Accepting cookies is an important part of browsing the web in today’s digital age. Cookies are small text files that websites place on your computer to store information about your preferences and browsing history. They allow websites to provide customized experiences and keep you logged into your accounts. While cookies are very useful, many internet users have concerns about privacy and want more control over which cookies they accept. Fortunately, rejecting or deleting cookies is a straightforward process in all major web browsers. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to turn on accept cookies in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Internet Explorer.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files, usually consisting of letters and numbers, that are downloaded to your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to recognize your device and store some data from your browsing session. There are a few different types of cookies:
- Session cookies – Only last while your browser is open and are deleted when you close it
- Persistent cookies – Remain on your device for the period of time specified in the cookie file
- First-party cookies – Set by the site you are visiting directly
- Third-party cookies – Set by external parties, like ads and analytics services
When you visit a website again, the cookies allow sites to remember you, find your profile, and load your preferences. This provides a personalized browsing experience, allows you to stay logged into accounts, and enables useful features like shopping carts. Cookies also collect data about your online activity which sites use for advertising and analytics. While very convenient, this had raised privacy concerns for some users.
Why accept cookies?
There are a few key reasons why most users accept cookies from websites:
- Convenience – Cookies remember settings, keep you logged into sites, and enable features like shopping carts.
- Personalization – They allow sites to remember your preferences and provide customized content.
- Website functionality – Many sites require cookies to properly function and may break if you reject them.
- Targeted advertising – Cookies help provide ads relevant to your interests, which many sites rely on for revenue.
Allowing cookies makes browsing easier in most cases. Disabling them can lead to issues like constantly having to re-login and loss of saved settings or item carts. Many see targeted advertising as a fair trade-off for free access to sites and services. However, privacy conscious users want control over cookie collection.
Potential risks of cookies
While cookies provide many conveniences, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Privacy concerns – Third-party cookies can be used to track your activity across sites to target ads and collect data.
- Security risks – Cookies could potentially be exploited to gather sensitive personal or financial information.
- Data leaks – Data collected in cookies may be leaked, intentionally shared, or hacked.
- Storage space – Too many cookies can use up storage and slow down your device.
For these reasons, many users want to limit cookie collection. However, rejecting all cookies can negatively impact your browsing experience. The best approach is to manage your cookie settings for an optimal balance of convenience, functionality, and privacy.
How to accept cookies in Chrome
Chrome makes it easy to control your cookie settings. Here are the steps:
- Click the 3 vertical dots in the top right to open Chrome’s settings menu.
- Select “Settings” at the bottom to open the main settings tab.
- Click “Privacy and security” on the left sidebar.
- Select “Cookies and other site data” under the “Privacy and security” section.
- Toggle “Allow all cookies” to on to accept cookies from all sites.
You can also choose “Block third-party cookies” to reject only tracking cookies from advertisers and services. For the most control, select “Allow all cookies” to off and add exceptions under “Allow” for sites you want to accept cookies from.
Other Chrome cookie settings
Under the “Cookies and other site data” section, you can also:
- Clear cookies – Deleting all or selected cookies that have been stored.
- Cookie settings – Configure exceptions and advanced cookie options.
- Blocked cookies – View and manage cookies that have been blocked.
- Site permissions – Manage permissions like location and notifications for sites.
Taking the time to manage these settings ensures you have the right cookie preferences for your browsing needs.
How to accept cookies in Firefox
Firefox also allows flexible cookie management. To change settings:
- Click the 3 horizontal lines in the top right to open the menu.
- Select “Options” to open the preferences tab.
- Go to the “Privacy & Security” section on the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to the “Cookies and Site Data” options.
- Check “Accept cookies and site data” to enable cookies.
You can also choose “Accept third-party cookies” to reject tracking cookies. Click on “Exceptions” to customize sites where you always or never accept cookies.
Other Firefox cookie controls
The “Cookies and Site Data” section also allows you to:
- Clear data – Remove stored cookies and site data.
- Manage permissions – Change site permissions like notifications and location access.
- Address bar tracking protection – Toggle blocking of cross-site cookies.
Taking time to explore these settings helps ensure your cookie management aligns with your preferences in Firefox.
How to accept cookies in Safari
Safari for Mac provides flexible cookie management with these steps:
- Click “Safari” in the top menu bar and select “Preferences.”
- Go to the “Privacy” tab in the preferences window.
- In the “Cookies and website data” section, check “Allow from websites I visit” to accept first-party cookies.
- Check “Allow from current website only” to reject third-party cookies.
You can also click “Details” to customize a whitelist of sites to always or never allow cookies from.
More Safari cookie options
Also in the “Privacy” section you can:
- Manage website data – Delete specific or all stored cookies and site data.
- Website trackers – Block cross-site tracking cookies and scripts.
- Hide IP address – Prevent sites that use Trackers from accessing your IP address.
Taking advantage of these settings allows precise cookie management in Safari.
How to accept cookies in Edge
Microsoft Edge enables customizable cookie policies with these steps:
- Click the 3 horizontal dots in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
- Choose “Cookies and site permissions” on the left sidebar.
- Toggle “Allow sites to save and read cookie data” to on to accept cookies.
- Toggle “Block third-party cookies” to off to allow tracking cookies as well.
For finer control, select “Advanced cookie settings” to make exceptions for specific sites.
Additional Edge cookie options
In the “Cookies” section of settings you can also:
- Clear cookies and site data – Delete stored cookies and website data.
- Site permissions – Manage settings like notifications and location access.
- Ad personalization – Adjust how ads can utilize your browsing data.
Leveraging these settings allows you to fine-tune your cookie preferences.
How to accept cookies in Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer allows basic cookie management with these steps:
- Click the gear icon in the top right and select “Internet Options.”
- On the “Privacy” tab, move the slider up to “Accept” or “Accept all” under “Website cookie settings.”
- Click “Sites” to add exceptions for specific sites to always or never allow cookies if desired.
- Click “Advanced” for additional cookie settings like third-party blocking.
While more limited than other browsers, these settings provide core cookie management.
Additional Internet Explorer cookie controls
Also under the “Privacy” tab you can:
- Delete cookies – Removes all or selected stored cookies.
- Website data settings – Clear cached website files and data.
- Pop-up blocker – Block unwanted pop-up windows.
The browser is dated but these settings help manage cookies.
Third-party cookie management
A key decision in cookie management is whether to allow third-party cookies from advertisers and services. These cross-site tracking cookies allow sites to collect data on your browsing activity and target ads. Major browsers give you these third-party blocking options:
- Chrome – Block third-party cookies
- Firefox – Allow third-party cookies
- Safari – Allow from current website only
- Edge – Block third-party cookies
- Internet Explorer – Disable third-party cookies (in Advanced settings)
Blocking third-party cookies prevents tracking across sites for targeted advertising. However, it can lead to reduced functionality on some sites. Toggling these settings allows you to find the right balance.
Using cookie management extensions
Browser extensions provide additional ways to control cookies, including:
- Delete individual cookies – Fine-tune removal of unneeded cookies.
- View cookie details – See data stored in cookies from sites.
- Block cookies – Customize blocking options for certain cookies or sites.
- Consent management – More easily opt in or out of certain cookie uses.
Popular extensions include Ghostery, Cookie AutoDelete, and I Don’t Care About Cookies. However, be cautious when installing new extensions, as some request excessive permissions or are malicious.
Using private browsing modes
All major browsers have a private browsing mode that temporarily blocks cookies:
- Chrome – Incognito mode
- Firefox – Private Browsing mode
- Safari – Private Browsing mode
- Edge – InPrivate mode
- Internet Explorer – InPrivate Browsing mode
Cookies are cleared after closing private browsing windows. This prevents browsing history and activity from being recorded. However, it disables convenience features that require cookies as well.
Clearing cookies
If cookie files build up excessively, causing storage or performance issues, they may need to be cleared. All major browsers give you options to:
- Delete all cookies
- Delete cookies from specific sites
- Delete third-party cookies only
However, clearing cookies will sign you out of sites, clear shopping cart data, and remove locally saved preferences. Back up important data first before clearing cookies.
Mobile browser cookie settings
Cookie management also applies to mobile browsers. Settings can be found in:
- Chrome – Tap the 3 dots, Settings, Privacy, Cookies
- Safari – Tap Settings, Safari, Privacy & Security, Cookies and website data
- Firefox – Tap the 3 lines, Settings, Privacy, Cookies
- Edge – Tap the 3 dots, Settings, Cookies
Options like clearing cookies, blocking third-parties, and using private browsing are available. Mobile apps may also use tracking and cookies, controlled in app permissions.
Cookie consent laws
Many regions now have regulations that require sites to obtain your consent for cookie usage, including:
- EU – GDPR Cookie Consent
- UK – PECR Cookie Consent
- California – CCPA Privacy Rights
Sites must clearly disclose cookie use and get opt-in consent via GDPR/CCPA cookie banners. Strict regulations force sites to respect user cookie preferences.
Cookie settings on websites
Many individual sites and services also have dedicated cookie consent flows or privacy pages to manage settings. For example:
- Facebook – Settings > Privacy > Cookies
- Twitter – Settings > Privacy and safety > Cookies
- YouTube – Settings > Privacy > Cookies
Review these to choose granular options like ad personalization and analytic tracking. Opt out of non-essential cookies from sites.
Cookie alternatives
Some alternative browser technologies are aiming to enhance privacy while providing similar functionality as cookies, including:
- State Partitioning – Stores less user data and isolates sites from each other.
- Client Hints – Enables privacy-preserving personalization.
- Storage Access API – Improves permission control for data access.
- Service Workers – Enable offline functionality without tracking users.
While promising, these are not yet widely adopted. Cookies remain entrenched, so controlling settings remains important.
Conclusion
Managing cookie settings is vital for balancing functionality, privacy and security when browsing. Take time to review the options in your browsers and extensions, frequently clear unnecessary cookies, and stay informed on developments like consent laws. Empower yourself to make informed choices about when to accept, limit or reject cookies based on your needs.