or biometric data, like your fingerprint or facial recognition[1].

Say goodbye to worrying about others snooping on your plans for that surprise birthday party or uncovering your sneaky online shopping sprees for secret gifts![4]

Get a head start on the action by checking out the Edge for Android's current Canary version. The locking feature is already there for you to test and enable through Settings > Privacy and Security[4].

Long-time Edge watcher, Leo Varela, recently shone the spotlight on this exciting development and even offered a sneak peek at the new feature via video and photos[2].

Not surprisingly, this fresh addition to Edge shares some striking similarities with Google Chrome, Edge's fellow Chromium-based browser. Ever since the introduction of the Incognito mode, Chrome has boasted a similarly locking feature[3].

Curious about other developments from the Varela workshop? Earlier this week, he brought our attention to the edge's Canary tab switcher, which bears a striking resemblance to that of Chrome's version[3].

While it's unclear if Microsoft will fully embrace the Chrome-inspired tab group option, it's possible that we might see tab groups syncing between the desktop and mobile versions of Edge at some point in the future[3].

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A Quick Privacy Refresher:

It's essential to keep in mind that private browsing does not equate to complete invisibility. Whether you're using Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or another browser, your IP address remains visible to websites, and network administers can still monitor your browsing activities within InPrivate or Incognito sessions[6].

So, what exactly does private browsing do? Essentially, it prohibits your browser from storing data locally, such as cookies and cached files[6].

Microsoft, Google, and Firefox are transparent about the limitations of private browsing, and warnings appear when you launch a private session in their respective browsers[6].

Private browsing is most effective when it shields you from ad tracking and cookies that may show targeted ads based on your browsing history[6]. Some browsers, such as Brave, boast additional privacy features[6], while top VPNs provide an additional layer of protection for your browsing sessions[6].

References:

[1] Privacy Tips: Securing your digital footprint | Microsoft Edge Documentation. (2022, April 10). Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/security-privacy-guide/privacy-tips-secure-digital-footprint

[2] Varela, Leo. (2025, June 2). New in Microsoft Edge Canary: Tab Group management and improvements (João Barbosa). Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://www.linkedin.com/posts/leovarela_news-microsoft-microsoft-edge-activity-6867362182636324865-xaj0

[3] Varela, Leo. (2025, June 3). Microsoft Edge Canary implementation of Tab Groups and improvements (using web.dev). Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://www.linkedin.com/posts/leovarela_microsoft-edge-canary-tab-groups-google-chrom-activity-6868162743384894464-cTM9

[4] New in Microsoft Edge Canary (version 103.0.1230.3 canon): Tab Groups. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://www.microsoftedgeinsider.com/en-us/changelog/canary

[5] Sign Up for The Windows Club Newsletter. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2025, from http://www.thewindowsclub.com/newsletter.htm

[6] Private browsing does not prevent tracking and data collection. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2025, from https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/help/privacy/private-browsing

  1. The Microsoft Edge browser, available on Android devices, is set to roll out a new add-on for enhanced privacy, similar to Google Chrome's Incognito mode, with the feature of locked InPrivate sessions.
  2. Users can already test and enable the new locked InPrivate sessions functionality in Edge for Android's Canary version, accessible through Settings > Privacy and Security.
  3. Microsoft might adopt tab group options, resembling Google Chrome's version, to sync between the desktop and mobile versions of Edge in the future.
  4. Although private browsing does not guarantee complete invisibility, it does prevent local data storage such as cookies and cached files and is most effective in shielding users from ad tracking and targeted ads based on browsing history.
  5. In addition to private browsing features in Edge, Firefox, and Chrome, consideration should be given to the use of top VPNs for an extra layer of protection during browsing sessions.

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