Firefox blocks some cookies by default, but you can change that in Settings
Firefox lets you control which cookies websites can store on your computer. By default, Firefox blocks tracking cookies from advertisers and other third parties, but it allows cookies that websites need to function — like ones that keep you logged in or remember your shopping cart. If a website is not working right, or you keep getting logged out unexpectedly, you may need to adjust your cookie settings.
The steps below show you how to allow more cookies in Firefox. You can change these settings back anytime, and you can also set rules for individual websites if you want some sites to work normally while keeping stricter rules for others.
Key Takeaways
- Firefox's default setting blocks third-party tracking cookies but allows cookies websites need to function, which works for most people.
- You can change your cookie settings in Firefox Settings under Privacy & Security, in the Cookies and Site Data section.
- The "Standard" protection level allows all cookies except tracking ones, while "Strict" blocks more cookies and may break some websites.
- You can allow cookies for a single website without changing your settings for all websites by clicking the lock icon in the address bar.
Open Firefox Settings and find the Privacy section
Start by opening Firefox. In the top right corner, click the three horizontal lines (called the menu button). A dropdown menu will appear. Click Settings near the bottom of that menu.
The Settings page will open. On the left side, you will see a list of categories. Click Privacy & Security. This is where all your privacy and cookie controls live.
Locate the Cookies and Site Data section
Scroll down the Privacy & Security page until you see the heading Cookies and Site Data. This section controls what Firefox does with cookies and other data that websites try to store.
Under that heading, you will see a section called Enhanced Tracking Protection. This is the main control for cookies. Firefox offers three protection levels: Standard, Strict, and Custom. The level you choose determines which cookies Firefox allows.
Choose the right protection level for your needs
Standard is Firefox's default setting. It blocks cookies from advertisers and other tracking companies, but allows cookies that websites need to work properly. This is the best choice for most people because websites function normally and you still get protection from being tracked across the internet.
Strict blocks more cookies, including some that websites use to remember you or keep you logged in. This offers stronger privacy, but some websites may not work correctly — you might get logged out unexpectedly, or shopping carts might not save your items. Only choose Strict if you understand that some websites will behave oddly.
Custom lets you pick exactly which types of cookies to block. This is useful if you want very specific control, but it requires you to understand the difference between cookie types. Most people do not need this option.
If a website is not working right and you are using Strict protection, try switching to Standard. If Standard does not fix it, you can allow cookies for just that one website instead of changing your settings for all websites.
Allow cookies for a single website without changing all your settings
If you want to keep your strict privacy settings but need one website to work normally, you can allow cookies for just that site. Click the lock icon on the left side of the address bar (the padlock or shield icon, depending on your Firefox version). A small panel will pop out.
Look for the line that says Enhanced Tracking Protection. Click the toggle switch next to it to turn protection off for that website only. Firefox will remember this choice and allow cookies from that site every time you visit.
To turn protection back on for that site later, click the lock icon again and toggle the switch back on. This method keeps your privacy settings strict everywhere else while letting one site work the way it needs to.
Clear old cookies if a website still does not work
Sometimes a website stores a broken or outdated cookie that causes problems even after you change your settings. If a site still does not work after you have allowed cookies, try clearing that site's stored data.
Go back to Settings, then Privacy & Security. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Manage Data. A window will open showing all the cookies and data Firefox has stored. Type the website name in the search box at the top. When you find it, click it once to select it, then click Remove Selected. Close the window and reload the website. Firefox will now let it store fresh cookies.
Check your cookie settings after a Firefox update
Firefox updates automatically, and occasionally an update changes your privacy settings back to the default. If a website suddenly stops working and you have not changed anything, check your Cookies and Site Data settings again. You may find that Firefox has reset your protection level to Standard.
This is not a problem — just change it back to whatever level you had chosen before. Firefox will not change your settings again unless you update to a major new version, and even then it usually keeps your choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cookies and tracking?
A cookie is just a small file a website stores on your computer to remember information about you — like that you are logged in, or what language you prefer. Tracking is when advertisers or data companies use cookies to follow you across many different websites to build a profile of your interests. Firefox's Standard setting blocks the tracking kind but allows the regular kind.
If I turn off all cookie blocking, will websites steal my passwords?
No. Cookies cannot steal passwords or access files on your computer. They are just small text files that websites can read. Passwords are stored separately and are not affected by cookie settings. Turning off cookie blocking makes websites work better without making your passwords less safe.
Do I need to restart Firefox after changing cookie settings?
No. Cookie settings take effect when ready. If you change your protection level and then reload a website, the new setting will explore right away. You do not need to close and reopen Firefox.
Can I allow cookies for some websites and block them for others?
Yes. You can use the lock icon method described above to turn off Enhanced Tracking Protection for specific sites while keeping it on everywhere else. You can also use Custom protection to set up rules for certain types of cookies, though this is more complex.
What should I do if a website asks me to accept cookies?
That message appears because of privacy laws in Europe and other places. You can usually click "Accept" or "Reject" — it does not change what Firefox allows. Firefox's settings override the website's request, so if Firefox is set to block tracking cookies, the website cannot store them no matter what you click on that banner.