If you’ve ever visited a website and seen an “Accept Cookies” pop-up, you may have wondered what exactly you’re agreeing to. Internet cookies aren’t the kind you bake—but they do make your online experience smoother, more personalized, and easier to navigate.
This guide breaks down what cookies are, how they work, why websites use them, and how you can control your cookie settings for better privacy.
What are Internet Cookies?
Cookies are text files that a website stores on your computer or device to help it “remember” you. Some of the most common things your browser stores include information like your login (only if you’ve checked that little “Remember me” box), website preferences, or shopping cart contents.
Cookies themselves don’t contain personal details like your password or payment information unless you’ve entered that information directly on a site.
The Different Flavors of Cookies
There are several different types of cookies, but we’ll focus on the primary types:
- First-party cookies: Created by the site you’re visiting
- Third-party cookies: Used by advertisers to track across sites
- Session cookies: Disappear when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies: Stay until they expire or you delete them
How are they used/how do they work?
When you visit a website, it sends a cookie to your browser, which stores it as a small text file on your computer or device. The next time you return to that website, the site checks the cookie to “remember” who you are or what you did last time. For example, if you browse boots on Amazon, you may see similar recommendations the next time you visit.
Cookies and your privacy
Online privacy is becoming a larger concern as companies gain more and more access to consumer data through search activity, online account information, and location data.
New privacy laws require many websites to ask before storing your data—that’s why you see so many ‘Accept Cookies’ pop-ups.
Benefits of Cookies
Most cookies are safe and meant to improve your experience, not spy on you. They provide several benefits for a better online experience, including:
- Keeping you logged in.
- Saving preferences, like dark mode or language settings.
- Making shopping carts and wish lists work.
- Helping websites load faster.
- Showing relevant content.
Without cookies, the internet will forget you and all of your preferences. While this may sound great to some, others may appreciate seeing content that feels tailored to their interests.
How do you remove them?
If you like the idea of a more private online experience, how do you remove cookies? Well, eating them is out of the question.
Whether you like the idea of online privacy, need to free up space on your computer, or are troubleshooting a browser issue, removing cookies is a simple process.
- Go to your browser’s settings.
- Look for ‘Privacy’ or ‘History.’
- Choose ‘Clear cookies and site data.’
Just make sure to note that clearing cookies will sign you out of most sites. And, that won’t stop cookies from being collected in the future.
How do you keep them from being collected?
Some browsers offer tools that let you block or manage cookies. Blocking all cookies might make some websites stop working properly.
If you want to browse without collecting any cookies at all, use your preferred browser’s “Private” or “Incognito” mode.
Some browsers may also allow you to adjust settings to block third-party cookies only. Even with blocking, some essential cookies, like those needed for logins or basic functions, can’t be disabled.
The Bottom Line on Cookies
While internet cookies might not taste great, they do make your online experience a little sweeter. They help the internet remember you, make things smoother, and offer you more relevant content, BUT you’re in control and get to decide which websites track you and store information.
And with fast, reliable DFN fiber internet, you can browse confidently knowing your connection is as secure and dependable as your privacy settings.