Samsung Internet’s private-browsing feature is called Secret mode. To turn it on, open the tab manager and tap the mask icon. Secret mode reduces browsing traces saved by the browser, but it does not make you anonymous to websites or your internet provider.
Turn on Secret mode in Samsung Internet
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Open Samsung Internet, which Samsung’s current US support guide also calls Samsung Browser.
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Tap the Tabs icon to open the tab manager.
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Tap the Secret mode icon, shown as a face mask. A mask icon appears in the address bar while the mode is active. Samsung’s US guide provides the current workflow.
Samsung’s Canadian guide describes the same general tab-manager process and labels the option “Turn on Secret Mode.” Button placement and wording can vary by app version or region, so use the labels shown in your installed browser. Samsung Canada’s guide was last updated March 4, 2025.
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Leave Secret mode and close its tabs
Open the tab manager and switch back to All tabs to return to regular browsing. You can also close a Secret mode tab there, or close Samsung Browser from the recent-apps screen. Samsung says Secret mode ends when the browser app is closed. If you enabled the setting to stay in Secret mode after closing the browser, however, new tabs automatically open in Secret mode. Samsung US Support
Change Secret mode settings
To find the controls, open Tools (the three vertical dots), then go to Settings → Personal browsing data → Secret mode settings. Available options include:
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Set a password to protect Secret mode data.
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Allow or prevent screenshots.
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Stay in Secret mode after closing the browser, so tabs open in Secret mode automatically.
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Adjust Smart anti-tracking and automatic CAPTCHA verification.
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Reset Secret mode data and settings.
These controls are listed in Samsung’s current US instructions. The available wording or placement may differ in your version.
What Secret mode keeps private—and what it does not
Browser history and cookies
Samsung says Secret mode does not save browsing history, cookies, or search records in the usual browser history. Its Canadian support guide says cookies and browsing history from Secret mode sites are erased from the phone when all Secret mode tabs are closed. Samsung Canada’s guide
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Websites and network operators may still see activity
Secret mode does not hide your online activity from the sites you visit or the network carrying your connection. Samsung warns: “Your activity and data may still be visible to websites, your internet service provider, apps, and phone manufacturer.” Samsung US Support
Saved pages and bookmarks stay separate
Pages and bookmarks saved in Secret mode are visible only from Secret mode, rather than alongside ordinary browsing items. Samsung Developer documentation describes separate encrypted storage and authenticated access for these saved items; it includes legacy version references, so use Samsung’s current support guide for navigation. Samsung Developer: Samsung Browser for Android Samsung Canada Support
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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If the Secret mode icon is disabled
Samsung says Secret mode may be restricted for Samsung accounts registered as child accounts; applicable age restrictions vary by country. Check the account type if the icon is unavailable. If the account is not a child account and Secret mode still cannot be used, Samsung directs users to Settings → Contact us within the browser. Samsung US Support
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