Does IndexedDB work in private browsing?

It works in Chrome/Firefox incognito but data is cleared when the session ends. Safari Private Browsing has more limitations.

How do I handle database version upgrades?

Use the onupgradeneeded event. Handle onblocked to detect when other tabs prevent the upgrade. Prompt users to close other tabs.

Warningweb development

Fix IndexedDB errors including QuotaExceededError, VersionError, blocked upgrades, database corruption, and private browsing limitations.

IndexedDB is a client-side NoSQL database API for storing structured data in the browser
Storage quota varies: Chrome ~60% of free disk, Firefox 50% of free disk (per origin)
Private/incognito browsing may limit or disable IndexedDB (Safari clears on tab close)
Database version upgrades require all other connections to close first
Corrupted IndexedDB data requires clearing site data to resolve

QuotaExceededError: storage limit reached for the origin
VersionError: trying to open with a version lower than existing version
Blocked: another tab has an older version open and has not closed its connection
Database corruption from browser crash during write operation
Safari Private Browsing: IndexedDB works but data is ephemeral

1For QuotaExceededError: implement data cleanup — delete old entries or request more storage via Storage API
2For Blocked: implement onblocked handler and show user a message to close other tabs
3For corruption: clear site data — DevTools > Application > Storage > Clear site data
4For Safari Private: detect private browsing and show appropriate message or use fallback storage
5Request persistent storage: navigator.storage.persist() prevents browser from evicting data