How to Disable Cookies in Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari

Disabling cookies can reduce how much information websites store in your browser, but it can also sign you out, reset preferences, or stop some sites from working. The steps below show how to block cookies in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and other common browsers; menu names can vary slightly by device and version.

What You’ll Need

A device with the browser you want to change.
A moment to check the effect on sites you use: blocking all cookies may disrupt sign-ins, shopping carts, and saved settings.

Step-by-Step

Choose what you want to block. Blocking every cookie is the strictest option, but it can make websites unusable. If your goal is to limit tracking, consider blocking third-party cookies instead. These are set by a site other than the one you are visiting; they are commonly used for cross-site advertising and measurement. First-party cookies, set by the site itself, often support sign-ins and essential features.
In Chrome on a computer, open cookie settings. Select the three-dot menu, then Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies. Choose Block third-party cookies to restrict those cookies. Chrome may offer a setting to block all cookies in some versions or configurations, but it is not available everywhere. If you see it and choose it, expect many sites to stop working properly.
In Chrome on Android, review site settings. Tap the three-dot menu, then Settings > Site settings > Third-party cookies. Choose the available blocking option. Chrome for iPhone and iPad uses platform-specific controls and may not offer the same cookie switch as Android or desktop; check Settings > Privacy and security for the controls available in your version.
In Firefox on a computer, set Enhanced Tracking Protection. Open the menu and select Settings (or Preferences on some systems), then Privacy & Security. Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, choose Custom. Use the cookies menu to select a blocking level. Options can include cross-site tracking cookies and all cookies; the strictest setting can break websites. To apply the change, follow the page’s prompt to reload open tabs if one appears.
In Firefox on Android, set tracking protection. Open the menu, go to Settings > Enhanced Tracking Protection, and select a protection level. Available cookie controls depend on the app version. Firefox on iPhone and iPad may not provide the same custom cookie choices as desktop; use its privacy settings and check the labels shown in your app rather than assuming a desktop option is present.
In Microsoft Edge on a computer, block third-party cookies. Select the three-dot menu, then Settings > Privacy, search, and services. Find Tracking prevention and choose a level such as Balanced or Strict. To directly block third-party cookies, open Cookies (often under Cookies and site permissions) and turn on Block third-party cookies. The exact grouping can change between versions.
In Edge on a phone, check privacy settings. Open the menu and select Settings, then look under Privacy and security or Site settings for cookie controls. Mobile menus differ by operating system and app version. If there is no cookie switch, use the browser’s tracking-prevention setting, or change the relevant system-level browser settings where available.
In Safari on a Mac, block cookies. Open Safari, choose Safari > Settings (or Preferences), then select Privacy. Turn on Block all cookies and confirm if prompted. This blocks first-party as well as third-party cookies, so sites may not retain sign-ins or preferences.
In Safari on iPhone or iPad, use Settings. Open the device’s Settings app, scroll to Apps > Safari on recent systems (or tap Safari directly on some versions), then open Advanced. Turn on Block All Cookies, if shown. Safari’s Prevent Cross-Site Tracking setting is a narrower privacy measure; it is not the same as blocking every cookie.
For another browser, look in privacy settings. Open its main menu and check Settings, Privacy, Security, or Site settings for “cookies” or “tracking.” Select a clearly labeled third-party-cookie blocking option if you want to limit cross-site tracking. Browser versions vary, so consult the browser’s built-in help if the option is missing.
Test the change and make exceptions if needed. Close or reload open tabs, then visit a site you use regularly. If it fails, return to the cookie settings and add that site to an allow list, or temporarily turn off the block while using it. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, site exceptions are often available near the cookie or site-permission controls.

Common Mistakes

Confusing third-party blocking with blocking all cookies. The former targets cookies from other sites; it usually leaves first-party cookies available.
Expecting cookie blocking to erase existing data. Blocking affects future storage. Use the browser’s clear browsing data controls to remove cookies already saved.
Assuming private browsing disables cookies completely. Private windows generally limit what is retained after the session, but sites can still use cookies while the window is open.
Changing a system setting when the browser has its own control. Safari’s cookie switch on iPhone and iPad is in the device Settings app, while other browsers commonly keep controls inside the app.
Blocking everything without checking essential sites. Authentication, payment flows, and embedded content can depend on cookies.

Tips

For a balance between privacy and compatibility, start with third-party-cookie blocking or the browser’s standard tracking-protection level.
Use per-site exceptions for services you trust and need, rather than turning off protection everywhere.
Clear cookies for a single troublesome site when appropriate; clearing all site data can sign you out across many websites.
Keep the browser updated. Privacy controls and their locations can change, and some options may be managed by a workplace or school.

Troubleshooting

A site keeps asking you to sign in: It may rely on first-party cookies. Allow cookies for that site or use a less restrictive setting. If the browser offers an exception list, add only the site that needs it.

A page is blank or a button does nothing: A cookie block may be interfering with a login or embedded service. Temporarily allow third-party cookies for that site, reload, and see whether the feature returns. Remove the exception if it does not help.

The setting is missing or greyed out: Confirm you are in the browser’s privacy or site-permission settings, not general device settings. A managed device, parental controls, or a browser policy may control the option. On mobile, the browser may simply have fewer cookie controls than its desktop version.

Cookies still appear after blocking: The setting may block only third-party cookies, or it may not remove cookies saved earlier. Check the exact label, clear existing site data if desired, and distinguish cookies from other storage such as cached files or local storage.

Changes do not seem to take effect: Close and reopen tabs or restart the browser, then check the setting again. Extensions and privacy tools can also change cookie behavior; temporarily review them if the browser’s own setting does not explain what you see.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I block all cookies?
Websites may forget your login, language, and preferences. Some shopping, streaming, or account features may fail until you allow cookies again.

Does blocking third-party cookies stop all tracking?
No. It limits one common tracking method, but websites may use other technologies or first-party data. It is a privacy measure, not a guarantee of anonymity.

Will disabling cookies delete the cookies already stored?
No. Blocking prevents or limits future cookie storage. Use the browser’s clear browsing data or site-data controls to delete existing cookies.

Can I block cookies for just one website?
Often, yes. Look for site exceptions, allowed sites, or site permissions in the browser’s cookie settings. The feature and wording vary by browser.

Is private browsing the same as disabling cookies?
No. Private browsing usually keeps session cookies available while the window is open and removes them when the private session ends. It does not necessarily block cookies during the session.

Why does a website ask me to accept cookies if I blocked them?
The site may display its notice regardless of your browser setting, or it may be unable to save your choice. You can review the browser’s cookie controls or allow cookies for that site if needed.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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