Chrome mobile has a secret new tabs feature — here’s how to use it

An image of the Google Chrome logo on a smartphone, representing an article about how to set Chrome flags
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

By learning how to lock incognito tabs on Chrome mobile, you can add an extra layer of security to the tabs you want to keep on the down low.

Obviously, one of the reasons you may be using incognito mode is so that Chrome doesn't keep a history of your activity. It makes sense then that you probably don't want that activity to be seen while you've still got the tabs open. After all, you don't want your partner picking up your phone and seeing all of the ankle pictures you've been viewing.

Thankfully, Chrome now has a feature that allows you to lock your incognito tabs using your device password whenever you close the browser. This means as long as somebody doesn't know your password, they won't be able to pick up your unlocked phone and have a poke around your secret tabs.

This feature has been available on the iOS Chrome app for some time now. Currently, though, it hasn't been rolled out across all Android devices, even if your Android version and Chrome are up to date. You can still get it working using Chrome Flags though, which we'll take you through.

Here's how to lock incognito tabs on Chrome mobile.

How to lock incognito tabs on Chrome mobile: iOS & iPadOS

1. Open Chrome and tap the three dots symbol on the bottom right of the screen.

(Image credit: Future)

2. Tap the Settings cog.

(Image credit: Future)

3. Tap Privacy and security.

(Image credit: Future)

4. Toggle on Lock Incognito Tabs When You Close Chrome.

(Image credit: Future)

5. Enter your iPhone/iPad passcode.

(Image credit: Future)

6. Close and reopen Chrome and, when you tap incognito, you'll see the following lock screen. Tap Unlock with Passcode to unlock your tabs.

(Image credit: Future)

How to lock incognito tabs on Chrome mobile: Android

You can check to see if the feature has already been rolled out to Chrome on your device by completing steps 5, 6 and 7 first. If you don't see the option in step 7, start over with step 1.

1. Open Chrome, then type "chrome://flags" into the URL bar and tap Enter.

(Image credit: Future)

2. Type "incognito reauthentication" In the flags search bar.

(Image credit: Future)

3. Tap the dropdown box.

(Image credit: Future)

4. Tap Enabled, then close and reopen Chrome.

(Image credit: Future)

5. Tap the three dots symbol in the top right of the app, and then tap Settings.

(Image credit: Future)

6. Tap Privacy and security.

(Image credit: Future)

7. Toggle on Lock Incognito Tabs When You Leave Chrome and enter your passcode/biometrics.

(Image credit: Future)

8. Close and reopen Chrome and, when you tap incognito, you'll see the following lock screen. Tap Unlock Incognito to unlock your tabs with you passcode/biometrics.

(Image credit: Future)

There you have it. Your secret tabs are secret-er. 

We have a range of helpful guides to assist you with your tech. If you've just gotten a new phone, check out our tutorials on how to transfer data from iPhone to iPhone and how to transfer data from Android to Android — these guides will help you get your stuff moved across smoothly. Interested in trying out more experimental Chrome features? Here's a walkthrough of how to set Chrome flags.

Peter Wolinski
Reviews Editor

Peter is Reviews Editor at Tom's Guide. As a writer, he covers topics including tech, photography, gaming, hardware, motoring and food & drink. Outside of work, he's an avid photographer, specialising in architectural and portrait photography. When he's not snapping away on his beloved Fujifilm camera, he can usually be found telling everyone about his greyhounds, riding his motorcycle, squeezing as many FPS as possible out of PC games, and perfecting his espresso shots. 

Read more
Google Chrome logo on laptop
Too many Chrome tabs? Here's how to organize them
Holographic login above laptop keyboard
Yes, you can use your browser's password manager – here’s how to do it safely
and image of the Google Chrome logo on a laptop
Billions of Chrome users at risk from new browser-hijacking Syncjacking attack — how to stay safe
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, X, LinkedIn, Reddit, TikTok, Threads apps on an iPhone
Why you need to review your app permissions now
A lock with cipher text in the background
Why improving your online privacy is the perfect New Year's resolution
and image of the Google Chrome logo on a laptop
Google Chrome just rolled out a huge AI upgrade to help protect you from scams
Latest in Phones
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Ultra just tipped to replace Pro Max in new leak — with these key upgrades
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
RCS messaging on an iPhone
Forget green bubbles — iPhones will soon get encrypted RCS messaging to Androids
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
One of Apple’s most controversial AI features could be coming to Android phones
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Pro Max leak claims it’s ready for production — and seems to confirm its new design
Latest in How To
Cleaning with a mop in yellow bucket
Your cleaning tools are spreading dirt — here’s how to disinfect them properly
Bouquet of spring flowers, Irises and yellow ranunculus, yellow tulips with white daffodils
Expert florist hack makes your cut daffodils and other flowers last longer
ChatGPT on iPhone
I tried these 11 ChatGPT tips — and they take my prompts to the next level
Manus AI logo on smartphone screen
How to join Manus — the new AI assistant everyone is talking about
iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand
You can disable those awkward AI message summaries on iPhone — here's how
Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot from a bunker prior to The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass
The Players Championship 2025 live stream: how to watch the PGA Tour golf online