How to disable cookies on your browser

Cookies play a vital role in enhancing website functionality, but they also raise privacy concerns. While enabling cookies can improve user experience, disabling third-party cookies can help protect your online privacy. Managing cookies through browser settings allows users to find a balance between convenience and security.

In this guide we’ll walk you through how to disable cookies on your browsers so you have the privacy you need.

How to disable third-party cookies

Disabling third-party cookies can enhance privacy while still allowing essential cookies for website functionality. Here’s how to disable them on different browsers:

Disable third-party cookies on Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome
2. Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner
3. Select Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
4. Choose Block third-party cookies or Block third-party cookies in Incognito

Disable third-party cookies on Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox
2. Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings > Privacy & Security
4. Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, choose Custom
5. Check Cookies and select the preferred blocking option

Disable third-party cookies on Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Edge
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner**
3. Select Settings > Site permissions
4. Choose Manage and delete cookies and site data
5. Enable Block third-party cookies

Disable third-party cookies on Apple Safari

1. Open Safari
2. Click Safari > Preferences
3. Go to the Privacy tab.
4. Choose Prevent cross-site tracking or Block all cookies

Risks of disabling cookies on your browsers

Website breakage or limited functionality

Some websites rely heavily on cookies for basic functionality (like logging in, shopping carts, saving preferences). Without cookies, you may not be able to:

• Stay logged in
• Save language or theme preferences
• Complete online purchases easily

Annoying repeated prompts

Since cookies save your consent or denial to things like cookie banners, you’ll see these popups constantly if cookies are disabled.

Reduced personalization

Recommendations, saved preferences, and tailored experiences disappear. Example: No “recently viewed items” on shopping sites.

Some services won’t work

Services like online banking, web apps, or platforms like Gmail, Slack, etc., might behave poorly or refuse access entirely.

More verification requests

Websites can’t remember your session, so you’ll get more CAPTCHAs or “Verify it’s you” screens.

Privacy benefits of disabling and deleting cookies

Less tracking by advertisers

Cookies (especially third-party cookies) are one of the main tools for cross-site tracking and targeted advertising. Disabling cookies breaks a lot of this tracking.

Learn more about who’s tracking you online, and why.

Better defense against fingerprinting augmentation

Cookies can enhance browser fingerprinting by linking identifiers. Disabling cookies removes this easy linkage.

Learn more about browser fingerprinting and their relation to cookies.

Session security

Regularly deleting cookies helps prevent session hijacking. If your cookies get stolen, attackers can access your accounts.

Avoid price manipulation

Some e-commerce sites track your visits and may raise prices if they see you repeatedly looking at an item.

Cleaner browser hygiene

Reduces clutter and storage bloat from thousands of cookie files.

More control

By managing cookies manually, you can selectively allow them only for trusted sites.

Nym’s summary

Cookies play a vital role in enhancing website functionality, but they also raise privacy concerns. While enabling cookies can improve user experience, disabling third-party cookies can help protect your online privacy. Managing cookies through browser settings allows users to find a balance between convenience and security.