Chrome lets you block all cookies, block third-party cookies only, or block cookies from specific sites
Chrome's cookie settings are in one place: the Privacy and Security section of Settings. You can block all cookies entirely, which will break many websites. You can block only third-party cookies, which stops most tracking while keeping sites functional. Or you can block cookies from individual websites you don't trust. Most people choose the third-party option as a middle ground.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Chrome on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, or Android, but the settings menu is the same across all versions. If you use Chrome on multiple devices, you can sync your cookie settings across them by signing into your Google account.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome's cookie controls are in Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data, where you can choose to block all cookies, third-party cookies only, or cookies from specific sites.
- Blocking all cookies will break login features and shopping carts on most websites, so blocking third-party cookies is usually the better choice.
- You can add individual websites to a blocklist or allowlist to override your default cookie setting for sites you trust or distrust.
- Chrome also offers an Incognito mode that blocks all cookies by default and deletes them when you close the window.
How to block third-party cookies in Chrome on Windows or Mac
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. On the left sidebar, click Privacy and Security, then click Cookies and other site data.
You will see four options. The default is "Allow all cookies". Click the radio button next to "Block third-party cookies" to stop advertisers and other websites from tracking you across the web. This setting blocks cookies that websites embed from other domains — the ones that follow you from site to site — while still allowing the website you are visiting to function normally.
Your change saves automatically. You do not need to restart Chrome. If a website breaks after you change this setting, you can add that site to the allowlist by returning to the same menu and clicking "Add" under "Sites that can always use cookies".
How to block all cookies or block cookies from specific sites
In the same Cookies and other site data menu, you can click "Block all cookies" if you want maximum privacy. Be aware that this will prevent you from logging into most websites, using shopping carts, or saving preferences. Many sites will show error messages or refuse to load.
If you want to block cookies from only certain websites, select "Block third-party cookies" and then scroll down to "Sites that cannot use cookies". Click "Add" and type the website address. Chrome will block all cookies from that site, even if you visit it directly. You can remove sites from this list at any time by clicking the X next to the site name.
How to block cookies on Chrome for iPhone or Android
Open the Chrome app and tap the three dots in the bottom right corner (iPhone) or top right corner (Android). Tap Settings, then Privacy. Tap Cookies and site data.
You will see a toggle for "Block third-party cookies". Turn it on to block tracking cookies. Unlike the desktop version, the mobile app does not offer a "block all cookies" option — you can only toggle third-party blocking on or off, or clear cookies manually from the same menu.
Using Incognito mode to block cookies automatically
Chrome's Incognito mode blocks all cookies by default and deletes them when you close the window. Open a new Incognito window by pressing Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows or Cmd+Shift+N on Mac. You can also right-click any link and select "Open Link in Incognito Window".
Incognito mode is useful for one-time visits to websites you do not trust, or for logging into accounts without Chrome storing your session. However, your internet service provider and the websites you visit can still see your activity — Incognito only hides your browsing from other people using your computer and from Chrome itself.
How to clear existing cookies from Chrome
Blocking future cookies does not remove cookies Chrome has already stored. To delete them, open Settings, click Privacy and Security, then click Delete browsing data. A window will appear with options for what to delete.
Make sure "Cookies and other site data" is checked. You can choose to delete cookies from "All time" or from a specific date range. Click Delete data. This will log you out of most websites, so do this when you are ready to clear your browsing history.
What happens when you block cookies
Blocking third-party cookies stops most ad networks from following you across websites. You will see fewer ads targeted to your interests, and fewer ads that seem to know what you were just looking at on another site.
Blocking all cookies will break many websites. You will not be able to stay logged in, add items to shopping carts, or save preferences like language or theme. Some sites will refuse to load at all. For this reason, blocking all cookies is rarely practical unless you only visit a small number of trusted sites.
Blocking cookies from specific sites is useful if you distrust a particular website or ad network. If a site stops working after you block its cookies, you can add it to your allowlist without affecting your blocking of other sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking cookies stop all tracking?
No. Blocking cookies stops one common tracking method, but websites can also track you using your IP address, browser fingerprinting, and login accounts. Blocking third-party cookies stops the most invasive form of tracking — advertisers following you across multiple websites — but does not make you anonymous.
Do I need to use a VPN if I block cookies?
A VPN hides your IP address from websites and your internet service provider. Blocking cookies and using a VPN are separate privacy tools that work in different ways. You can use both, but blocking cookies alone does not require a VPN.
Will blocking cookies slow down Chrome?
No. Blocking cookies will not make Chrome run slower. It may slightly speed up page loads because Chrome will not store or send cookie data, but the difference is too small to notice.
Can I block cookies from ads but allow them from the website itself?
Yes. Blocking third-party cookies does exactly this — it blocks cookies from ad networks and other embedded content while allowing the main website to use cookies. This is the most practical middle ground for most users.
What if a website says I must accept cookies to use it?
You can add that website to your allowlist in the Cookies and other site data menu. Click "Sites that can always use cookies" and add the website address. Chrome will then allow cookies from that site even though your default setting blocks them.