Google Home Assistant doesn’t have a direct “Incognito Mode” like a web browser.

However, you can manage your privacy and prevent Google Assistant from saving interactions by using features such as Guest Mode, disabling activity tracking, or manually controlling how your data is stored.

These settings ensure your privacy and limit how much information is logged.

Here’s how you can enable and use privacy-focused features on Google Home Assistant.

1. Enable Guest Mode

Guest Mode is the closest feature to Incognito Mode for Google Home Assistant. When enabled, Google Assistant interactions aren’t saved to your account, and personalized results are disabled.

Steps to Enable Guest Mode:

1. Say:
   • “Hey Google, turn on Guest Mode.”
2. Google Assistant will confirm:
   • “Guest Mode is now on.”

While in Guest Mode:

• Google Assistant won’t save interactions to your Google account.
• Personalized responses (like calendar events) won’t be available.

How to Disable Guest Mode:

• Say:
  • “Hey Google, turn off Guest Mode.”

2. Pause Activity Tracking

If you want to prevent Google from saving your voice activity temporarily, you can pause activity tracking in your account settings.

Steps to Pause Activity Tracking:

1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Select My Activity or Manage Your Google Account.
4. Go to Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity.
5. Toggle off Web & App Activity.

Also Read: Can Google Home Assistant Translate Conversations in Real Time

While paused:

• Google Assistant won’t save voice recordings or interactions.
• Certain features that rely on saved activity may not work.

3. Delete Activity Manually

For full control over your data, you can delete specific interactions or clear your activity history from the Google Home app or web dashboard.

Steps to Delete Activity:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap your profile picture > My Activity.
3. Use filters to find specific interactions or delete all activity:
   • Tap Delete > Select All Time or a specific date range.

4. Turn Off Voice & Audio Recording

By disabling audio recording, Google Assistant won’t save your voice commands to its servers.

Steps to Disable Audio Recording:

1. Open the Google Account settings in the Google Home app.
2. Go to Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity.
3. Uncheck Include Audio Recordings.

5. Limit Personalized Results

If you want a more privacy-focused experience, you can disable personalized results on Google Home devices.

Steps to Disable Personalized Results:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Select your Google Home or Nest device.
3. Tap Settings > Recognition & Sharing.
4. Toggle off Personal Results.

This ensures Google Assistant doesn’t access your calendars, contacts, or reminders during interactions.

6. Use Multiple Accounts

For shared devices, you can use multiple accounts or a guest account to keep your main account private.

Also Read: How to Configure Regional Settings in Google Home Assistant

How to Add a Guest Account:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Go to Settings > Household.
3. Add another account and limit its permissions.

Quick FAQs

1. Does Google Home Assistant Have a True Incognito Mode?
Not directly, but features like Guest Mode and disabling activity tracking serve a similar purpose.

2. What Is Guest Mode?
Guest Mode prevents Google Assistant from saving interactions and disables personalized results.

3. Can I Delete Voice Recordings from Google Assistant?
Yes, you can delete recordings via the My Activity page in the Google Home app.

4. Does Disabling Web & App Activity Affect Functionality?
Yes, certain features like personalized responses may not work while activity tracking is paused.

5. Can I Use Google Assistant Without Linking an Account?
No, Google Assistant requires an account for basic functionality, but Guest Mode can minimize saved data.

Also Read: How to Set Up Voice-Activated Timers on Google Home Assistant

Conclusion

While Google Home Assistant doesn’t have a dedicated Incognito Mode, features like Guest Mode, disabling activity tracking, and managing privacy settings provide robust control over your data. By using these options, you can ensure a more private and secure experience while still enjoying the benefits of Google Assistant.