Microsoft Edge for Android Adds InPrivate Tab Locking with PIN & Bio Authentication

Microsoft Edge for Android is rolling out an enhanced privacy feature that allows users to secure their InPrivate browsing sessions with PIN codes or biometric authentication when switching away from the app, bringing the browser in line with similar functionality already available in Google Chrome for Android.

The new InPrivate tab locking feature represents a significant step forward in mobile browsing security, requiring users to authenticate themselves before accessing previously opened private browsing sessions.

This functionality is currently available in the Microsoft Edge Canary version and can be enabled through the Settings menu under Privacy and Security.

When users enable this feature, they must enter a PIN or use biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint scanning to resume InPrivate sessions that were interrupted when leaving the application. This additional security layer helps protect sensitive browsing information even if the device itself remains unlocked18.

Microsoft Edge for Android With InPrivate Tab

The feature has been spotted by Leopeva64 in Edge’s Canary, Dev, and Beta channels, with Microsoft gradually expanding its availability. However, early adopters have discovered a significant limitation: once enabled, the InPrivate tab lock feature currently cannot be disabled through the browser’s settings.

This differs from Google Chrome’s implementation, which includes a toggle option allowing users to easily enable or disable the feature as needed.

Microsoft has acknowledged this limitation, with recent updates to Edge 129 for mobile devices including fixes for “InPrivate mode disablement bugs” and support for dynamic policy changes without requiring browser restarts. The company appears to be working toward providing users with more control over this security feature.

This development reflects the broader mobile browser industry’s focus on enhanced privacy features. The InPrivate tab locking functionality addresses growing user concerns about unauthorized access to sensitive browsing data, particularly on shared or easily accessible devices.

The feature has generated mixed reactions from users, with privacy-conscious individuals welcoming the additional security while others express concerns about the current inability to disable it once activated.

Some users have resorted to uninstalling and reinstalling Edge for Android to reset the feature, though this approach removes all browser settings and data.

Microsoft’s implementation of InPrivate tab locking demonstrates the company’s commitment to mobile browser security, aligning Edge more closely with competitor offerings while maintaining its focus on user privacy.

As the feature moves from testing channels to stable release, Microsoft is expected to address current limitations and provide users with more granular control over their privacy settings.

The rollout continues Microsoft’s broader strategy of enhancing Edge’s security capabilities across all platforms, reinforcing its position as a privacy-focused alternative in the competitive mobile browser market.

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