How to browse safely.

By Jason Given - July 2026 - 4 min read

Use private browsing mode

Private browsing (also called incognito mode) stops your browser from saving the pages you visit, your search history, and form data. When you close the window, there is no record of what you looked at.

Open a private window before visiting any site you do not want recorded.

Clear your browser history

If you visited this site or others without using private mode, you can delete specific pages from your history.

Clear autofill and search suggestions

Your browser may suggest sites you have visited when you start typing in the address bar. Even after clearing history, autofill data can remain.

To remove autofill suggestions:

• Start typing the address you want to remove in the address bar
• When the suggestion appears, highlight it with your arrow keys
• Press Shift + Delete (Windows) or Fn + Shift + Delete (Mac) to remove it

You can also clear all autofill data in your browser settings under Privacy or Clear Browsing Data. Select "Autofill form data" and clear it.

Check for monitoring software

Some partners install monitoring software or parental control apps that track browsing activity, keystrokes, or location. These work even in private browsing mode.

Signs that monitoring software may be installed:

• Your partner knows details about conversations or searches you have not shared
• Your device runs slower than usual or the battery drains faster
• You see unfamiliar apps or profiles in your phone or computer settings
• Your partner set up your phone, laptop, or home network for you

Where to check:

• iPhone: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. Look for any profiles you do not recognise.
• Android: Settings > Apps. Look for unfamiliar apps, especially ones with generic names or no icon.
• Windows: Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Sort by install date and check for anything unfamiliar.
• Mac: System Settings > General > Login Items. Check for apps that run at startup that you did not install.

Use a safer device

If you are concerned about monitoring, the safest option is to use a device your partner does not have access to.

Be careful with shared accounts

Shared cloud accounts can reveal your activity even if you clear your local browser history.

• Google account: If you share a Google account or are signed in on a shared device, your search history and Chrome browsing history may sync across devices. Check myactivity.google.com to see and delete your activity.
• iCloud: If you share an Apple ID or use Family Sharing, Safari tabs and bookmarks can sync between devices. Use private browsing in Safari to prevent this.
• Shared tablets or computers: Always sign out of your browser profile when you finish. Better still, use a private window so there is nothing to sign out of.

A note about phone calls

Phone calls can appear on shared phone plans and billing statements. If your partner has access to the phone bill, they may see numbers you have called or received calls from.

If this is a concern, you can use our online booking form instead of calling. The booking form does not leave a trace on your phone bill. You can also email us directly at jason@lendology.com.au.

Jason Given

Director & Mortgage Broker at Lendology. MFPA designated, MFAA member. Specialises in separation finance across Australia.