2 Simple Ways to View Google Docs Anonymously

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 1, 2024

updated onOctober 1, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Google lists the profiles of all the users currently viewing a document in the top-right corner. You may have encountered users with random names if you work regularly on shared Google Docs. This happens when others anonymously viewGoogle Docs on a browser.

In this case, instead of showing their Google account name, Docs refers to these users asAnonymous animals. For instance, the user views the document anonymously if you see someone named Anonymous Wolf, Anonymous Iguana, or Anonymous Ibex.

Once you know there’s an option, curiosity arises about how to view Google Docs anonymously. To find out, read the next section.

How do I view Google Docs anonymously?

1. Sign out of the Google Account

Your real account name would not appear to other users while viewing the document now.

However, all else remains the same. Whether you can edit or leave comments depends on the permissions provided by the user who created the document and won’t be affected by going anonymous.

This method is suitable for those who occasionally view a Google Doc anonymously and don’t mind signing out of their account for a while.

2. Use Incognito mode

You would appear anonymous since the incognito mode is isolated and doesn’t rely on stored cookies. This may also help if theGoogle Docs site refuses to connectwhen logged in.

You can also use similar modes in other browsers to view Google Docs anonymously, for instance, Private mode in Firefox or InPrivate browsing in Edge.

This method works better for users who prefer viewing Google Docs anonymously since they don’t have to regularly sign in and sign out of their account, thus saving some time.

Why don’t I appear anonymous in Google Docs?

Remember, you will appear anonymous only when accessing the Google Docs through a link and not if the document has been individually shared with you. So, the sharing settings should be configured such that anyone with the link can view/edit the document.

In case someone has individually provided permission to view/edit the Google Docs, your Google account name would appear even if you use Incognito or Private mode.

Also, you will be asked to sign in to your Google account to access the document, so the first method listed earlier won’t work either.

Why do I need to view Google Docs anonymously?

Everyone has reasons for it, but it’s generally to mask the identity. If you are viewing a document shared by a bunch of people and don’t want others to find out when you are viewing it, go anonymous.

For instance, class notes that teachers share with students or, in some cases, official documents.

Whether to go anonymous or normally view a document depends solely on your requirements and the situation.

Speaking of choices, you can alsoenable or disable Strikethrough on a document on Google Docs. You can alsohide comments in Google Docsfor a distraction-free reading experience.

Also, find out how tocreate awesome and fancy borders in Google Docssince there are no direct methods, and you must resort to workarounds. And if you want, you can even learnhow to hide comments in Google Docs.

Aside from all the col stuff you can do on Google Docs,compare it with Microsoft Wordand see which one you prefer.

If you have any queries, drop a comment in the section below.

2 Simple Ways to View Google Docs Anonymously#

How do I view Google Docs anonymously?#

1. Sign out of the Google Account#

2. Use Incognito mode#

Why don’t I appear anonymous in Google Docs?#

Why do I need to view Google Docs anonymously?#