You can block all cookies in Chrome, or let sites store them and delete them when you close the browser
Chrome stores cookies — small files that websites save on your computer to remember who you are, what you bought, and what you looked at. You can turn off cookies entirely, allow them only from sites you trust, or have Chrome delete them automatically every time you close the browser. The setting you choose depends on whether you want websites to remember you or prefer a fresh start each time.
The most common choice is to let cookies work but delete them when you quit Chrome. This way, you stay logged into sites while you are using them, but nothing follows you from one browsing session to the next. If you block cookies completely, some websites will not work properly — you may not be able to log in, stay logged in, or use shopping carts.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome's default setting allows cookies from all sites, and you can change this in Settings under Privacy and Security.
- Blocking all cookies will break login and shopping features on most websites, so selective blocking or auto-deletion is usually better.
- The "Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome" option lets sites remember you during a session but forgets everything when you close the browser.
- You can block cookies from specific sites while allowing them on others by adding sites to your blocklist.
- Third-party cookies, which track you across multiple websites, can be blocked separately from cookies that sites create themselves.
How to open Chrome's cookie settings
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. On the left side, click Privacy and security, then click Cookies and other site data.
You are now in the section where you control how Chrome handles cookies. The options here let you choose what happens when a website tries to store a cookie on your computer.
Block all cookies in Chrome
In the Cookies and other site data section, look for the option that says Block all cookies. Click the radio button next to it. Chrome will now refuse to store any cookies from any website.
Be aware that blocking all cookies will cause problems on many sites. You may not be able to log into your email, stay logged into social media, use shopping carts, or save preferences like your language or theme choice. If you find that a site does not work, you will need to come back to this setting and choose a different option.
Allow cookies but delete them when you close Chrome
This is the middle ground that works for most people. In the Cookies and other site data section, scroll down until you see Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome. Turn this toggle on by clicking it.
With this setting, Chrome will accept cookies while you are browsing, so websites can log you in and remember your choices. The moment you close Chrome completely, all cookies disappear. The next time you open Chrome, websites will not remember you — you will need to log in again. This prevents websites from tracking you across different days or weeks.
Block cookies from specific websites
If you want most sites to use cookies but want to block them on certain sites, go to the Cookies and other site data section and look for Sites that can never use cookies. Click Add next to it and type the website address — for example, facebook.com or amazon.com. Click Add to confirm.
That website will no longer be able to store cookies on your computer. You can add as many sites as you want to this blocklist. If you change your mind about a site, find it in the list, click the trash icon next to it, and the site will go back to being able to use cookies.
Block third-party cookies only
Third-party cookies are created by companies other than the website you are visiting — usually advertisers and data brokers who track you across many different sites. You can block these while still allowing the website itself to store cookies. In the Cookies and other site data section, look for Block third-party cookies and click the radio button next to it.
This is a good middle ground if you want to reduce tracking but still be able to log into sites and use their features. The website you are on can still remember you, but advertisers cannot follow you from site to site.
Check which sites have stored cookies on your computer
In the Cookies and other site data section, click Manage all cookies and site data. Chrome will show you a list of every website that has stored cookies or other data on your computer. You can search for a specific site by typing its name in the search box at the top.
Click on any site in the list to see what data it has stored. If you want to delete the cookies from one site, click the trash icon next to its name. If you want to delete all cookies at once, go back to the main Cookies section and click Clear browsing data, then make sure Cookies and other site data is checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I block all cookies and a website does not work?
Go back to Settings, Privacy and security, Cookies and other site data, and choose a different option — either "Allow all cookies" or "Block third-party cookies". You can also add that specific website to your allowlist by clicking "Sites that can always use cookies" and typing the address.
Will blocking cookies stop ads from showing up?
No. Blocking cookies stops websites from remembering you and tracking you across sites, but it does not remove ads. Ads will still appear; they just will not be personalized based on your browsing history. You need a separate ad blocker extension to remove ads entirely.
Do I need to restart Chrome after changing cookie settings?
No. Cookie settings take effect when ready. Websites you visit after changing the setting will follow the new rules. Cookies that were already stored before you changed the setting may still be there until you clear your browsing data or close Chrome (if you have auto-delete turned on).
Can I allow cookies on some sites and block them on others?
Yes. Use "Sites that can always use cookies" to add sites you trust, and "Sites that can never use cookies" to block sites you do not want storing data. All other sites will follow your main cookie setting.
What is the difference between cookies and cache?
Cookies are small files that store login information and preferences. Cache is a larger collection of images, scripts, and other files that websites store to load faster next time. You can clear both separately in your browsing data settings.