How to clean your cookies

Clearing Cookies on Windows or Mac

Follow these steps to clear your cache and cookies in Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three dots menu in the top-right corner, then choose Clear Browsing Data.
3. Select the time range for which you’d like to clear data. Check the box next to Cookies and other site data, as well as any other items you’d like to remove (such as cached images), then click Clear data.

Chrome will then start clearing the selected browsing data, including cookies.

Chrome on your Android device

Here’s how to clear cache and cookies on Chrome on your Android device:

1. Open Chrome and tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. From the menu, select Clear browsing data.
3. Next, choose the time range and tap Clear data to confirm deletion.

Chrome on your iOS device

Here’s how to clear cookies on Google Chrome on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Launch Chrome and tap the three dots in the bottom right.
2. Select Clear browsing data.
3. Choose the time range for which you want to clear cookies, select Cookies, Site Data, and any other data you want deleted, then tap Clear Browsing Data.

Safari on your macOS

Here’s how to clear cookies on Safari on a computer (macOS device):

1. Launch Safari, then click the Safari menu and Settings.
2. Choose the Privacy tab, then click Manage Website Data.
3. Click Remove All.
4. Confirm by clicking Remove Now.

Safari on your iOS device

Clearing Safari cookies on an iOS device is also simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
3. Scroll down and tap Advanced.
4. Tap Website Data.
5. Tap Remove All Website Data.
6. Tap Remove Now to confirm deletion.

Firefox on your Windows or Mac computer

Here’s how to clear cache and cookies on your Firefox browser:

1. Open Firefox and click the settings icon in the top-right corner of the homepage.
2. Click Manage more settings.
3. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and then click Clear Data.
4. Choose whether to delete cookies and/or cache, then select Clear.
5. Click Clear Now to confirm cookie and site data deletion.

Firefox on your Android device

Here’s how to clear cache and cookies on your Firefox browser:

1. Launch Firefox.
2. Tap the three dots (menu) at the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Scroll down and tap Delete browsing data.
5. Select Cookies and site data and Cached images and files, and any other data you want cleared, then tap Delete browsing data.
6. Select Delete in the pop-up window.

Firefox on your iOS device

To clear cookies on Firefox on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Launch Firefox, then tap the three horizontal lines.
2. Select Settings from the menu.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Scroll down to Privacy and select Data Management.
5. Toggle on Cookies and any other data you want deleted, then tap Clear Private Data.
6. Choose OK to confirm deletion.

Clear cookies in Microsoft Edge

To clear cookies on Firefox on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Launch Microsoft Edge and click the three dots on the top right corner.
2. Select Settings from the menu.
3. Go to Privacy, search, and services, then next to Clear browsing data now select Choose what to clear.
4. Select a time range and click Clear Now to confirm.

Why should you clear cookies?

Cookies are small data files that websites store on your browser or device to keep track of your logins, preferences, and browsing history. They can make your online experience more convenient by enabling autofill and faster loading times.

But there are also good reasons why you should clear your cookies:

• Privacy: Clearing cookies helps safeguard your privacy by preventing websites from tracking your online behavior. Without clearing cookies, websites can collect information about your browsing habits, which can be used for targeted advertising, or cybercriminals could hijack cookies and sell your personal information.
• Performance: Over time, accumulated cookies can slow down your browser's performance and lead to glitches or errors. Regularly clearing cookies helps your browser operate more smoothly and efficiently, with faster loading times and improved responsiveness.
• Control: Clearing cookies gives you greater control over your online activities and preferences. It allows you to start fresh and selectively choose which websites you want to remember your login information or browsing history. This control helps you manage your digital footprint.
• Security: By clearing cookies, you reduce the risk of cyberattacks and unauthorized access to your personal information. Cookies can sometimes contain sensitive data, such as login credentials or session tokens, which cybercriminals may exploit to gain unauthorized access to your accounts or compromise your online security.