7 Ways to Delete Tracking Cookies on Desktop & Mobile

Plus, learn how to block trackers in your web browser
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This wikiHow guide will teach you how to delete tracking cookies in Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox on your computer, phone, or tablet. On all web browsers, you can delete tracking cookies by clearing all your cookies. Some web browsers, like Safari, Firefox, and Edge, also come with enhanced tracking protection you can enable to block more tracking cookies in the future.

Quick Steps to Delete Tracking Cookies in Chrome

  1. Click ⋮ in Chrome and select Delete browsing data…
  2. Click Advanced and select Clear browsing data.
  3. Check the box next to "Cookies and other site data."
  4. Uncheck other boxes.
  5. Select All time as the time period.
  6. Click Delete data.
Method 1
Method 1 of 7:

Chrome (Desktop)

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  1. Step 1 Click the Chrome ⋮.
    You'll see this icon in the top-right corner of the Chrome browser.
    • To delete tracking cookies in Chrome, you'll need to delete all cookies. If you're logged in to any websites, this will likely sign you out.
    • Chrome doesn't have an enhanced tracking protection feature like most other web browsers, but you can adjust your settings to send a "Do Not Track" message to websites, and/or delete 3rd-party cookies. We'll cover these options at the end of this method.
  2. Step 2 Click Delete browsing data….
    A window containing several options will appear.[1]
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  3. Step 3 Check the box next to "Cookies and other site data."
    This ensures all cookies, including those that track you, will be deleted.
    • Uncheck anything you don't want to delete before you continue.
  4. Step 4 Select All time as the time period.
    This option ensures all the cookies will be deleted, not just those from a specific time period.
  5. Step 5 Click Delete data.
    All tracking and other cookies have been deleted.
  6. Step 6 Disable tracking cookies (optional).
    Chrome allows you to send a "do not track" request to websites that place tracking cookies on your device. While websites aren't required to comply with this request, many sites do. Here's how to do it:[2]
    • Click the Chrome menu ⋮ and select Settings.
    • Click Privacy and security in the left panel.
    • Click Third-party cookies.
    • If the switch next to Send a "Do Not Track" request with your browsing is turned off, click it to turn it on.
    • You can also disable third-party cookies if you'd like, though this can break the functionality of many websites. If you'd like to give it a try, select Block third-party cookies.
      • You can add an exception for a website that needs third-party cookies to work. To do so, click Add under "Sites allowed to use third-party cookies," then paste in the website's address.
    • Chrome's tracking protection isn't as robust as other browsers. Installing a Chrome extension like Privacy Badger can give you more protection if you want to stick with Chrome as your web browser.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 7:

Safari (Mac)

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  1. Step 1 Open Safari and click the Safari menu.
    This menu is in the far-left corner of your Mac's menu bar when Safari is open.[3]
    • It's easy to delete cookies, including tracking cookies, in Safari. However, there's no way to specify that you only want to delete tracking cookies–you'll have to delete all cookies, as well as the cache. If you're logged in to any websites, deleting your cookies will sign you out.
    • After you delete your cookies, we'll show you how to prevent cross-site tracking in Safari.
  2. Step 2 Click Settings.
    Your Safari settings will expand.[4]
  3. Step 3 Click the Privacy tab.
    It's the hand icon at the top of the window.
  4. Step 4 Click the Manage website data… button.
    A list of websites that have saved data, including tracking cookies, on your Mac will appear.
  5. Step 5 Click Remove all to delete all website data.
    This deletes all tracking cookies (and other cookies) from Safari on your Mac. This change may also affect other apps that use Safari to display content from the web.[5]
  6. Step 6 Disable tracking cookies (optional).
    If you want to limit tracking cookies in Safari, you can disable cross-site tracking in your settings. Here's how:[6]
    • Return to Settings > Privacy in Safari.
    • Check the box next to "Prevent cross-site tracking".
    • For added security, check the box next to "Hide IP address from trackers."
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Method 3
Method 3 of 7:

Microsoft Edge (Desktop)

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  1. Step 1 Click the menu in Edge ….
    This icon is in the top-right corner of the Edge window in Windows and macOS.
    • To delete tracking cookies in Edge, you'll need to delete all cookies. This will log you out of any websites you're signed into.
    • After you delete your cookies, we'll show you how to enable Edge's tracking prevention to block tracking cookies in the future.
  2. Step 2 Click Settings.
    It's at the bottom of the menu.[7]
  3. Step 3 Click Privacy, search, and services.
    This option is in the left panel.
  4. Step 4 Click Clear browsing data.
    You'll see this in the right panel.
  5. Step 5 Click Choose what to clear next to "Clear browsing data now".
    The "Delete browsing data" window will open.
  6. Step 6 Check the box next to "Cookies and other site data."
    • If you don't want to delete anything but cookies, remove the checkmarks from all the other boxes before you proceed.
  7. Step 7 Select All time from the "Time range" menu.
    This ensures that all cookies will be deleted, not just those from a shorter time frame.
  8. Step 8 Click Clear now.
    This deletes all cookies, including tracking cookies, from Edge.[8]
  9. Step 9 Block future tracking cookies (optional).
    Edge has a few helpful built-in tools that can drastically limit how many tracking cookies websites will store on your computer. Here's how to use them:[9]
    • Click Privacy, search, and services again in the left panel.
    • Click Tracking prevention at the top of the right panel.
    • Toggle on "Enable tracking protection" if disabled.
    • Edge recommends the Balanced option, which should be selected by default. If you want to tighten up your security, you can switch to Strict. However, this may cause certain websites not to work. If you run into trouble, you can always switch back to Balanced or click Exceptions to add an exception for a certain site.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 7:

Firefox (Desktop)

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  1. Step 1 Click the three-line menu ☰.
    It's in the top-right corner of the Firefox browser window on your Windows PC or Mac.
    • To delete tracking cookies in Firefox, you'll need to delete all cookies. This will usually log you out of any websites you're signed in to.
    • After we cover how to delete tracking cookies, we'll show you how to use Firefox's enhanced tracking protection to block future tracking cookies.[10]
  2. Step 2 Click Settings.
    It's toward the bottom of the menu.[11]
  3. Step 3 Click the Privacy and security tab.
    It's on the left side of the page.
  4. Step 4 Scroll down and click Clear browsing data.
    You'll see this in the "Browsing data" area of the right panel.[12]
  5. Step 5 Check the box next to "Cookies and site data."
    This option will delete any tracking cookies (and other cookies) from Firefox.
    • Before you continue, uncheck any other types of data you don't want to delete.
  6. Step 6 Select Everything from the "When" menu.
    This tells Firefox to delete all cookies, not just those from within a shorter time period.
  7. Step 7 Click the Clear button.
    All tracking cookies are now deleted from Firefox.
  8. Step 8 Enable Enhanced Tracking Protection (optional).
    If you want to block most future tracking cookies, you can use Firefox's built-in tracking protection. Tracking protection is enabled by default, but if you've disabled it or want to use a stricter mode, here's how to access your settings:[13]
    • With any website open, click the shield icon on the left side of the address bar.
    • Click Privacy Settings.
    • You'll see the current mode (Standard, Strict, or Custom) at the top of the right panel.
    • Click Advanced settings below your current tracking mode.
    • To use stricter tracking protection, select Strict mode. Just keep in mind that this can break certain features of some websites.
    • If a website breaks, you can add an exception in ☰ > Privacy and security > Manage exceptions.
    • To block tracking cookies but reduce the risk of websites not working, you can select Custom mode, then click Customize tracking protection. Then, you can choose which security features to enable.
      • For example, you can allow third-party cookies by disabling the "Cookies" switch, and leaving all other protection options (Tracking content, Cryptominers, Known fingerprinters, and Suspected fingerprinters) activated.
      • For better security in Custom mode, select "In all windows" from the "Tracking content" and "Suspected fingerprinters" menus to ensure protection is enabled when you're not in private browsing mode.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 7:

Chrome (Mobile)

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  1. Step 1 Open the Chrome menu on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
    On Android, tap the 3 vertical dots (⋮). On an iPhone or iPad, tap the 3 horizontal dots (•••).[14]
    • To delete tracking cookies in Chrome on your phone or tablet, you'll need to delete all cookies. This will log you out of any websites you're signed in to.
    • While there's no way to specifically block tracking cookies in the Chrome app, you can block third-party cookies on an Android phone or tablet. This should block most tracking cookies, but it can break the functionality of some websites. We'll show you how to do it after you delete your cookies.
  2. Step 2 Tap Settings.
    This opens your Chrome settings.
  3. Step 3 Tap Privacy and security.
    It'll be near the middle of the menu.
  4. Step 4 Tap Delete Browsing Data.The "Delete browsing data" window will open.
    [15]
  5. Step 5 Select "Cookies, site data."
    This ensures Chrome will delete all the cookies, including tracking cookies, saved on your phone or tablet.
    • If you don't see this option, you may need to tap Browsing data first.
    • Uncheck anything you don't want to delete before you continue.
  6. Step 6 Select All time from the "Time range" menu.
    This tells Chrome to delete all cookies, not just those from a shorter time period.
  7. Step 7 Tap Delete data.
    This deletes all cookies, including tracking cookies, from Chrome on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
  8. Step 8 Block tracking cookies in the future (optional).
    If you're using Chrome on an Android, you can adjust your settings to block third-party cookies. This can break the functionality of some websites, but it will also block the majority of tracking cookies. This feature is not available on iPhone or iPad. Here's how to do it:[16]
    • Return to your Chrome Settings.
    • Tap Site Settings.
    • Tap Third-party cookies.
    • Select Block third-party cookies.
    • If this winds up breaking a website you need to use, you can add an exception by tapping + Add exception and entering the site's address.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 7:

Safari (iPhone/iPad)

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  1. 1
    Open your iPhone's Settings app
    iPhone Settings App Icon
    .     If you want to delete tracking cookies in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you'll need to delete all cookies. This is done in the Settings app rather than in the browser itself.[17]
    • To delete your cookies (including tracking cookies) in the Safari mobile app, you'll also need to clear your cache.
    • This will likely log you out of any websites you're currently signed in to.
    • You can also disable tracking cookies in your Safari settings once you delete your cookies. We'll show you how toward the end of this method.
  2. 2
    Scroll down and tap Apps. It's all the way at the bottom of the Settings menu.
  3. 3
    Scroll down and tap Safari. This opens your Safari settings.
  4. 4
    Scroll down and tap Advanced. It's all the way at the bottom of the menu.
  5. 5
    Tap Website data. This is the first option. A list of websites that have saved cookies or cached files in Safari will appear.
  6. 6
    Scroll down, tap Remove All Website Data, and confirm. It's the red text at the bottom. When the confirmation message appears, tap Remove Now to delete your cookies (including tracking cookies) and cache.
  7. 7
    Disable tracking cookies in the future (optional). Safari has a built-in feature that allows you to block tracking cookies. Here's how to enable it:[18]
    • Tap the back arrow to return to the Safari settings menu. Or, go to Settings > Apps > Safari.
    • Scroll down to the "Privacy & Security" section.
    • If "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" is disabled, tap the switch to enable it.
    • For added protection, you can hide your IP address from trackers. Tap Hide IP address, then select From Trackers to enable this feature.
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Method 7
Method 7 of 7:

Firefox (Mobile)

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  1. 1
    Tap the menu in the Firefox mobile app. To do so, tap the 3 vertical dots (Android) or 3 horizontal dots (iPhone/iPad).[19]
    • To delete tracking cookies in the Firefox mobile app, you'll need to delete all cookies. This will likely log you out of any websites you're currently signed in to.
    • After you delete your tracking cookies, we'll show you how to disable tracking cookies in Firefox in the future.
  2. 2
    Tap Settings. This opens your Firefox browser settings.
  3. 3
    Tap Delete browsing data (Android) or Data Management (iOS). You'll see one of these two options depending on your device.[20]
  4. 4
    Select or toggle on Cookies or Cookies and site data. Check the box if you're using an Android, or tap the toggle switch on an iPhone or iPad.
    • If you don't want to delete other data, toggle off the other switches.
    • If you're using an iPhone or iPad, you'll notice there's a switch called "Tracking Protection." Selecting this option does not delete tracking cookies. If you ever add exceptions for websites to allow them to save tracking cookies on your device, deleting data with this switch enabled will just delete the exceptions you made.[21]
  5. 5
    Tap Clear Private Data (iPhone) or Delete browsing data (Android). If prompted, tap OK to confirm. This will delete all cookies, including tracking cookies, from Firefox.
  6. 6
    Block tracking cookies in the future (optional). You can use Firefox's built-in tracking protection to prevent websites from leaving tracking cookies on your device. This feature should be enabled by default, but you can adjust your settings to restrict even more tracking cookies. Here's how:[22]
    • Tap the Firefox menu and select Settings.
    • Tap Tracking Protection or Enhanced Tracking Protection, depending on your device.
    • If the feature is disabled, tap the switch to turn it on.
    • If you want stricter tracking protection, opt for Strict mode. However, this can break the functionality of some websites.[23]
    • If a certain website breaks with strict tracking protection enabled, you can add an exception by tapping the shield icon on that site's address bar, then toggling off tracking protection for that site.
    1. And if the steps above have been helpful, be sure to download this article as a PDF so you can print, read, or reference it any time.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why does it take so long to delete cookies?
    Michael Bogaerts
    Michael Bogaerts
    Community Answer
    It depends on your computer speed and the amount of files/cookies on your computer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
  • Question
    What about Edge browser (mobile)?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You must go to the three dots drop-down menu, then Settings-> Clear Browser History. Select the history, cookies and site data.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I delete just tracking cookies? The article says how to delete all cookies.
    Layard
    Layard
    Community Answer
    The best approach is to block the cookies in the first place. There are many add-ons available that block tracking cookies. Useful add-ons include privacy badger, cookie autodelete and ublock origin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647
  2. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2790761?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Desktop
  3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
  5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
  6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ph/guide/safari/sfri40732/26.0/mac/26
  7. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/manage-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-view-allow-block-delete-and-use#delete-all-cookies
  8. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/manage-cookies-in-microsoft-edge-view-allow-block-delete-and-use#delete-all-cookies
  9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/learn-about-tracking-prevention-in-microsoft-edge
  1. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop
  2. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-cookies-and-site-data-firefox#w_clear-all-cookies-and-keep-other-data
  3. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-cookies-and-site-data-firefox#w_clear-all-cookies-and-keep-other-data
  4. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop
  5. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=iOS&oco=0
  6. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=iOS&oco=0#zippy=,allow-or-block-third-party-cookies
  7. ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android&oco=0#zippy=,allow-or-block-third-party-cookies
  8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/105082
  9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/browse-the-web-privately-iphb01fc3c85/ios
  10. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-your-browsing-history-firefox-android
  11. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/Uxv1PWPN9ts?si=0prXwH-FhXrY2o56
  12. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-browsing-history-firefox-ios
  13. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-android
  14. ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-ios

About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Co-authored by:
Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was co-authored 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 7 years. This article has been viewed 591,286 times.
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Co-authors: 18
Updated: August 26, 2026
Views: 591,286
Categories: Internet Security
Article SummaryX

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the menu.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Advanced.
5. Click Clear browsing data.
6. Select "Cookies and other site data."
7. Select "All time."
8. Click CLEAR DATA.

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