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Internet cookies are small text files that hold pieces of site data. That data could include your username and password for different websites or everything you left in your shopping cart when you closed your browser.
Browser cookies can be helpful because they keep you from having to enter the same data each time you visit a website. But cookies may also cause some frustrations since many ecommerce sites and social media platforms use third-party cookies as trackers so they can show you ads based on your internet browsing habits.
Aside from these privacy concerns, cookies themselves aren’t dangerous. The problem is some cybercriminals hijack cookies to gain access to your browsing sessions. The easiest way to stay in control of your online security is to know how to disable cookies and enable them in your web browser. Keep reading our guide to learn how and when to adjust your cookie settings.
In this article
How to turn browser cookies on or off
Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Apple Safari
Opera
When should you disable cookies?
When should you enable cookies?
Other ways to block cookies and trackers
FAQs for enabling and disabling cookies
Bottom line
How to turn browser cookies on or off
The process for enabling or disabling cookies may vary, depending on the web browser you use. We’ve provided information on the most popular platforms so that you can learn how to update your privacy settings no matter what browser you have.
Google Chrome
Managing your Chrome cookies is fairly straightforward unless you have an iOS device. Here’s how to enable and disable your browser cookies, plus a workaround for managing cookies on your iPad or iPhone.
Desktop
You can access your settings in Google Chrome by going to the drop-down menu under the vertical dots in the upper-right corner of the screen. Then follow these steps:
- From the drop-down menu, click Settings.
- Click the Privacy and security tab.
- Select Cookies and other site data, then look for the General settings section. It should be near the top.
- Choose the cookie settings you want:
Allow all cookies enables all cookies, including third-party trackers, in Chrome.
Block third-party cookies in Incognito allows all cookies when you use Chrome regularly, but blocks third-party trackers if you open an Incognito window.
Block third-party cookies only blocks potential tracking cookies. Blocking these could cause some sites to not load properly.
Block all cookies doesn’t allow cookies of any kind while you use Chrome. The browser doesn’t recommend this setting since disabling cookies can cause most sites to not load properly.
Android
The steps for enabling or disabling cookies in Chrome on your Android device are similar to the desktop version.
- Tap the three vertical dots in the top right of the browser window, then choose Settings.
- Tap Site Settings and choose Cookies.
- Here you can turn your cookies on or off.
iPhone and iPad
Unfortunately, Google Chrome for iOS devices doesn’t allow you to modify your cookie settings, and the browser automatically enables cookies. You can, however, clear your cookies by doing the following:
- Open Chrome and tap the three horizontal dots in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
- Scroll to the right and find the Settings option.
- Tap Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data.
- Choose the items you want to clear, such as Cookies, Site Data, and set the time range.
- Tap Clear Browsing Data at the bottom of your screen.
Microsoft Edge
To enable or disable cookies in Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:
1. In your browser window, open Settings and More, then Settings.
2. Choose Site Permissions, then Cookies and Site Data.
3. Click See All Cookies and Site Data. Select the arrow for See All Cookies and Site Data to see all the cookies stored on your device.
Keep your device clutter-free and learn how to clear cookies in Microsoft Edge.
Mozilla Firefox
Want to turn cookies on or off in Mozilla Firefox? Follow these steps:
1. From the Firefox menu, go to Preferences, then select Privacy & Security.
2. You’ll see Enhanced Tracking Protection, and further down the page, you’ll find Cookies and Site Data. These are the locations for cookies and their settings.
3. You can make changes and manage cookies from both settings.
Take control of your online privacy — learn how to clear your Firefox cookies.
Apple Safari
Learning how to disable or enable cookies on Safari is pretty simple:
Desktop
- Open Safari, then click Safari in the top navigation bar and choose Preferences.
- Select the Privacy tab.
- Turn on Prevent Cross-site Tracking to block third-party cookies.
- If you want to completely disable Safari cookies, add a checkmark next to Block All Cookies.
iPhone or iPad
If you’re using an iOS device, you’ll find cookies under your iPhone’s or iPad’s Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Safari in the Settings menu.
- Scroll down to the Privacy & Security section.
- Toggle Prevent Cross-Site Tracking to block third-party cookies.
- To disable all Safari cookies, toggle the Block All Cookies setting on.
It’s a good idea to also delete your Safari cookies on a regular basis. Check out our guide on how to clear cookies in Safari to find out how.
Opera
Knowing how to turn cookies on or off in Opera gives you the ability to manage site referrals, redirects, and delete cookies at the end of each visit. Here’s how to turn your Opera cookies on and off:
- Open Opera and click the three horizontal bars in the top right corner to open the Easy Setup menu.
- Scroll down and click Go to Full Browser Settings.
- Click the Privacy & Security tab, then click Cookies and Other Site Data.
- Choose which cookie settings you want to use:
Allow all cookies enables all cookies in Opera, including third-party cookies.
Block third-party cookies in private mode enables all cookies when you use Opera regularly and blocks third-party cookies if you browse in private mode.
Block third-party cookies blocks third-party cookies that might track you across other sites, but allows first-party cookies that belong to the site you’re currently visiting.
Block all cookies disables all cookies. Opera doesn’t recommend this setting because most sites need cookies to load properly.
If you don’t want to delete previously installed cookies, Opera allows you to clear cookies whenever you close the browser.
When should you disable cookies?
If you want to have more privacy, you should know how to disable cookies anytime you want. For example, if you share a device with others, the person who uses the machine after you could see your internet activity. Knowing how to browse online anonymously also helps to mitigate the chances of others seeing your browsing traffic.
Browser cookies may pose a security threat because hackers can hijack them to access your browser sessions. If the criminals get access, they can steal your personal information. They can use that to drain your bank accounts and steal your identity. Knowing how to change cookie settings will allow you to tweak internet cookies anytime.
Sometimes too many cookies can cause your device to get bogged down and run slow. Since the pages you browse get saved to your hard drive, you could accumulate tons of cookies over time, causing your computer to be slow. Learning how to disable cookies will cause less storage consumption, possibly increasing device performance.
You can delete browser cookies and get fewer targeted ads from online shopping sites. To delete browser cookies, a few quick steps is all it takes to lower the risks of a privacy breach.
When should you enable cookies?
Cookies get a bad reputation because of security issues, but there are times when you should know how to enable cookies.
When you accept cookies, you may have a better experience while you browse the internet. Online shopping sites use cookies to remember the items you saved in your shopping cart. Other sites use cookies to remember your login info — you probably don’t want to waste time logging in to the same websites you visit every day.
You may also want to know how to turn on cookies for accessing specific websites. Some sites won’t let you view their contents without accepting cookies.
Other ways to block cookies and trackers
If you’re tired of cookie consent banners and opting-out of tracking, you may want to use one or all of these options.
Cookie popups may seem like constant intrusions while you’re trying to work or shop online. To reduce the frequency of these annoying banners, you can use options like browser extensions, secure browsers, and a VPN.
Browser extensions
Browser extensions can hide your online activities and keep your data safe. These can also block malicious websites and ads as well as provide anti-phishing technology for better security. Some privacy-focused browser extensions include:
Secure browsers
Secure browsers are helpful because they block trackers and reduce intrusive pop-up ads. They may also provide incognito windows so you can search in private mode. If you’re looking for a secure browser, a few examples include:
Virtual private networks (VPNs)
If you want to have next-level cyber protection, you may want to use a VPN. A virtual private network helps establish a secure connection when using the internet. All your data gets routed through an encrypted tunnel, which disguises your IP address. That helps guard against cyber attacks.
Some of our most recommended VPNs include:
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- ExpressVPN
FAQs for enabling and disabling cookies
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Is it good to disable cookies?
It’s good to disable cookies when you’re concerned about privacy and the possibility of security threats. If you want to improve device performance, you may want to disable cookies to help.
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Should you allow all cookies?
You can allow all cookies, but we recommend declining third-party cookies. These cookies allow websites to gather your browsing data even when you’re not visiting that particular site. If you want to keep your personal information private, allowing all cookies is not advisable.
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How do you stop a site from asking you to accept cookies?
You can stop a site from asking you to accept cookies by blocking cookies under your privacy settings. You can also use secure browsers, VPNs, or browser extensions to keep your internet activity more private.
Bottom line
If all you’ve read and heard lately about cookies causes some concern, rest assured you can take control of your cookie settings. Learning how to enable and disable cookies gives you more options when browsing online.
The control is in your hands, and you can manage cookies as you see fit. Being able to make changes gives you more flexibility over your data. Read more on how to change your privacy settings so you can have a safer online experience.
Author Details
Patti Croft is a freelance writer who specializes in all things technology. Her expertise includes antivirus software, online security strategies, and safety practices. She has a degree in Computer Information Systems and extensive experience working in the IT field.In her spare time, Patti is an avid reader and researcher, and loves spending time with her pets. She currently shares an office with her cat, Beau.
FAQs
How do I enable and disable cookies in my browser? ›
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More. Settings.
- Under "Privacy and security," click Site settings.
- Click Cookies and site data.
- From here, you can: Turn on cookies: Next to "Blocked," turn on the switch. Turn off cookies: Turn off Allow all cookies.
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app .
- At the top right, tap More. Settings.
- Tap Site settings. Cookies.
- Turn Allow cookies on or off.
Why websites ask you to accept cookies. Websites have become more focused on asking you to accept cookies. The reason reflects a data privacy protection law that governs online data tracking and transparency.
Why does it say my cookies are disabled when they are not? ›Your browser settings are such that the storing of cookies is currently disabled. In which case, simply enabling cookies and refreshing your screen should resolve your issue.
Where is my browser settings? ›- On your Android phone or tablet, go to google.com.
- At the top left, tap Menu. Settings.
- Choose your search settings.
- At the bottom, click Save.
Step 1: Go to Settings, then scroll down and select “Safari”. Step 2: Scroll down to “Privacy & Security”. Step 3: Verify “Block All Cookies” is ticked (green/white), click to allow cookies. Step 4: Clear the browser cache and reopen the browser.
Do cookies work on all browsers? ›In almost all cases, web browsers by default will have browser cookies enabled. But, if you would like the check, or turn them back on again in Chrome after previously disabling them, simply follow the steps to disable, but instead re-check “Allow sites to save and read cookie data (recommended)” as your end step.
What does enable all cookies mean? ›You've got cookies enabled!
Third-party cookies are cookies that often come from Social Media and Advertising websites and can track you online. Having First Person Cookies enabled means that websites are allowed to store little bits of information in your web browser that help their site function properly.
Safari and Firefox web browsers are already blocking third-party cookies by default for years, and Google's Chrome will stop using them by the end of 2023. Google is developing a Privacy Sandbox strategy as an alternative to third-party cookies.
Should I or should I not accept cookies? ›If you are disclosing private information on a website, and they ask if you want to accept the cookies policy, it is best to pass and decline. Because this personal information can be used to access accounts, such as your bank account, you should keep that information away from the data-mining websites.
What happens if you don't accept cookies? ›
Do you HAVE to accept cookies? Most cookies are really not an issue. They are just used by the website owner so you have a better experience with the site. You can decline the “Accept Cookies” message and most websites will work just fine.
Can you stop websites asking for cookies? ›Nearly every website will have a cookie consent pop-up that requests permission to store your data when you use the website. You can prevent these pop-ups by changing your browser's default cookie settings.
Should cookies be enabled or disabled? ›Enabling all cookies is recommended for the users who want to get the best internet browsing experience and who do not mind sharing their data with website owners and third-parties. Disabling cookies entirely is not recommended since many websites will not function normally.
Why am I forced to accept cookies? ›Because " Cookies" is part of your browser that store your login state. Without them, you wouldn't be able to log into websites.
Why are my cookies not enabling? ›Enabling cookies in Chrome for Android
Open Chrome. Go to More menu > Settings > Site settings > Cookies. You'll find the More menu icon in the top-right corner. Make sure cookies are turned on.
- Locate Google Chrome on the app list.
- Tap on the Clear Cache and Clear All Data buttons to reset your Google Chrome. Depending on your Android device, you might have additional options to clear more settings, residual data, etc.
The latest Chromebooks and most Android phones come with Chrome set up as the default browser. So, when you click links from third-party apps or websites, your device launches Chrome automatically. You may need to install the browser and open it on devices where it's not preinstalled.
How do I know if I need a Chrome update? ›- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Play Store app. .
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps & device.
- Under "Updates available," find Chrome. .
- Next to Chrome, tap Update.
If you want more privacy, disabling and deleting cookies is your best option. During times when you want a more personalized browsing experience, you can always enable cookies in Safari, then disable them again when you log off.
What happens if I block all cookies on Safari? ›If you block cookies, some web pages might not work. Here are some examples: You will likely not be able to sign in to a site even when using your correct username and password. You might see a message that cookies are required or that your browser's cookies are off.
How do I stop Safari from blocking cookies? ›
You can change Safari settings so that Safari always accepts or always blocks cookies and website data. In the Safari app on your Mac, choose Safari > Settings, then click Privacy. Deselect “Block all cookies.”
What is the difference between cookies and browsers? ›Both browser caching and cookies let your store information on a visitor's computer. However, they do it in different ways and have different purposes. Browser caching helps you speed up your site, while cookies help you store information about specific users to identify or track them.
What information can a website see about me? ›This includes data you provide via forms, for example, email address and credit card information, as well as many other types of information gained from tracking technology. Some of the data points websites collect include: IP addresses to determine a user's location.
How long do cookies stay in your browser? ›If the website doesn't set the expiry date, the browser will delete the cookie once it's closed. The average lifetime of a cookie is about 30 days, but cookies can also be set to last for over a year.
Should I turn on block all cookies? ›If you are okay with cross-site tracking and displayed ads while browsing, you don't have to block third-party cookies. But, if you don't want third parties like ad networks to collect data about you or don't want to be shown ads, you can block third-party cookies on your browser settings.
Do I need Samsung Internet on my phone? ›The browser's noteworthy features. While Samsung Internet may be considered an unnecessary addition to the company's proprietary Android skin by many users, it has several noteworthy features that make it one of the best and most complete mobile browsers.
Are cookies going away in 2023? ›“We now intend to begin phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome in the second half of 2024.” Trials of the new, privacy-sensitive advertising tools will expand to more users in early August, ramping up over the rest of this year and 2023.
What is replacing cookies? ›What is Google FLoC? Google has been looking at ways for advertisers to continue targeting users once third-party cookies are gone. So, it came up with FLoC — a method for browsers to enable interest-based advertising.
What percentage of people block cookies? ›001% of web users block all cookies.
Can cookies track you? ›Cookies can track any kind of data about users, such as search and browser history, what websites they previously visited, what they googled earlier, their IP addresses, their on-site behavior such as scrolling speed, where they clicked and where their mouse hovered.
Do cookies collect personal data? ›
Yes — when cookies can be used to identify or single out individuals — they are considered personal data under the laws such as the General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR), the ePrivacy Directive (EU Cookie Law), and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Is it safe to accept all cookies? ›Yes, most cookies are safe to accept. They're intended to personalize your online experience and add to your convenience when using a website. Third-party cookies, on the other hand, may not be safe to accept.
Is it a good idea to delete cookies? ›If you're using a public computer, you should delete them and other data, such as browsing history, right after your session. If it's your personal device, it's a good idea to remove all cookies at least once a month to keep your device neat.
How do I reset my cookies? ›Delete browser cache and cookies in Chrome
Click the menu button ⋮ > More Tools > Clear browsing data. On the Clear browsing data window, select which time range you want to clear. Put a check beside Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, and then click Clear data.
11% of all Visitors Accept Cookies
Looking at the user interactions of all website visitors, the following picture emerges: 76% of all visitors ignore the cookie banner. 12% close the cookie banner. 11% click on “Accept all cookies”.
Will my browser block all cookies? Most web browsers have cookie-blocking capabilities but they are not perfect and some ads and pop-ups will still appear. A cookie pop-up may still be able to track your search history and activity online if you don't take extra steps to protect your data.
Why do websites warn you about cookies? ›It's usually some kind of annoying pop-over dialog window which says something like "This site uses cookies - click here to accept". But why do so many sites warn you about this? Well, it's because of a legal directive passed by the European Union in 2002 called the "ePrivacy Directive" (it's technically not a law).
What happens if you don't enable cookies? ›Websites use HTTP cookies to streamline your web experiences. Without cookies, you'd have to login again after you leave a site or rebuild your shopping cart if you accidentally close the page. Making cookies an important a part of the internet experience.
What happens when you disable cookies? ›Cookies can slow your browser down.
By disabling cookies you will see fewer targeted ads. Without cookies, website owners, especially third-parties, won't be able to track your activity and count how many times you visit their sites or which sites or products you prefer.
If you are disclosing private information on a website, and they ask if you want to accept the cookies policy, it is best to pass and decline. Because this personal information can be used to access accounts, such as your bank account, you should keep that information away from the data-mining websites.
Why does it say I need to enable cookies? ›
Most websites need you to enable cookies in order for them to work. Cookies are small bits of data which websites can store on your computer as you browse their site. Cookies are typically used to help websites remember that you've logged in, or perhaps to store your personal preferences for that website.
Does clearing cookies delete passwords? ›Will clearing cookies delete passwords? Yes, clearing cookies will wipe saved passwords from autofill settings saved on web browsers.
Should block all cookies be on or off? ›Block third-party cookies only blocks potential tracking cookies. Blocking these could cause some sites to not load properly. Block all cookies doesn't allow cookies of any kind while you use Chrome. The browser doesn't recommend this setting since disabling cookies can cause most sites to not load properly.
How to delete Google search history? ›- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google app .
- At the top right, tap your Profile picture or initial. Search history.
- Choose the Search history you want to delete. You can choose: All your Search history: Above your history, tap Delete. Delete all time.
On your computer, open Chrome. Clear browsing data. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
Should cookies be enabled on iPhone? ›Be careful; blocking all cookies may actually prevent you from using a lot of websites normally! First-Party Cookies are usually used when you log in to websites; and you may find you can't use a lot of websites without Cookies enabled.
Do I need cookies on my iPhone? ›While it's not strictly necessary, deleting your iPhone's cookies from time to time can help you save space and fix some browsing issues. What are cookies? These are small files that keep track of what you do online.
What is the use of cookies? ›Cookies are small pieces of text sent to your browser by a website you visit. They help that website remember information about your visit, which can both make it easier to visit the site again and make the site more useful to you.