Where to find and delete cookies in your browser
The steps to clear cookies depend on which browser you use. Most browsers store cookies in the same place: a settings menu labeled History, Privacy, or Clear Browsing Data. You access this menu differently in each browser, but once you're there, you'll see a checkbox for cookies and a button to delete them.
Clearing cookies takes about 30 seconds. The browser will ask you what time range to clear — you can choose just today, the last week, the last month, or all time. If you want to remove cookies from a specific website only, most browsers let you do that too, though the process varies.
Key Takeaways
- In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, you reach the cookie deletion menu through Settings or Preferences, then look for Privacy, Security, or History.
- You can clear all cookies at once or choose a time range — last hour, last day, last week, last month, or all time.
- Clearing cookies will log you out of most websites, so you'll need to sign back in afterward.
- If you want to keep cookies from certain websites, you can add those sites to an exception list before clearing.
Clearing cookies in Google Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy and Security on the left side. Choose Clear Browsing Data.
A window will pop up. Make sure the Cookies and Other Site Data checkbox is checked. At the top, use the dropdown menu to pick your time range — Anytime will clear all cookies. Click Clear Data, and Chrome will remove them immediately.
Clearing cookies in Mozilla Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right. Select Settings, then Privacy and Security on the left. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
A small window appears. Check the box next to Cookies and Site Data. You can choose to clear just cookies from the last hour, or all cookies ever stored. Click Clear, and Firefox will finish in seconds.
Clearing cookies in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the very top of your screen. Select Clear History. A dropdown menu will ask you what time period to clear — choose All History to remove all cookies, or pick a specific range like the last hour or last day.
Click Clear History, and Safari will delete the cookies from that time period. Note that Safari's menu is at the top of your screen, not inside the browser window like other browsers.
Clearing cookies in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then Privacy, Search, and Services on the left. Under Clear Browsing Data, click Choose What to Clear.
A window will open. Make sure Cookies and Other Site Data is checked. Pick your time range from the dropdown at the top. Click Clear Now, and Edge will remove the cookies.
Removing cookies from one website only
If you want to delete cookies from just one site instead of all sites, most browsers let you do this. In Chrome, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Cookies and Other Site Data. You'll see a list of websites that have stored cookies. Find the one you want and click the trash icon next to it.
Firefox and Safari have similar options in their cookie settings. Edge lets you search for a specific website under Settings, then Privacy, then Manage Cookies and Site Permissions. This approach is useful if you want to clear cookies from one problematic site but keep yourself logged into others.
What happens after you clear cookies
After clearing cookies, you'll be logged out of most websites. The next time you visit a site that required a login, you'll need to enter your username and password again. Websites may also forget your preferences — things like your language choice, dark mode settings, or items in your shopping cart may reset.
Some websites use other tracking methods besides cookies, so clearing cookies alone won't remove all traces of your browsing. However, cookies are the most common way sites track you, so clearing them regularly is still worth doing if privacy matters to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cookies delete my passwords?
No. Passwords are stored separately from cookies. If you want to delete saved passwords, you have to do that in a different menu — usually under Passwords or Autofill in your browser settings. Clearing cookies will log you out, but your saved passwords will still be there when you log back in.
Should I clear cookies regularly?
That depends on your privacy preferences. Clearing cookies removes tracking data that websites and advertisers use to follow your browsing. If you clear them weekly or monthly, you'll reduce tracking. If you never clear them, websites can build a longer history of your activity. There's no single right answer — it's a personal choice.
Can I set my browser to clear cookies automatically?
Yes. Most browsers have an option to clear cookies every time you close the browser. In Chrome, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Clear Cookies and Site Data When You Quit Chrome. Firefox and Edge have similar toggles. This way you don't have to remember to clear them manually.
What's the difference between clearing cookies and clearing cache?
Cookies store login information and website preferences. Cache stores images, videos, and other files that websites use, so pages load faster next time. They're separate things. You can clear one without clearing the other, though most browsers let you clear both at the same time if you want.
If I clear cookies, will websites know I cleared them?
No. Websites can't tell whether you cleared your cookies. They'll just see you as a new visitor the next time you arrive. Some sites might notice you're using the same device or internet connection, but they won't know you deliberately deleted your cookies.