cookies on safari iphone

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How to Enable Cookies on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac Browser

Last Updated: July 4, 2024 Tested

Enabling Cookies on a Mac

Enabling cookies on iphone and ipad, troubleshooting.

This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA . Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 588,885 times.

Cookies are enabled by default in Safari on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. If the features of a certain website aren't working properly or you're getting errors about cookies, you may have disabled cookies in your settings. This wikiHow article will teach you how to allow cookies in Safari, and show you what to do if cookies aren't working properly.

Enabling Cookies in Safari on Mac or iPhone

Open the Safari app on your Mac device.
Choose Safari → Preferences… → “Advanced.”
Uncheck “Block All Cookies.”

In most cases, you'll probably want to leave a checkmark in front of this option to preserve your privacy. However, if websites aren't loading properly or you can't use the features of certain sites, you may need to enable this option.

In most cases, you'll probably want to leave this switch on, as this protects your privacy. However, if websites aren't loading properly or you're unable to use features of certain sites, you can enable this option and see if it resolves the problem.

Mac: Click the Safari menu, select Preferences , click Privacy , and then remove the checkmark from "Prevent cross-site tracking."
iPhone/iPad: Open your Settings , tap Safari , and then toggle the "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" switch to the Off (white) position.

First, check to make sure private browsing is not always set to turn on—click the Safari menu, select Preferences , click General , and click the "New windows open with" menu. [6] X Research source If "A new private window" is selected, choose A new window instead.
Then, to open a new window, just close the currently open Safari window, click the File menu, and then select New Window .
iPhone/iPad: Open Safari and tap the overlapping squares at the bottom. [7] X Research source Tap Private at the bottom (if you see it), select (number of) Tabs , and then tap Done .

Mac: Click the Safari menu, click Preferences , click Privacy , click Manage Website Data , and then click Remove All .
iPhone/iPad: Open Settings , tap Safari , tap Advanced , select Website Data , and then tap Remove All Website Data . [8] X Research source

Community Q&A

Enabling cookies can often allow you to view and have access to a larger number of websites that require cookies in order to function or display properly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Despite their poor reputation, cookies aren't inherently malicious. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Delete Cookies Using the Safari Web Browser

↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/mac
↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105082
↑ https://support.ewu.edu/support/solutions/articles/10000057364-how-do-i-disable-prevent-cross-site-tracking-in-safari-
↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/use-private-browsing-ibrw1069/mac
↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203036

About This Article

1. Open Safari. 2. Click the Safari menu 3. Click Preferences... . 4. Click the Privacy tab. 5. Remove the checkmark from "Block all cookies." Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Clear the history, cache, and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Learn how to delete your history, cookies, and cache in Settings.

Delete history, cache, and cookies

Clear cookies and cache, but keep your history, delete a website from your history, block cookies, use content blockers.

Go to Settings > Apps > Safari.

Tap Clear History and Website Data.

n iPhone displaying the Safari settings. At the bottom of the Privacy & Security section, there is a Clear History and Website Data button.

Clearing your history, cookies, and browsing data from Safari won't change your AutoFill information.

When there's no history or website data to clear, the button to clear it turns gray. The button might also be gray if you have web content restrictions set up under Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time .

To visit sites without leaving a history, turn Private Browsing on .

Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.

Tap Remove All Website Data.

When there's no website data to clear, the button to clear it turns gray. The button might also be gray if you have web content restrictions set up under Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time .

Open the Safari app.

Tap the Edit button, then select the website or websites that you want to delete from your history.

Tap the Delete button.

A cookie is a piece of data that a site puts on your device so that site can remember you when you visit again.

To block cookies:

Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced.

Turn on Block All Cookies.

An iPhone displaying the Safari settings. The Block All Cookies toggle is turned on.

If you block cookies, some webpages might not work. Here are some examples:

You will likely not be able to sign in to a site even when using your correct username and password.

You might see a message that cookies are required or that your browser's cookies are off.

Some features on a site might not work.

Content blockers are third-party apps and extensions that let Safari block cookies, images, resources, pop-ups, and other content.

To get a content blocker:

Download a content blocking app from the App Store.

Tap Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions.

Tap to turn on a listed content blocker.

You can use more than one content blocker. If you need help, contact the app developer .

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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How to Enable Cookies on iPhone

Turning on cookies in mobile Safari can make life a little easier

University of Reading
King's College London
Switching from Android

What to Know

iOS 11 and Later: Settings > Safari > Block All Cookies > toggle switch to Off position.
iOS 7 through 10: Settings > Safari > Block Cookies > Allow from Websites I Visit > select desired option.

This guide explains how to enable cookies in Safari on an iPhone.

How to Enable Cookies in iOS 11 and Later

Assuming that you've already disabled cookies, enabling them again is extremely simple.

Go to Settings .

Scroll down and tap Safari .

Tap the switch next to Block All Cookies , so that its moves to the Off position.

That's it, you can now resume viewing websites as normal. You are asked by each new website you visit whether you accept its cookies, and you can choose to tap Yes or No according to whether you trust each website.

How to Enable Cookies on iPhone iOS 7 Through 10

Enabling cookies on iPhones loaded with iOS 7, 8, 9 or 10 (iPhones 4 to 7 Plus) is almost identical to enabling them on the more recent operating systems. However, there is one extra step involved, as shown below:

Scroll down and tap Block Cookies .

Tap Allow from Websites I Visit .

You could tap Allow from Current Website Only , which would mean that only first-party cookies are allowed, rather than third-party cookies from websites you've visited previously. You could also tap Always Allow , which would enable every kind of cookie, even those that don't come from a party whose website you've visited.

How to Delete Cookies

You can choose to periodically delete the cookies you currently have stored without opting to permanently disable cookies. This might be desirable in situations where you've stored settings or visited sites you'd rather erase.

Here's how you do it:

Go to Settings .

Scroll down and tap Safari .

Tap Advanced .

Tap Website Data .

Slide individual website cookies to the left and tap Delete or remove all the cookies from the phone by tapping Remove All Website Data .

Tap Remove Now to confirm the deletion.

By doing this, you clear cookies you currently have stored on your iPhone without preventing new cookies from being saved during subsequent use.

Why Do I Need to Enable Cookies on My iPhone?

In our increasingly privacy-focused age, cookies are getting a bad rap. Some of this is justified, but this doesn't change the fact that cookies can be useful. For example, cookies remember your login data for particular websites, so whenever you return to them you remain logged in and don't have to go through the hassle of remembering your password every time you visit.

Similarly, cookies remember your settings for specific websites and domains, saving you from having to answer the same irritating pop-up that asks whether you'd like to receive notifications. For online retail sites, they save what's in your shopping basket, which means that they're all-but-essential if you're a regular online shopper.

They are, in other words, a big timesaver, which is why enabling them is advisable.

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Turn cookies on or off

Cookies can impact how your Google Account works with other third-party apps and services.

Important: If you get a message that cookies are turned off, you need to turn them on to use your account.

Learn about cookies

The websites that you visit create files called cookies. By saving information about your visit, they make your online experience easier. For example, sites can:

Keep you signed in
Remember your site preferences
Provide you locally relevant content

There are 2 types of cookies:

First-party cookies: Created by the site you visit. The site is in the address bar. They are a type of on-device site data. Learn more about on-device site data.
Third-party cookies: Created by other sites. The sites you visit can embed content, like images, ads, and text, from other sites. Any of these other sites can save cookies and other data to personalize your experience.

Google uses cookies to improve its services. Learn how cookies are used in the Privacy Policy .

In the Chrome app

Cookies are automatically turned on and stay on. Learn how to clear cookies .

In the Safari app

Follow the instructions to turn cookies on or off .
Wait 5 minutes and open the Safari app.

In other browser apps

For instructions, check the support website for your browser.

Fix problems

If you can't sign in to a third-party website with your Google Account, and get a message that cookies are turned off:

Follow the steps above to turn on cookies.
Try signing in again.

If you still get the error message, here are some possible solutions. Try each one, then try signing in.

Open a new browser window.
Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Learn how to clear cache and cookies .
Browse in private. Learn how to browse privately in Chrome .
Change your browser's privacy settings. Learn how to change privacy settings .

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

We see you have a new Google Account! Learn how to improve your experience with your Google Account checklist.

How to Enable Cookies on Your iPhone

Website cookies have a pretty bad reputation today, and while it is not undeserved, it's often overstated, and most sites use cookies to make their everyday use a much smoother experience. If you're finding some of your favorite sites difficult to use for reasons like needing you to log in on each visit, it may be time to turn cookies back on.

How to Enable Cookies on Safari

On your iPhone, you only have the ability to completely block cookies in Safari, so if your main browser is Chrome or Firefox, this will not fully apply to you. You can enable a setting for those browsers to allow cross-website tracking, but in general, I would not recommend this. Leaving this toggle disabled, as it is by default, shouldn't get in the way of normal site use, and turning it on allows sites to track you in ways that have benefits mostly only for those sites and the companies that own them.

Now, here's how to enable cookies in Safari:

That's all there is to it. With this option disabled, sites will be able to remember your login information and preferences, but you may also be at higher risk of being tracked and other less-than-helpful uses of cookies, so be cautious and check out our guide on how to clear cookies from Safari if you think you may have visited a malicious site.

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How to Enable or Disable Cookies on iPhone

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Do you want to enable or disable cookies on your iPhone? You’re in luck. Most iPhone browsers let you easily and quickly toggle the cookies option.

This way, you can keep cookies enabled when you want to use them and disable them when you don't.

Let's look at how to enable and disable cookies in the most popular iPhone browsers.

What Is a Website Cookie?

A website cookie is a small file that the website you’re visiting places in your browser. This file allows the website to recognize you as a user, which helps the site serve you with more relevant content.

A cookie is the reason you start seeing content that you're more interested in when you visit a website multiple times.

To learn more about cookies, check out our guide explaining internet cookies . It'll give you all the extra information you want about these little files.

How to Enable or Disable Cookies in Safari on an iPhone

Safari for iPhone has a simple toggle to turn cookies on and off. You can access this option as follows:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap the Safari option.
You’ll see an option that says Block All Cookies .
Turn this option on to disable all cookies in Safari.
Turn the toggle off if you want to enable cookies in Safari on your iPhone.

How to Enable or Disable Cookies in Chrome on an iPhone

Google Chrome for iOS has cookies enabled by default, and you can’t change this option. If you want to disable them, you need to find other ways to stop Google tracking you instead.

You can, however, clear cookies in Chrome if you want. The following shows how you do this if you’re interested:

Launch Chrome on your iPhone.
Tap the three dots to open Chrome's menu and tap Settings .
Tap Privacy on the resulting screen.
Select Clear Browsing Data .
Choose a time range from the Time Range menu, tick Cookies , Site Data , and tap Clear Browsing Data at the bottom.
This will delete your Chrome cookies from your iPhone.

How to Enable or Disable Cookies in Firefox on an iPhone

Unlike Chrome, Firefox offers the option to enable or disable cookies in your browser. Here’s how you find and use this toggle on your phone:

Open Firefox on your iPhone.
Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom-right corner and select Settings .
Scroll down and tap Data Management .
You’ll see various toggles on this screen, one of which says Cookies .
Turn this toggle on to enable cookies in Firefox or switch it off to disable cookies.

How to Enable or Disable Cookies in Opera Touch on an iPhone

Opera Touch comes with cookies enabled and there’s no option to turn them off. However, you can remove existing cookies so that the websites you visit won’t recognize you.

Here’s how you go about doing this:

Launch Opera Touch and tap the O icon in the bottom-right corner.
Select Settings from the menu.
Tap the Clear Browser Data option.
Select Cookies And Site Data on the screen that follows.
Tap Clear in the top-right corner.
You’ll see a message saying Data Cleared .

Related: iPhone Settings and Tweaks to Boost Your Privacy

Should I Enable or Disable Cookies on My iPhone?

Knowing how to enable or disable cookies on your iPhone is only half the battle. It doesn't help you decide whether you should choose to keep using cookies or not.

Cookies are part of what identifies you on the internet. That can lead to more personalized experiences on the web, but it also results in more tracking and data harvesting. If you value your privacy, you might want to disable cookies. But by doing so, some websites and features won't work.

Luckily, there are plenty of other steps you can take to improve the privacy of your iPhone. Another option you might want to look into is disabling ad tracking. When disabled, this ensures advertisers can’t track your activities online.

Safari Browser

How to Enable Cookies on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Enabling cookies on your iPhone is a simple process that involves just a few taps in the settings app. By following a quick step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your browsing experience is personalized, and websites can remember your preferences. Let’s get those cookies enabled!

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Enable Cookies on iPhone

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand that by enabling cookies on your iPhone, you’re allowing websites to store small pieces of information on your device. This can be useful for keeping you logged in or remembering your preferences on websites you visit frequently.

Step 1: Open Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

The Settings app is where you can adjust all the preferences and options for your iPhone. It’s typically represented by a gear icon and can be found on your home screen.

Step 2: Scroll to Safari

Scroll down and tap on the ‘Safari’ option.

Safari is the default web browser for iPhone, and this is where you’ll find the settings related to your web browsing experience.

Step 3: Go to Privacy & Security

In the Safari settings, look for the ‘Privacy & Security’ section.

This section of the Safari settings is where you control what information websites can use and store while you browse.

Step 4: Enable Cookies

Find the option labeled ‘Block All Cookies’ and make sure the switch is turned off.

By turning off the ‘Block All Cookies’ option, you are allowing websites to save and read cookie data on your iPhone.

After completing these steps, your iPhone will be able to store cookies from websites, allowing for a smoother and more personalized browsing experience.

Tips for Enabling Cookies on iPhone

Always make sure you’re running the latest version of iOS to ensure the best performance and security.
If a website isn’t functioning correctly, try clearing your history and website data in the Safari settings and then enable cookies again.
Remember that cookies can be used to track your browsing habits, so only enable them for websites you trust.
You can manage site-specific settings by clicking on ‘Advanced’ under Safari settings and then on ‘Website Data’.
If you’re concerned about privacy, consider enabling the ‘Prevent Cross-Site Tracking’ option in the same section where you enable cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should i enable cookies on my iphone.

Cookies help websites remember your preferences and login details, making your browsing experience more convenient.

Can cookies harm my iPhone?

No, cookies are just small pieces of data and cannot harm your device. However, they can be used to track your browsing habits, which some users prefer to avoid.

How do I disable cookies if I change my mind?

Simply go back to the ‘Privacy & Security’ section in the Safari settings and toggle the ‘Block All Cookies’ switch on.

Will enabling cookies use more data?

Cookies are very small files and will not significantly impact your data usage.

Can I enable cookies for specific sites and not others?

Yes, you can manage cookies on a site-by-site basis by going into ‘Advanced’ settings under Safari and then tapping ‘Website Data’.

Open the Settings app.
Tap on Safari.
Go to the Privacy & Security section.
Make sure ‘Block All Cookies’ is turned off.

There you have it, enabling cookies on your iPhone is as easy as pie—cookie pie, that is. Just a few taps in the settings, and you’re all set to enjoy a more convenient, personalized web browsing experience. Remember, while cookies are generally harmless, they can track your browsing activity, so use them wisely and only on websites you trust. Keep your iPhone’s software up to date, manage site-specific settings if needed, and enjoy the sweet benefits of having cookies enabled on your device. Happy browsing!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.