What blocking cookies actually does
Blocking cookies stops websites from storing small files on your device that track your browsing, remember your login information, and build a profile of your interests. When you block cookies, websites can still function — you just lose some convenience features like staying logged in automatically, and you make it harder for advertisers and data brokers to follow you across the internet.
Cookies themselves are not dangerous. The risk is what happens to the information they collect. Data brokers buy cookie data from websites and advertisers, combine it with other information about you, and sell it to other companies. Blocking cookies at the browser level cuts off one major source of that data collection.
There are different types of cookies. First-party cookies come from the website you are visiting and are usually harmless — they remember your preferences and keep you logged in. Third-party cookies come from advertisers and tracking companies embedded in the page, and these are the ones that follow you across websites and feed data to brokers.
Key Takeaways
- Every major browser has a built-in setting to block third-party cookies, and turning it on takes less than a minute.
- Blocking cookies will log you out of some websites and may break certain features, but the website will still load and work.
- Browser settings alone do not stop all tracking — you may also want to use a private browsing mode or a tracking blocker extension.
- Blocking cookies is one tool among several; it works best combined with clearing your browsing history regularly and being cautious about what information you share directly with websites.
How to block cookies in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy and security in the left sidebar. Click Cookies and other site data.
You will see three options. Select Block third-party cookies to stop advertisers and trackers from following you, while keeping first-party cookies so websites you visit still work normally. If you want maximum blocking, choose Block all cookies, but this will break login features on many sites and you will have to log in again each time you visit.
Chrome also has a Incognito mode that blocks all cookies by default for that session only. Press Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac) to open an Incognito window. When you close it, all cookies from that session are deleted.
How to block cookies in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar. Under Cookies and Site Data, check the box next to Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed.
Below that, you will see Enhanced Tracking Protection. Click Custom and check the boxes for Tracking content and Third-party tracking cookies. This blocks most tracking without breaking website functionality.
Firefox also offers Private Browsing mode. Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Command+Shift+N (Mac). In Private Browsing, Firefox blocks many trackers automatically and deletes all cookies when you close the window.
How to block cookies in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar. Select Settings (or Preferences on older versions), then click the Privacy tab. Under Cookies and website data, select Block all cookies or Allow only websites I visit.
The Allow only websites I visit option is usually the best balance — it blocks third-party tracking cookies while keeping first-party cookies from sites you intentionally visit. If you choose Block all cookies, you will need to log in to websites repeatedly.
Safari's Private Browsing mode also blocks cookies by default. Click File in the menu bar and select New Private Window, or press Command+Shift+N.
How to block cookies in Edge
Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar. Under Cookies and other site data, select Block third-party cookies or Block all cookies.
Block third-party cookies is the recommended setting for most people. It stops advertisers from tracking you across websites while keeping the sites you visit functional. If you want stronger protection, Block all cookies will prevent tracking but will log you out of websites.
Edge also has InPrivate browsing. Press Ctrl+Shift+P to open an InPrivate window, which blocks cookies and tracking for that session only.
What happens when you block cookies
When you block cookies, some websites will ask you to log in each time you visit instead of staying logged in automatically. Shopping carts may empty. Some video players or interactive features might not work. These are trade-offs for reducing the amount of data collected about you.
If a website breaks completely and you need it to work, you can add it to an exception list in your browser settings. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data > Sites that can always use cookies and add the website. Firefox, Safari, and Edge have similar exception options in their cookie settings.
Blocking cookies does not stop a website from collecting information you type directly into forms — your name, email, search queries, or payment information. It only stops the invisible tracking that happens in the background.
Combining cookie blocking with other tools
Cookie blocking works best as part of a larger strategy. Clear your browsing history regularly — at least monthly. In most browsers, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac) to open the history clearing menu. Select All time and check Cookies and other site data along with Browsing history.
Consider using a tracking blocker extension like uBlock Origin (free, open-source) or Privacy Badger (free, made by the Electronic Frontier Foundation). These extensions block more tracking scripts than browser cookie settings alone. Install them from your browser's extension store.
You can also use private browsing mode for sensitive activities like banking or shopping. This blocks cookies and deletes your history automatically when you close the window, though it does not hide your activity from your internet service provider or your employer if you are on a work network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking cookies break websites I use every day?
Most major websites work fine with third-party cookies blocked. You may need to log in more often, and some features like personalized recommendations might not work. If a site breaks, you can add it to your browser's exception list so it can use cookies just for that site.
Can websites tell if I have cookies blocked?
Yes, websites can detect that you have blocked cookies, and some may show you a message asking you to turn them back on. They cannot force you to unblock them. You can choose to unblock cookies for a specific site or keep them blocked and use the site with reduced functionality.
Does blocking cookies hide my activity from my internet service provider?
No. Your internet service provider can see which websites you visit regardless of your cookie settings. Blocking cookies only stops websites and advertisers from tracking you. If you want to hide your activity from your ISP, you would need to use a VPN (virtual private network), which is a separate tool.
If I clear my cookies, do I have to set up my browser again?
Clearing cookies will log you out of websites and reset some preferences. You will need to log back in to accounts. However, your browser settings (like your blocked cookies preference) stay in place. You only have to set up your accounts again, not your browser.
Is blocking all cookies better than blocking just third-party cookies?
Blocking all cookies is more protective but more inconvenient. Blocking third-party cookies is usually the better balance — it stops most tracking while keeping websites functional. Try third-party blocking first, and switch to blocking all cookies if you are willing to log in more often.