How to delete cookies on smartphone, tablet and computer
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device. They remember your preferences and login details, but can also track your browsing behavior. Regularly deleting cookies is good for your privacy and can solve website problems. In this article, we explain step by step how to delete cookies on all devices and browsers.
What exactly are cookies?
Cookies are small files that websites place on your computer, tablet, or phone. There are different types:
Functional cookies
- Remember your language preference
- Save your shopping cart
- Keep you logged in
- Are usually harmless
- WhatsApp tips and tricks: edit messages, delete and more
- Safe mobile banking: tips for banking on your smartphone
- Video calling: how to use Zoom, Teams and FaceTime
- Delete apps and free up storage space on your phone
Tracking cookies
- Track your browsing behavior
- Are used for targeted advertising
- Can be placed by third parties
- These you want to delete regularly
Session cookies
- Disappear automatically when you close the browser
- Are temporary
Why delete cookies?
There are several reasons to delete cookies:
- Privacy: Tracking cookies follow your browsing behavior across multiple websites
- Troubleshooting: If a website isn't working properly, clearing cookies can help
- Storage space: Cookies take up space (although this is usually minimal)
- Fresh start: Start with a clean slate without personalized ads
Delete cookies on iPhone and iPad
Safari (default browser)
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Scroll down and tap Safari
- Scroll down to "Privacy & Security"
- Tap Clear History and Website Data
- Confirm by tapping Clear History and Data
Note: This also deletes your browsing history. You will be logged out everywhere.
Chrome on iPhone/iPad
- Open the Chrome app
- Tap the three dots (menu) at the bottom right
- Tap History
- Tap Clear Browsing Data
- Select Cookies, Site Data
- Choose a time range (e.g., "All Time")
- Tap Clear Browsing Data
Firefox on iPhone/iPad
- Open the Firefox app
- Tap the menu (three lines) at the bottom right
- Tap Settings
- Scroll to Privacy and tap Data Management
- Turn on Cookies
- Tap Clear Private Data
Delete cookies on Android
Chrome (default browser on most Android phones)
- Open the Chrome app
- Tap the three dots at the top right
- Tap Settings
- Tap Privacy and security
- Tap Clear browsing data
- Check Cookies and site data
- Under "Time range" select All time
- Tap Clear data
Samsung Internet Browser
- Open the Samsung Internet app
- Tap the menu (three lines) at the bottom
- Tap Settings
- Tap Privacy and security
- Tap Delete browsing data
- Check Cookies and site data
- Tap Delete
Delete cookies on Windows
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome
- Click the three dots at the top right
- Go to Settings
- Click Privacy and security on the left
- Click Clear browsing data
- Check Cookies and other site data
- Under Time range select: All time
- Click Clear data
Shortcut: Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to go directly to this screen.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge
- Click the three dots at the top right
- Go to Settings
- Click Privacy, search and services on the left
- Under "Clear browsing data" click Choose what to clear
- Check Cookies and other site data
- Click Clear now
Shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+Delete
Firefox
- Open Firefox
- Click the menu (three lines) at the top right
- Click Settings
- Click Privacy & Security on the left
- Scroll to "Cookies and Site Data"
- Click Clear Data
- Check Cookies and Site Data
- Click Clear
Delete cookies on Mac
Safari
- Open Safari
- Click Safari → Settings in the menu bar (or press Cmd+,)
- Click the Privacy tab
- Click Manage Website Data
- Click Remove All to delete all cookies
- Or select specific websites and click Remove
Chrome on Mac
- Open Chrome
- Click the three dots at the top right
- Go to Settings
- Click Privacy and security on the left
- Click Clear browsing data
- Check Cookies and other site data
- Click Clear data
Shortcut: Cmd+Shift+Delete
Automatically delete cookies
You can set browsers to automatically delete cookies when you close the browser.
Chrome
- Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Enable: Clear cookies and site data when you close all windows
Firefox
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
- Under "Browser Privacy" choose Use custom settings for history
- Check: Clear history when Firefox closes
Privacy tips
Use private/incognito mode
- Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac)
- Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P
- Safari: Cmd+Shift+N
- Edge: Ctrl+Shift+N
In this mode, cookies are automatically deleted when you close the window.
Block third-party cookies
Most browsers can block third-party cookies (tracking cookies) by default. Look for this option in privacy settings.
Use an ad blocker
An ad blocker like uBlock Origin also blocks many tracking cookies.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my passwords if I delete cookies?
No, passwords are stored separately in your browser's password manager. These are preserved when you only delete cookies. Note: you will need to log in again on websites.
How often should I delete cookies?
For most people, once a month is sufficient. If you value privacy highly, you can do it weekly or have them deleted automatically.
Can I delete cookies from specific websites?
Yes, in most browsers you can view and delete cookies per website. Look for "Manage cookies" or "Site data" in settings.
Are cookies dangerous?
Cookies themselves are not dangerous - they cannot contain viruses. However, tracking cookies can violate your privacy by following your browsing behavior.
Need help? Our support team is ready for you! Send a ticket through the customer portal and we'll usually help you within a few hours.
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