Chrome for Android learned how to protect incognito tabs with a fingerprint

But you will have to enable this feature manually. .jpg” alt=”Chrome for Android learned how to protect incognito tabs with a fingerprint” />

Daria Gromova

Lifehacker Author

In the current version of Chrome 105, a hidden feature was discovered: the ability to protect browsing tabs in incognito mode with biometrics. If you minimize the app or lock your phone, you will need to use your fingerprint or passcode to access open pages.

The feature was in development for quite a long time: it was first noticed in 2021 in the beta of Chrome 94. However, at that time, the developers only found the corresponding checkbox in the settings, it was impossible to enable it. It's surprising that it hasn't been launched yet, because on iOS it was already possible to block incognito tabs using Face ID.

To enable this blocking, make sure the app is updated to Chrome version 105, and follow the link chrome://flags/#incognito-reauthentication-for-android. Toggle the toggle on, reload the app, and you'll see an option in your privacy and security settings to block incognito tabs when you sign out of Chrome.