How to record or playback a Browser Monitor without Incognito mode

HannahM — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:29:29 GMT

Summary

The Dynatrace Synthetic Recorder uses Incognito mode when recording and playing back monitors to ensure that it is a clean browser instance without cookies or cached resources. However, some applications don't work as expected using Incognito mode, and some companies don't allow it to be used on their network.

This article explains how to configure the Dynatrace Synthetic Recorder to record and playback using the standard Chrome mode, without Incognito.

Important behavior differences to understand

Local recording and playback
- May use cached resources and cookies when Incognito is disabled
On‑demand and scheduled executions
- Always run in standard Chrome mode
- Always start with a clean cache and no cookies
- Behavior may differ from local playback

Because of this difference, a Browser Monitor may appear to work locally but behave differently when executed from a Synthetic location.

When should you disable Incognito mode?

Recording or playback without Incognito mode can be useful when:

The application does not function correctly in Incognito mode
Corporate policies block or restrict Incognito browsing
The Synthetic Recorder extension is blocked in Incognito by browser policies

This setting only affects local recording and playback using the Synthetic Recorder extension.

How to record or playback without Incognito mode

Step 1: Update the Synthetic Recorder extension settings

Open chrome://extensions
Select Details on the Dynatrace Synthetic Recorder
Disable Allow in Incognito
Refresh the browser window used for recording

Step 2: Update the Browser Monitor configuration

In the WebUI, either

Edit an existing Browser Monitor and enable Use the recorder without incognito mode
1. Open a monitor that you would like to record/ playback without Incognito mode
2. Select Edit
3. Select Recorded clickpath
4. Enable Use the Recorder without incognito mode
  
  or
Enable Use the recorder without incognito mode when creating a new Browser Monitor
1. In the WebUI, Go to Synthetic.
2. Select Create a synthetic monitor > Create a browser monitor.
3. Enable Use the recorder without incognito mode

Limitations and considerations

Cached resources and cookies used during local playback are not available during monitor execution
Differences between local playback and execution results are expected
This setting does not affect how Browser Monitors run on public or private locations

Understanding these limitations helps avoid false assumptions during troubleshooting.

What's Next

If steps do not resolve the issue, open a chat and provide the troubleshooting steps you have already completed.

Re: How can I record or playback a Browser Monitor without Incognito mode?

radek_jasinski — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:59:39 GMT

Great! Thank you @HannahM 😉

article How to record or playback a Browser Monitor without Incognito mode in Troubleshooting