It’s no secret that cookies are one of the main ways in which websites track users and collect information about them. But what many people don’t realize is that cookies can also be used to store data on your computer or device that can be used to track you across the web. If you’re concerned about your privacy, then it’s important to know how to delete cookies on your iPhone. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that. Keep reading to find out more.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small files that websites store on your device. They can be used to track your browsing activity and store information about you, such as your preferences or login information. This data is then sent back to the website when you visit it again, so they can tailor their content according to the details they have stored in the cookie.
Cookies can also be shared with third-party websites and advertisers so that they can promote relevant products to you. Ever been browsing Amazon for something and then see that product (or similar) on ads across the web? That’s stored cookies, and can happen anytime you shop online. Although some people might find that very useful, it can also impact the web browsing experience.
How to Delete Cookies on Your iPhone
Fortunately, deleting cookies on an iPhone is easy and is done in just a few taps. Simply follow the instructions below.
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Here’s how to clear Safari cookies on iPhone:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Tap Safari, then tap Website Data.
- Select one or more websites you want to delete cookies from and tap Delete (or select Delete All if you want to delete all cookies).
- Confirm your selection by tapping Delete again in the pop-up window that appears.
Here’s how to clear cookies when using Google Chrome as your default browser:
- Open Google Chrome and tap the three-dot icon at the top right of the screen.
- Tap Settings, then tap Privacy.
- Tap Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Cookies and Site Data, then select Clear Browsing Data to confirm your choice when the confirmation window appears.
And that’s it! Your cookies will now be deleted which will save storage space and protect your privacy.
Why You Should Clear Cookies Regularly
Cookies can be used to store all sorts of information, including your browsing history, login details, and preferences. All this data is then sent between your device and the website you’re visiting. While this makes life easier in some ways, it can also mean that companies are tracking what you do online or storing personal information about you. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly clear the cookies on your iPhone.
Can You Disable Cookies Altogether on iPhone?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to disable cookies altogether on an iPhone. That said, you can limit the amount of data that websites can store by using the Private Browsing feature in Safari. This will stop websites from storing cookies and also from saving your browsing history or search details. To enable this feature:
- Open Safari and tap the Pages icon in the upper right corner.
- Tap Private to turn it on, then tap Done.
When Private Browsing is enabled, websites won’t be able to store cookies or any other data from your browsing session. Keep in mind that this will only apply when using Safari and not when using third-party browsers like Google Chrome.
Removing Cookies on iPhone: FAQs
Why Are The Benefits of Cookies on iPhone?
Cookies store website data which makes it easier to log in and customize the experience for you. They can also be used to track your browsing activity so that websites can target ads at you. While this might make life easier in some ways, it can also impact your privacy.
Will Clearing Cookies Save Space On My iPhone?
Yes. Cookies take up space on your device, so by deleting them you’ll free up some storage space – and we could all do with a bit of additional storage space on our phones.
Are Cookies The Same as Browsing History?
No. Cookies are files and website data that store information about you. Browsing history is a record of the websites and pages you visit on your device. These are two different things and shouldn’t be confused. When you clear cookies, you are removing only the cookies, and you will need to clear history separately.
Does Clearing Cookies Delete Saved Login Information?
Yes. Clearing cookies will delete all saved login details, including usernames and passwords, so make sure you have these written down before you do this if you don’t want to have to re-enter them.
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