enable browser cookies safari ipad

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How to Enable Cookies on an iPad

Cookies can get you personalized ads and suggestions

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What to Know

• Safari: Settings > Safari > move Block All Cookies and Prevent Cross-Site Tracking sliders to off/white.
• Chrome: Settings > Chrome > move Allow Cross-Website Tracking slider to on/green.
• Cut down on intrusive advertising and tracking without disabling all cookies by using ad blockers.

Cookies are small files that websites add to your browser to improve your web browsing experience. This article explains how to enable cookies on the iPad in the Safari and Chrome web browsers.

How Do I Enable Cookies on an iPad?

Cookies are generally turned on by default, so in many cases, you won't need to enable them. So, if you haven't changed your cookie settings, you're all set! However, if you have ever changed your iPad privacy settings, you might have turned off cookies. If that's the case, follow these steps to enable cookies on an iPad:

Tap Settings .

Tap Safari .

Remember, cookies are added to your browser by websites, so you control this preference for each browser, not at the operating system level. Here's how to delete cookies if you need to.

Go to the Privacy & Security section. There are two cookie-related options:

• Block All Cookies: This is pretty obvious. If the slider is set to on/green, Safari will block every cookie from every website. Move the slider to off/white and cookies are enabled on your iPad.
• Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: This one is a bit trickier. These cookies are specifically for advertising. They don't generally provide the useful features some cookies offer. Cross-site tracking cookies are really just to help advertisers profile and target you . To allow every single cookie you encounter on the internet, leave this set to off/white. But, if you don't want to be profiled by advertisers, you can set this to on/green and still benefit from other kinds of cookies.

The second-most-popular iPad browser is Google Chrome. In Chrome for iPad, cookies are enabled by default and you can't disable them. The one cookie-related option you have in Chrome is to decide whether to let advertiser track you across sites . This is disabled by default, but you can allow it by going to Settings > Chrome > move the Allow Cross-Website Tracking slider to on/green.

What Are Browser Cookies?

As mentioned earlier, cookies are small files websites place on your device's web browser when you visit the site. These files can contain all sorts of information, including your preferences and history for that site. Cookies help connect to site traffic analytics and advertising platforms, and also make it easier to log in, save articles or products, and for the site to make recommendations to you.

Most people leave at least some cookies enabled on their devices, since browsing the web without any cookies at all makes the experience more difficult than it needs to be. Many privacy-conscious people, though, do block advertising cookies, since they see the amount of data advertisers try to collect on them and their online behavior as intrusive (because of this sort of use, cookies are being phased out ).

If you're concerned about your online privacy, we've got articles to help you block ads on your iPhone and iPad and to teach you about iPad and iPhone privacy settings .

To remove cookies from Safari on an iPad , go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data . From this screen, you can remove cookies and other data from an individual site by swiping left on its URL and choosing Delete . Alternatively, tap Remove All Website Data to clear everything at once.

You can clear website data in Chrome for iPad from inside the app. Select the More (three dots) menu, and then tap History . Choose Clear Browsing Data , and then make sure Cookies, Site Data has a checkmark next to it. Tap Clear Browsing Data again, and then confirm.

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By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

• Main content

How to enable cookies on an iPad to streamline your web browsing experience

• Cookies are files that save information about web sites you visit. Cookies are designed to streamline your web browsing experience.
• Your iPad's Safari browser has enabled cookies by default, but if you've turned cookies off, it's easy to turn them back on.
• If you're using a third-party web browser, cookies are enabled by default and for most apps, cookies generally can't be turned off.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

First the good news: If you've never turned cookies off on your iPad, they're probably already enabled. Apple enables cookies in Safari (the default iPad web browser) by default, so there's no extra steps required.

But if you (or someone else) has ever turned off your browser's cookies on an iPad , they're easy to re-enable.

Cookies, of course, are files that web pages save to your computer (or, in this case, iPad ) which usually store preferences and personal settings. In other words, cookies help web pages remember that you're logged in, what's in your shopping cart, your preferred language, and other details that make your browsing experience more convenient and personalized.  

We recommend leaving your cookies enabled, but some users with privacy and security concerns prefer to disable them, which is why they might be turned off now. You can follow these steps to turn them back on.

How to enable cookies on your iPad

1. Open the Settings app and then, in the list on the left, tap "Safari."

2. In the Privacy and Security section on the right, make sure that "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" is turned off by swiping the slider to the left, so it's grayed out.

3. In the same section, ensure that "Block All Cookies" is also turned off by swiping the slider to the left.

4. Close the Settings app. Your cookies are now enabled.

How to enable cookies in other browsers on your iPad

If you have installed third-party browsers on your iPad such as Firefox or Chrome, there's nothing special  you need to do to enable cookies: they're always enabled by default, and in fact they generally can't be turned off in those apps.

If you are using a browser like Firefox or Chrome and want to browse without cookies, you should use Chrome's Incognito mode or Firefox's "Private" mode. When you return to the browser's standard mode, you will automatically re-enable cookies.

Related coverage from   How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to add bookmarks on an ipad, and sync them across all of your apple devices, how to backup your ipad to icloud or a computer, how to clear your browsing history on an ipad in three different ways, how to delete apps on your ipad (and save their data), watch: if spider-man's web is anything like spider silk, it's surprisingly realistic.

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• Google Account
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• Submit feedback
• Get Started with Google Account

Turn cookies on or off

To use your Google Account on a browser (like Chrome or Safari), turn on cookies if you haven't already.

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

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.

Why cookies are helpful

Cookies are files created by sites you visit. They make your online experience easier by saving browsing information. With cookies, sites can:

• Keep you signed in
• Remember your site preferences
• Give you locally relevant content

We use cookies to improve our services. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy .

Fix problems

If you can't use 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:.

Learn everything you need to know to get the most out of your Google Account.

Validating your browser . . .

Please turn javascript on and reload the page., please enable cookies and reload the page..

This may take up to 5 seconds

• Knowledge base
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• How to enable cookies on iPad?

If you want to enable cookies on your iPad, you have to change the settings of your browser app. Please read the guides on how to enable cookies on your iPad in the Safari or Chrome apps. 

How to enable cookies on iPad in the Safari app?

• Go to Settings, then scroll down and check Safari.

• Restart Safari.

Done, you have enabled cookies on your iPad in Safari.

If you are using iPhone, you could enable cookies in the Safari app in the same way as described above.

How to enable cookies on iPad in the Chrome app?

On iPad in the Chrome app, cookies are usually automatically turned on. If not, perform the following steps to enable cookies:

• On your iPad, open the Chrome app.
• At the bottom right, tap More , marked as three dots, and then Settings .
• Tap Cookies, Site Data , and check it to allow cookies.

Done, you have enabled cookies on your iPad in Chrome.

If you are using iPhone, you could enable cookies in Chrome in the same way as described above.

For other browsing apps, go to Settings, find the Privacy tab, select Cookies, and check it to enable cookies.

CookieScript Consent Management Platform can help you to manage cookies at your website and to be privacy laws compliant.

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Other articles

• How to disable cookies on iPad?
• How to disable cookies on Android?
• How to enable cookies on Android?
• How to disable cookies on iPhone?
• How to enable cookies on iPhone?
• How to disable cookies in Edge?
• How to enable cookies in Edge?
• How to disable cookies on Macbook
• How to enable cookies on Macbook
• How to disable cookies in Safari?
• How to enable cookies in Safari?
• How to disable cookies in Firefox?
• How to enable cookies in Firefox?
• How to disable cookies in Chrome?
• How to enable cookies in Chrome?

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Enable Third-party Cookies on Safari [Mac – iPhone – iPad]

Updated on: October 30, 2023

First of all, what are third-Party cookies?

Third-party cookies are created by websites other than the one you are visiting. As the name suggests (third-party), they are made by external parties focused on advertising, retargeting, and providing tracking services .

Like standard cookies, third-party cookies store information about the user that the domain that collects them can use later.

Unlike first-party cookies, which try to improve the user experience on the web, third-party cookies are focused on enhancing online marketing, primarily through image advertising. They save user information that includes: gender, age, and user behavior (to determine things like what the users favor and what they avoid.)

The cookies present personalized ads that promote online marketing campaigns based on the user information collected. You can decide whether enable third-party cookies on your web browser or block them.

In this article, you will learn how to enable third-party cookies on Safari .

Does Safari Support Third-Party Cookies?

Safari is one of the most prominent web browsers currently in use. It is the default web browser for Apple devices. For security reasons, third-party cookies are blocked on Safari by default.

However, you can enable third-party cookies on Safari by following a few simple steps on any of your Apple devices. Whether you have a MacBook, an iPhone, or an iPad, let’s talk about enabling the cookies.

How Do I Allow Third-Party Cookies on Safari?

Here are the steps to enable third-party cookies on Safari. IOS (iPhone and iPad) settings are the same because they share the same operating system.

Allow Third-party Cookies On Mac

Launch the Safari browser by clicking its icon (it looks like a blue compass).

Click “Safari ”, which is next to the Apple icon.

A dropdown menu will appear from which you can select “Preferences” .

Click the “Privacy” tab, which is in the top panel.

Navigate to “Cookies and Website Data” and un-tick the option “Block all cookies” . This will allow 3rd party cookies on Safari.

Allow Third-Party Cookies on iPhone/iPad iOS 11

Go to “Settings” .

Scroll down to “ Safari ” and click on it.

Under “Privacy and Security” turn off “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking ”. Also, turn off “Block All Cookies” (Turning off makes the green bar go white.)

Do you know you can also use Safari to do reverse image search on Mac ?

Allow Third Party Cookies on iPad iOS 10 and others

Scroll down to Safari and click on it.

Under “Privacy and Security”, click on “ Block All Cookies ” .

Select “Always Allow” or “Allow from Websites I Visit” from the dropdown menu. This will allow 3rd party cookies on Safari.

How Do I Stop Safari from Blocking Third-Party Cookies?

Safari is set to block third-party cookies automatically. However, if you use a MacBook and need the browser to stop blocking third-party cookies, you can follow the steps mentioned above to enable third-party cookies on Safari.

At step five, deselect the option “Block Cookies” under the cookies and website data. However, this option allows cookies from all websites to be displayed, which might disrupt your browsing experience.

To cut down the number of websites that display cookies, you can check the option “Allow from websites I visit.” With this option, Safari won’t be able to block third-party cookies on the websites you visit frequently with this option enabled, allowing you to browse uninterrupted and conveniently.

• Change Privacy preferences in Safari on Mac
• Manage Cookies and Website Data in Safari on Mac

Related Articles

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Kimanthi Sammy

A project by Alvaro Trigo

Enable Cookies

Updated at: Mar 24, 2022

Most websites need you to enable cookies in order for them to work. Cookies are small bits of data which websites can store on your computer as you browse their site. Cookies are typically used to help websites remember that you've logged in, or perhaps to store your personal preferences for that website. But some websites use cookies a bit differently - to track your behaviour online, so it's a good idea to adjust your cookie settings to how you prefer them. Learn about cookies .

Enable Cookies on all platforms

Frequently asked questions about enabling cookies

Are cookies enabled.

What are my cookie settings?

Do I have cookies enabled in my browser?

Why do websites use cookies?

What is the point of using cookies on a website?

Why websites use cookies

Why do websites warn about cookies?

What's with all those annoying messages?

Why websites warn about cookies

How to disable cookies

Block some or all cookies by disabling them

Disable cookies in your browser

Which websites can read my cookies?

Are other websites able to read my cookies?

Do websites prevent access to other site cookies?

Why are some people concerned about cookies?

Is there a need to be worried about cookies?

What's concerning about cookies

Want to clear your cookies?

If you've been using cookies and want to clear your browser's stash of cookies - which a lot of companies use to track you on the internet - then you can follow the simple guides.

Head to our Clear your cookies pages and choose your web browser for a detailed guide.

If there's any other guides you want us to write, just let us know!

Clear cache & history

Do i need to clear my cache.

Not sure why you've been asked to clear your cache? We can explain. Why you need to clear your cache

What is a cache?

Before you consider clearing your browser cache, you should know what it is! Learn a little bit about browser caches

Is it safe to clear my cache?

Are there any risks to clearing your cache? Find out if it's ok to clear your cache

Update my web browser

Do i need to update my browser.

Find out if your browser is out of date Is my browser out of date?

Why should I update my browser?

There are very good reasons to, find out here! Why update your browser?

Is it free to update Chrome?

Find out about the cost of updating Chrome... Does Chrome cost anything?

What does "Update browser" mean?

What does it actually mean? What does it mean to update your browser

Get help with our guides

How to enable javascript.

Change your JavaScript settings Guide to enabling Javascript

How to enable Cookies

Configure your cookie settings for privacy Guide to enabling cookies

Related articles

I can't log in to a website..

We've got a detailed guide to help you solve login problems How to fix website log in problems

Why are cookies useful? Do you need them? What's the deal with cookies?

How to update your browser

Old software puts you at risk. Keep your browser fresh and up to date

Clear Cache, Cookies and History

How to reset your browsing history How to reset your browser

Try a different web browser

Different web browsers have different features - try a different one to see if you prefer it. Experiment a bit!

Use a VPN to hide your IP address

We recommend NordVPN to hide your IP address or to unblock websites. Hide your IP Address

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

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

• Delete your history, cache and cookies

Clear your cookies and the cache, but keep your history

Delete a website from your history, block cookies, use content blockers, delete history, cache and cookies.

• Go to Settings > Safari.

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

When there’s no history or website data to be cleared, the button to clear it will turn grey. The button may also be grey if you have set up web content restrictions under  Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time .

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

• Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.
• Tap Remove All Website Data.

When there’s no website data to be cleared, the button to clear it will turn grey. The button may also be grey if you have set up web content restrictions under  Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time .

• Open the Safari app.

• Tap the Edit button, then select the website(s) 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 the site can remember you when you visit it again.

To block cookies:

• Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced.

If you block cookies, some web pages may not work. Here are some examples:

• You'll likely not be able to sign in to a site even when using your correct user name and password.
• You may see a message that cookies are required or that your browser's cookies are turned off.
• Some features on a site may 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 > 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 in safari ipad

I'm in a website that's asking me to enable cookies. I can't figure out how to do it. It never asked for it in the past.

iPad, iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Sep 12, 2016 2:33 AM

follow this screenshots

get in to Block Cookies and Then Select Always Allow

Posted on Sep 12, 2016 3:59 AM

Oct 11, 2017 12:38 PM in response to Chariotsoffiya

I’m having the same problem, André I have the exact same screen. I don’t have ‘Block All Cookies’ on just like you, and yet it says they’re blocked?

Oct 6, 2017 2:40 PM in response to judyhouser

I am asked to enable cookies on safari and I do not know how. Please advise?

Nov 25, 2017 6:33 AM in response to wallyfromhideaway

I tried turning on then off, still says cookies blocked.

Can’t someone from apple help with this?

Oct 10, 2017 6:11 PM in response to MuzzySha

Oct 12, 2017 2:09 PM in response to TarynItUp3

Same here. I have to re-sign in for some NY Times content because, it says, I don‘t Have cookies enabled - but my Block Cookies button is in the off position. Might this be a bug in the latest OS release?

Oct 10, 2017 6:08 PM in response to MuzzySha

My screen does not look like this after the update

Loading page content

Page content loaded

Sep 12, 2016 2:37 AM in response to judyhouser

Go to Settings > Safari > Cookies. Make sure "Locked" is not selected and mark the best option.

Sep 12, 2016 2:40 AM in response to judyhouser

Please go to safari preferences and do the settings as per screen shot .

Sep 12, 2016 2:50 AM in response to tygb

I'm still getting a cookies disabled message. And your screen looks nothing like mine.

i'm using an iPad with OS of 9.3.5.

Sep 12, 2016 3:12 AM in response to judyhouser

I never used iPad so no ideas but you can send a screen shot where it is showing , i will try .

Sep 12, 2016 3:59 AM in response to judyhouser

Oct 13, 2017 11:39 PM in response to Gary10

I also had this problem, so I just turned the toggle on to block all cookies, then turned if off again and it worked fine

Oct 31, 2017 7:04 PM in response to tropicalfish

I am also having the same problems with cookies since the latest software upgrade. The block cookies tab does not respond.

Dec 25, 2017 12:52 AM in response to LaurieIsabel

I have the same issue on IPhone X

Jan 3, 2018 8:38 PM in response to judyhouser

How can I enable cookies

How to Enable Cookies on iPhone & iPad? On Safari, Chrome, & Firefox!

Wondering how to enable cookies on iPhone and iPad ? You are landed at the right place, because here we will cover about how to turn on cookies on iPhone for Safari as well as Chrome, Firefox and Opera Touch web browsers.

What are Cookies on iPhone or iPad? Cookies are small text files that automatically created by web server when you try to visit any website on your browser. These pieces of information are left on your iPhone by browser.

Why enable cookies? Cookies keep storing pieces of data such as usernames and passwords that help to get easy for all internet users to log in again same website, shop, and more. Main aim of cookies is to remember all information about you, which can help to make your online more flexible.

Sometimes cookies can be getting more dangerous because someone might snoop into your history for targeting adverting according your interest, and malicious activities. So you should be clear cookies on your iPhone or iPad .

How to Enable Cookies on iPhone & iPad

In this article, we will talk about how to enable cookies on iPhone and iPad for Safari , Chrome, Firefox, and Opera Touch. You can use choose as per your choice!!

Let’s start!!

How to enable cookies on ‘iphone 5s to iphone’ 11 in safari.

By default, cookies are accepted on iPhone and iPad Safari to enhance the browser and get it faster. Still, you can verify that it is enabled on iPhone or not with following few basic steps; below shown all:

• Launch Setting app on your iPhone or iPad
• Find < Safari > into list and tap on it.

• This will bring up drop-down menu, and under ‘Privacy & Security’ you will see < Block All Cookies > and < Prevent Cross-Site Tracking >

• Make ensure both options must be < Toggle ON > that means your cookies are enabled.

How to Unblock Cookies on ‘iPhone 7 to iPhone 10’ in Safari

If your iPhone may be iOS 7, 8, 9 or 10 then don’t get bother, because there are also same steps as mentioned above only one step is added; as shown below:

• And now, press on < Allow from Websites I Visit > option

How to Allow Third-Party Cookies on iPhone and iPad

If, you prefer to use third party browser on your iOS devices, here good news you for because in these browsers {Chrome, Firefox, Opera Touch, etc.} don’t need to allow cookies. They come with cookies enabled.

Enable Cookies on iPhone & iPad in Chrome

We don’t know whether this new is good or bad for you that you cannot enable or disable cookies preference on your iPhone and iPad. Cookies are enabled by default. But if you want to delete your stored cookies from your iPhone then it is possible with following few simplest steps:

Read Continues : How to Clear Cookies on iPhone & iPad? From Google Chrome Browser!!

Important!! If you don’t wish to keep store cookies on Google Chrome then we suggest you to use incognito Mode/Private Mode while using internet. How to open it:

• Launch Chrome on iPhone
• Press < … > option and then tap on < New Incognito Tab > option.
• Now you can use Incognito Mode/Private Mode , here all cookies are turned off by default.

Turn on Cookies on iPhone and iPad in Firefox

If you prefer to use Firefox browser on your iPhone device then you don’t have to need to turn on cookies on Firefox for iPhone or iPad because it is turned on by default. Firefox allows the option to enable or accept cookies in your browser. Here’s how:

• Launch Firefox on iPhone or iPad
• Press on < three horizontal lines >, and then tap on option
• Perform scroll down and press on < Data Management > option
• Now turn < Cookies > toggle on to enable cookies in Firefox browser.

If you don’t prefer to keep store third party cookies on your iPhone or iPad, then:

Read Continue: How to Clear Cookies on iPhone & iPad? From Firefox Browser!!

Enable cookies on iphone & ipad in opera touch.

If you are crazy to use third party Opera Touch browser then you don’t take headache to enable cookies on iPhone in Opera Touch browser because Opera Touch comes with cookies enabled.

In Opera Touch, nothing any option to disable cookies, if you want to delete its saved cookies then:

Read Continue: How to Clear Cookies on iPhone & iPad? From Opera Touch!!

I hope that you have been educated about how to enable cookies on your iPhone and iPad in your favourite browser Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Opera Touch.

If this post is useful for you then please share it with your friends and family members!!

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How to Enable Cookies in Safari and Microsoft Edge on iPhone

Apple’s stance on security and privacy features is laudable on iPhone, but it often leads to undesirable experiences. With developers and websites unable to access your location and other info, you may end up seeing irrelevant content when browsing on Safari or Microsoft Edge on iPhone. To see desirable content, you need to enable cookies in Safari and Microsoft Edge on iPhone. Here’s how.

Enable Cookies in Safari and Microsoft Edge on iPhone

Safari and Microsoft Edge don’t block cookies by default. But if you have disabled cookies on these browsers, it’s time to enable it again. Let’s go ahead and show you how to turn on cookies in Safari and Microsoft Edge on iPhone. After that, we will understand why browser cookies are helpful and why you need to keep them enabled on your iPhone.

Note that enabling cookies will allow advertisers and websites to collect data when you visit their web page on Safari and Edge. So, it’s a trade-off.

Enable Cookies in Safari on iPhone

It’s quite easy to enable cookies in Safari on iPhone. Just like other Apple apps, you need to make changes from the Settings app. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Open the Settings app on iPhone.

2. Scroll down to Safari and open the menu.

3. Go to Privacy & Security menu and disable Block All Cookies toggle.

The Safari browser will collect all the cookies files and you are all set to browse the web as before.

Enable Cookies in Microsoft Edge on iPhone

Microsoft Edge, a capable Safari alternative on iPhone, also offers an option to enable/disable cookies on iPhone. Follow the steps below to enable cookies in Microsoft Edge on iPhone.

1. Open Microsoft Edge browser on iPhone.

2. Tap on the three-dot menu at the bottom and open Settings .

3. Tap on Privacy and security > Cookies .

4. Select Don’t block cookies from the following menu.

Now that you have enabled Cookies on your iPhone, you need to understand why cookies are essential in the browsing experience.

What Are Browser Cookies and Why Do You Need to Enable Them

Browser cookies are small files created by sites you navigate and stored on your device. They make your browsing experience easier and hassle-free. Without cookies, you will have to log in after you leave the site every time. Also, it will take longer to load pages.

Have you added a few items to the shopping cart? You must add them again if you accidentally close the tab. Cookies will help the browser remember such information.

With Cookies, sites can keep you signed in, remember your site preference (this is how the browser remembers and showcases search history), and give you locally relevant content. After all, you won’t want to see Amazon UK ads when browsing websites from the US.

In short, browser cookies are no threat to your privacy and security on iPhone. In fact, they enhance the whole browsing experience. Some websites might not work when cookies are turned off on iPhone. It’s better to keep them enabled using the steps above.

How to Enable/Disable Google Chrome Cookies?

Google Chrome, being the browser pioneer, doesn’t offer an option to disable cookies on iPhone. It’s enabled by default.

Can You Clear Cookies on iPhone?

From browser settings, you can easily clear browser cookies on iPhone. If your preferred browser is acting weird, you may consider deleting cookies and cache on your iPhone. Just remember to save any unsaved data you may have open in the browser first. You will lose it.

Wrapping Up: Enable Cookies on iPhone

In the name of security and privacy, you shouldn’t block all cookies on your iPhone. If you have disabled cookies in the past, the steps above should help you enable cookies from Safari and Microsoft Edge on iPhone. There is no way to enable or disable cookies on Chrome. It is enabled by default so you are good to go.

Parth previously worked at EOTO.tech covering tech news. He is currently freelancing at TechWiser, Android Police, and GuidingTech writing about apps comparisons, tutorials, software tips and tricks, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

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How to Enable Cookies in Your Internet Web Browser

Last Updated: July 17, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA . Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 6,275,994 times. Learn more...

Seeing pop-ups about blocked cookies as you browse the web? You may not have cookies enabled. Cookies are pieces of data that help your browser remember things like usernames, passwords , and website preferences. All web browsers allow cookies by default, but most let you customize your settings or disable them completely. Fortunately, it's super easy to turn cookies on using any computer, phone, or tablet. This wikiHow article will teach you how to enable cookies step by step.

Google Chrome on a Computer

• Cookies are enabled by default in Chrome. You won't have to turn them on unless you disabled them in the past.

• To allow all cookies, including those meant to track your browsing on other websites, select Allow all cookies .
• To allow all cookies except tracking cookies from third parties, select Block third-party cookies . This option may break some features on websites, but it will protect your privacy from trackers.
• To only block third-party cookies in Incognito mode , select Block third-party cookies in Incognito . This allows all cookies except when you open a new Incognito window.

Google Chrome on a Phone or Tablet

• By default, the "Allow third-party cookies" box near the top of the page is checked. If you'd rather not allow third-party trackers to keep tabs on you while you browse other websites, remove this checkmark. This may break certain features on websites, but it's helpful for maintaining privacy.

Microsoft Edge on a Computer

• Cookies are enabled by default in Edge. You won't have to turn them on unless you disabled them in the past.

Safari on a Mac

• Cookies are enabled by default in Safari. You won't have to turn them on unless you disabled them in the past.

• If this box is already unchecked, Safari isn't blocking cookies.
• By default, enabling cookies allows websites to track your browsing habits on other sites. If you want to turn this feature off, check the box next to "Prevent cross-site tracking." This could break some features on websites, but it'll keep your browsing more private.

Safari on an iPhone

• Cookies are turned on by default in Safari. You won't have to turn them on unless you disabled them in the past.

• Cross-site tracking, also known as "third-party cookies," is disabled by default in Safari. If you run into problems with websites not displaying properly, you can try tapping the green switch next to "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking," which will enable third-party cookies. Keep in mind that this feature can allow a website to track your browsing all over the web, and not just on their website.

Firefox on a Computer

• Cookies are enabled by default in Firefox. You won't have to turn them on unless you disabled them in the past.

• PC: Click the three horizontal lines at the top-right corner of Firefox and select Settings .
• Mac: Click the Firefox menu in the menu bar at the top of the screen, and then click Preferences . [18] X Research source

• Standard: This option allows all cookies except for those that track you on other websites, although it will let some cross-site trackers through if they are for login or other non-predatory reasons. [20] X Research source . This option is best for most users.
• Strict: This option is similar to Standard, except it blocks all third-party cookies. This could make it difficult to log in to some websites and used certain website features.
• Custom: This option lets you choose exactly which types of cookies you want to allow and block. This option is great for powerusers who are familiar with different types of tracking cookies.

Firefox on a Phone or Tablet

• Cookies are already turned on in Firefox. If you've turned them off manually, you can use this method to turn them back on.

• If you'd rather not be tracked as you browse other sites, you can leave Enhanced Tracking Protection on and choose Standard (to allow most cookies except some of the more invasive tracking cookies) through, or Strict to block all third-party tracking cookies.

Community Q&A

• If you have cookies enabled but a site still says that you need to enable them, try clearing your browser's cache and clearing your browser's cookies . Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• There are two main kinds of cookies: first-party (regular) cookies, which are downloaded by your browser to remember preferences, and third-party cookies, which allow sites other than the one you're on to review your browsing data. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Cookies are often essential in loading certain aspects of websites, so avoid turning off your browser's cookies. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/61416?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
• ↑ https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en-uk&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=1
• ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/enable-cookies-6b018d22-1d24-43d9-8543-3d35ddb2cb52
• ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/enable-cookies-ibrw850f6c51/mac
• ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201265
• ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/cookies-information-websites-store-on-your-computer#w_cookie-settings
• ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/websites-say-cookies-are-blocked-unblock-them#firefox:mac:fx91
• ↑ https://blog.mozilla.org/security/2021/02/23/total-cookie-protection/
• ↑ https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-android

About This Article

1. Open Chrome on your computer. 2. Click the three dots and select Settings . 3. Click Site Settings . 4. Click Cookies and site data . 5. Select a cookie option. To learn how to enable cookies on a mobile browser, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Manage cookies and website data

Websites often store cookies and other data on your Mac. This data may include information that you have provided, such as your name, email address, and preferences. This data helps websites identify you when you return so the site can provide services for you and show information that might be of interest to you.

By default, Safari accepts cookies and website data only from websites you visit. This helps prevent certain advertisers from storing data on your Mac. You can change options in Safari preferences so that Safari always accepts or always blocks cookies and other website data.

Open Safari for me

Important:   Changing your cookie preferences or removing cookies and website data in Safari may change or remove them in other apps, including Dashboard.

Choose Safari > Preferences, click Privacy, then do any of the following:

Change which cookies and website data are accepted: Select a “Cookies and website data” option:

Always block: Safari doesn’t let any websites, third parties, or advertisers store cookies and other data on your Mac. This may prevent some websites from working properly.

Allow from current website only: Safari accepts cookies and website data only from the website you’re currently visiting. Websites often have embedded content from other sources. Safari does not allow these third parties to store or access cookies or other data.

Allow from websites I visit: Safari accepts cookies and website data only from websites you visit. Safari uses your existing cookies to determine whether you have visited a website before. Selecting this option helps prevent websites that have embedded content in other websites you browse from storing cookies and data on your Mac.

Always allow: Safari lets all websites, third parties, and advertisers store cookies and other data on your Mac.

Remove stored cookies and data: Click Remove All Website Data, or click Details, select one or more websites, then click Remove.

Removing the data may reduce tracking, but may also log you out of websites or change website behavior.

See which websites store cookies or data: Click Details.

Ask websites not to track you: Some websites keep track of your browsing activities when they serve you content, which enables them to tailor what they present to you. You can have Safari ask sites and their third party content providers (including advertisers) not to track you.

With this option turned on, each time Safari fetches content from a website, Safari adds a request not to track you, but it’s up to the website to honor this request.

Oh no, you're thinking, yet another cookie pop-up. Well, sorry, it's the law. We measure how many people read us, and ensure you see relevant ads, by storing cookies on your device. If you're cool with that, hit “Accept all Cookies”. For more info and to customize your settings, hit “Customize Settings”.

Review and manage your consent

Here's an overview of our use of cookies, similar technologies and how to manage them. You can also change your choices at any time, by hitting the “Your Consent Options” link on the site's footer.

Manage Cookie Preferences

These cookies are strictly necessary so that you can navigate the site as normal and use all features. Without these cookies we cannot provide you with the service that you expect.

These cookies are used to make advertising messages more relevant to you. They perform functions like preventing the same ad from continuously reappearing, ensuring that ads are properly displayed for advertisers, and in some cases selecting advertisements that are based on your interests.

These cookies collect information in aggregate form to help us understand how our websites are being used. They allow us to count visits and traffic sources so that we can measure and improve the performance of our sites. If people say no to these cookies, we do not know how many people have visited and we cannot monitor performance.

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In quest to defeat Euro red-tape, Apple said it had three Safari browsers – not one

And with a straight face, too. brussels didn't buy it.

Apple tried to avoid regulation in the European Union by making a surprising claim – that it offers not one but three distinct web browsers, all coincidentally named Safari.

Never mind that Apple itself advertises the sameness of its Safari browsers when pitching its Continuity feature: "Same Safari. Different device."

Cupertino also claimed it maintains five app stores and five operating systems, and that these core platform services, apart from iOS, fell below the usage threshold European rules set for regulating large platform services and ensuring competition.

In September, the European Commission designated six gatekeepers – Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, Microsoft – under the Digital Markets Act and gave each six months to comply with the legal obligations outlined in the DMA, a set of rules designed to limit the power of large technology platforms and promote competition.

Apple was declared a gatekeeper in three core platform services: operating systems (iOS), online intermediation services (AppStore), and web browsers (Safari). As a result, it's expected that Apple will allow third-party app stores that work with iOS and browser engines other than Safari's WebKit by March 2024 – in Europe, if not elsewhere.

Informed of this back in July, Apple filed a response in August that challenged the European Commission's determination. In its response, "Apple reiterated its position that each of its Safari web browsers constitutes a distinct [core platform service]," the European Commission said in its newly published decision document [PDF].

"According to Apple, Safari on iOS, Safari on iPadOS and Safari on macOS qualify as web browsers within the meaning of [the DMA requirements]," the case summary explained, noting that Apple argued only Safari for iOS falls within the DMA's scope.

This strategy appears not to have been very effective. Apple's pushback has only managed to get the European Commission to further investigate whether iPadOS and iMessage should be seen as gatekeeper-controlled core platform services.

• Microsoft seeks EU Digital Market Acts exemption for underdog apps like Edge
• Forcing Apple to allow third-party app stores isn't enough
• Microsoft Edge still forcing itself on users in Europe
• Europe's tough new rules for Big Tech start today. Is anyone ready?

The decision document noted that Apple argued that its three Safari browsers each have different interface options and different uses. "For example, Safari on iPadOS and macOS include a sidebar feature, which allows end users to see opened tabs, tab groups, bookmarks and browsing history," the decision summary states. "This feature is unavailable on Safari on iOS."

Bruce Lawson, a UK-based web developer who helped found Open Web Advocacy, a group that has lobbied for regulatory restraint of Apple, characterized Apple's gambit as a "post-modernist triumph" for being essentially incomprehensible.

Lawson comments that "in order to avoid having Safari being deemed a Core Platform Service (and thus falling under the remit of DMA), Apple argues 'Look, those Safaris on iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, TvOS, WatchOS are TOTALLY DIFFERENT PRODUCTS and none of them have enough users in the EU for you to even think about regulating us, alright? We’re a tiny startup! Will nobody think of the children?!?' (I paraphrase somewhat)."

He also argued that Apple's approach explicitly violates the DMA's Anti-Circumvention provision that forbids subdividing a platform's market share to avoid regulation. The provision says those providing core platform services "shall not segment, divide, subdivide, fragment or split those services through contractual, commercial, technical or any other means in order to circumvent the quantitative thresholds laid down in Article 3(2)."

Hoist by your own marketing material

The European Commission made short work of Apple's argument by citing, among other rebuttals, Apple's own marketing copy that proclaims the singularity of Safari.

Screenshot of Apple's Safari website stating that its browser, regardless of OS or device, is the "same" Safari ... Click to enlarge

The decision document noted: "As Apple explains on its website, all these features allow Safari to work seamlessly across devices: 'Same Safari. Different device: Safari works seamlessly and syncs your passwords, bookmarks, history, tabs, and more across Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.'"

Citing six different issues with Apple's claims, the commission concluded: "Safari qualifies as a single web browser, irrespective of the device through which that service is accessed."

Safari qualifies as a single web browser, irrespective of the device

Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of browser biz Vivaldi, told The Register in a phone interview that Apple, Google, and Microsoft all are trying to find ways to avoid onerous DMA requirements.

"All of them are trying to do that," he said. "This is very similar to what Microsoft is doing. Microsoft says no one uses its Edge browser so it should not be designated as a gatekeeper."

Meanwhile, Google is trying to make browser choice screens less effective, he opined.

Von Tetzchner expressed skepticism about Apple's argument that it has three different browsers. "It's all part of the same ecosystem and you have to look at the ecosystem as a whole," he said.

And he agreed that Apple, Google, and Microsoft all qualify as gatekeepers. "We have to go through them to get to any users," he said.

Von Tetzchner expressed optimism about the effect of the DMA. He said he's expecting a relaxation of restrictions and that if that doesn't happen, the DMA isn't functioning properly.

"I have a lot of hope for the DMA," he said. "The EU has been working with these guys for a number of years, trying to ensure there's real competition."

Apple did not respond to a request for comment. ®

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Apple Argued Safari Is Three Different Browsers to Avoid Regulation

Apple recently claimed that Safari is three different browsers in effort to avoid regulation in the European Union (via The Register ).

It has now emerged that after being informed that Safari was likely to fall under the DMA's regulations, Apple filed formal a response to the European Union claiming that Safari is, in fact, "three distinct web browsers." The company's claim is based on the argument that Safari for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS are entirely different and serve different purposes.

On example cited by Apple is Safari's sidebar feature on iPadOS and macOS, allowing users to see opened tabs, tab groups, bookmarks, and browsing history. Since this feature is unavailable in the version of Safari for iOS, Apple claimed that it is a distinctly different browser. The company added that each version of Safari serves different purposes for users depending on the device upon which it is accessed.

The European Commission went on to point out that Safari's functionality and underlying technologies are near-identical across platforms. The Commission even highlights Apple's own marketing materials for its Continuity feature, which appear to contradict the company's claims, touting the tag line "Same Safari. Different device." As a result, the Commission rejected Apple's claim and insists that "Safari qualifies as a single web browser, irrespective of the device through which that service is accessed."

Apple is now obliged to ensure that Safari adheres to the DMA's requirements, such as by allowing non-WebKit-based browsers on iOS and iPadOS. Companies that do not adhere to the new regulations risk facing EU investigations, substantial fines, and the imposition of "behavioral or structural remedies." The fines can amount to 10 percent of a company's global turnover, with a 20 percent penalty for repeat violations. Questions remain about whether Apple's argument about Safari being three different browsers violates the DMA's Anti-Circumvention provision that forbids subdividing a platform's market share to avoid regulation.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

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Tips & Tricks

Troubleshooting, psa: content blockers may break captive portal wi-fi login pages.

Here’s a helpful bit of knowledge that you may want to keep in mind when traveling or using public wi-fi spaces; if you use Content Blockers in Safari or your web browser, that content blocker may break a wi-fi’s captive portal login page, thereby preventing you from joining that particular wireless network. This applies to content blockers on any web browser and any Apple operating system, whether it’s a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or otherwise (and Windows too of course, but that’s not our focus here).

If you’ve ever traveled with a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or any other device for that matter, you may have come across a Captive Portal at some point in time. Captive Portals are commonly used in hotels, coffee shops, airports, stadiums, and other semi-public places, to offer free internet connections to guests, and to join a wi-fi network with a Captive Portal you will see a little splash screen popup in a web browser window, that often asks for something like an access code, ticket number, room number, confirmation number, email address, or some other simple login requirement, to which you then can connect to the unsecured wi-fi network and then access the internet and the outside world.

This is where the potential trouble comes in if you use content blockers. Because the Captive Portal login screen uses a web browser window to login, any enabled content blocker may potentially break the captive portal, may precent it from loading at all, or content blockers may break the captive portal’s ability to sign-in and authenticate.

If you run into this issue, you’ll find that you may try to join the Captive Portal wi-fi network, and it fails repeatedly. Often the “Login” or “Connect” button simply doesn’t work, or does not register any behavior from you, the user. Sometimes you can’t enter text into the input box to authenticate your login in the captive portal. Sometimes, with extra aggressive content blockers, the entire Captive Portal login screen may not appear at all, even if you try to force it open .

The solution to this problem is fairly simple, if not a little obnoxious; temporarily disable the content blocker in the entire web browser. (You can not simply disable the Content Blocker for that session, because the captive portal login page never includes the typical browser buttons or capabilities).

How to Access Captive Portal Wi-Fi Login Page by Disabling Content Blockers in Safari

In Safari on Mac, you can disable content blockers by:

• Go to the “Safari” menu and choose “Settings”
• Go to the “Extensions” tab
• Uncheck the boxes for all content blockers to disable them

• Open the Captive Portal login page again ( you can force a Captive Portal wi-fi login page to open with these tricks if necessary) without the content blocker enabled, and you should be able to login and proceed as normal

• After you’re online, you can re-enable the content blocker(s) if desired

Other web browsers with content blockers can temporarily disable the content blocker in a similar manner, by going to the web browsers settings for content blockers or extensions, and disabling them. Then, login with the Captive Portal, and after that is successful, you can re-enable the content blockers if you wish.

Remember, it’s good to be wary of many Captive Portal wi-fi networks because they’re typically unsecured , so you’re going to want to only use encrypted websites with HTTPS and other encrypted protocols when on such a network. Things like iMessage, HTTPS websites, Signal, FaceTime video and audio, are all encrypted and will help protect your data on an unsecured wi-fi network.

Whether or not you run into this likely depends on the content blocker you use, and the type of captive portals you encounter. Some content blockers are far more aggressive than others. While there are some simple content blockers that aim to only block the most obnoxious stuff on the web, there are others that aim to police every single thing that loads or appears in a web browser, and in some silly scenarios, even block outbound links because they have tags attached to them, or contain some redirect.

Other options to circumvent this issue are to use the iPhone wi-fi hotspot instead of the Captive Portal, or another wi-fi network if one is available, and if you’ve joined one before, you can easily get the shared wi-fi password on your Mac from another Mac, iPhone, or iPad that has logged in before.

Have you experienced issues with content blockers breaking captive portals, or anything else that is essential to the functionality of the web, let alone your ability to get online? Share your experiences in the comments.

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How-To Geek

The best browser for mac users (and safari alternatives).

Is Safari really the best choice, and what are the best alternatives?

Key Takeaways

• Safari is highly optimized for Apple hardware, but it may have limited web app compatibility and fewer extensions compared to browsers like Chrome.
• Firefox is a privacy-conscious alternative to Safari, offering features like Do Not Track and blocking invisible trackers. Chrome is the most popular browser, known for its compatibility and wide range of extensions, but it may compromise privacy. Consider trying other browsers like Edge and Vivaldi, or unique options like Arc for a different browsing experience.

Your choice of web browser can have a big impact on your Mac experience. From integration with the services you use to power efficiency and reliability, here’s how to decide which is best for you.

Safari is (Arguably) the Best Mac Browser

There are a few good reasons to pick Safari as your browser of choice if you’re a Mac user, especially if you use other Apple devices like an iPhone or iPad . It might surprise you to find out that you’re not alone, with Safari being the second most popular browser on the web thanks to its inclusion on both mobile and desktop devices.

Apple tightly optimizes Safari for use exclusively on Apple hardware. This means that Safari is highly power efficient on a Mac. When Apple gives an estimate of battery life on its latest Mac models for performing activities like “wireless web” they’re specifically referring to the use of Safari. The company is in a position where both the hardware and the software are designed in unison, so Apple is not bound by thousands of different hardware possibilities.

That helps Safari remain performant on Apple hardware too, a fact you can see for yourself using browser benchmarks like Speedometer 2.0 . In use, Safari feels snappy. The UI is small and non-intrusive, and you can even customize the toolbar using the right-click menu as you can other native Apple apps.

Safari is also loaded with familiar features and technology. iCloud makes it possible to share tab groups, browsing sessions, bookmarks, a Reading List, and even extensions with your iPhone or iPad. The Share menu works just as it does on the iPhone. Continuity makes it possible to quickly jump between devices by placing a small icon in your Mac dock.

Apple’s services work especially well in Safari. You can log in with your Apple ID using your fingerprint, pay for items using Apple Pay right in your browser, and use a variety of Shortcuts actions to build workflows that work using Safari .

Apple also makes it easy to add extensions using the Mac App Store. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it adds an additional layer of protection against potentially harmful extensions. You can still choose to install unsigned extensions by enabling the Develop menu if you want.

In terms of privacy, Safari isn’t the best browser you can get your hands on but it’s far from the worst. The browser works with Apple’s iCloud Private Relay for iCloud+ subscribers, which anonymizes web requests using a two-step process . Do Not Track is enabled by default, and it provides partial protection against trackers.

You can’t get rid of Safari from your Mac, so it’s ready and waiting for you with every new Apple computer purchase (or every time you reset the operating system ). Apple is always updating and building upon Safari with enhancements, like macOS Sonoma’s ability to turn websites into app-like instances.

Want to Ditch Safari? Here's What to Use Instead

Though Safari is suitable for a wide range of users, it’s far from the last word when it comes to web browsers. It’s convenient and always there if you want it, but it’s not without its critics. One reason you might want to switch is web app compatibility, which can be limited on Safari due to its relatively narrow user base. A lot of Safari users are mobile users, and many services prefer to funnel these users into dedicated apps.

Safari lacks the compatibility of a browser like Chrome or Edge, which means some web apps will simply refuse to work in Safari and demand that you use something else instead. Perhaps worse still, some websites won’t warn you before they refuse to function as intended. You might get glitchy behavior that can be avoided by using another browser.

Safari also isn’t a “platform” quite in the same way that Chrome and similar browsers are. There is a huge range of extensions made with Chrome in mind (including browsers like Edge and Vivaldi), which might make such a platform more desirable if you live inside of browser extensions.

You may even find yourself with no choice but to use an alternative for work or education purposes. Some institutions refuse to support certain browsers, and since Safari is limited to Apple devices it’s easier to tailor an experience to a browser that has cross-platform compatibility.

If privacy is your main concern, Safari might not go far enough to protect you, and you may be tempted to move to something like Firefox instead.

Firefox is the Privacy-Conscious Safari Alternative

Mozilla’s browser is a solid alternative to Safari, with some excellent privacy considerations. Firefox enables Do Not Track by default and blocks both invisible trackers and tracking ads. Firefox even uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine.

Firefox tests slower than Safari and Chrome in many benchmarks, but how much time this will save you during your daily surfing sessions is up for debate. The browser also enjoys a far wider range of extensions than Safari, though it still falls short of the Chromium family.

Like Safari, Firefox Sync allows you to share browsing sessions and bookmarks with other devices including Windows PCs and mobile platforms like iOS and Android. Firefox remains a browser of choice for those mostly concerned with web privacy and enjoys a loyal (if small) base of users.

Chrome is Number One for Compatibility and Extensions

Google Chrome is the behemoth of web browsers, with more than 60% of all web users choosing to use it. As such, it enjoys excellent compatibility with most websites and web apps, and some even insist on its use (or a similar Chromium-based browser).

Google Chrome fares poorly from a privacy standpoint , with Do Not Track disabled by default, and both invisible trackers and tracking ads able to track you unless you limit this behavior with extensions. On the plus side, there are a huge number of extensions and apps available for Chrome that can help remedy the problem.

Though Chrome has a bit of a reputation for being a resource hog, Google has attempted to address the problem with a feature called Chrome Memory Saver that is designed to purge websites from memory after a period of inactivity. The company also improved Chrome’s energy efficiency with Chrome Energy Saver Mode .

Chromium-Based Browsers Offer Unique Alternatives to Chrome

Chromium is the core open-source browser core on which Chrome and similar projects are built. This means you can have Chrome’s speed, compatibility, and even the full range of extensions without having to use the Google-branded variant.

There are plenty of other Chromium-based browser to choose from, such as Microsoft Edge which falls into the same privacy pitfalls as Chrome; Vivaldi with its customizable interface and email client; and Brave Browser which delivers a slightly confusing combination of cryptocurrency features, opt-in adverts, and privacy considerations.

For a no-frills experience, there’s also vanilla Chromium , the open-source version of Chrome to which Google contributes. Then there are projects like Ungoogled Chromium , which removes dependency on Google services and makes tweaks to enhance privacy.

Alternatively, Try Something Completely Unique

Arc is a browser that does things a little differently than most. Not only does it cull your tabs for you, but it also includes some unique features like side-by-side tab mode, note-taking and whiteboard functionality within the app, and a macOS Spotlight-esque command interface for getting around without touching your mouse.

We reviewed Arc in March 2023 and loved it, though the fledgling browser wasn’t without issues surrounding power consumption and general jitteriness. It’s now out of beta and things have settled down somewhat, so it might be worth a shot if you’re looking for a web browser that helps you stay neat and organized.

It’s far from the only weirdo browser out there though. Colibri is a browser that lacks tabs and emphasizes an uncluttered experience. It’s designed to force you into more mindful browser sessions. Tor is a browser designed for browsing the dark web , but there are other private browsers like Mulvad and Waterfox that you might want to use instead.

The Case for Multiple Browsers

There are so many compelling reasons to use Safari that we think it’s the best choice for most users. Failing that, Firefox offers a solid browsing experience that respects your privacy.

It’s a good idea to have more than one browser installed for those times when you encounter difficulties with your primary choice. On top of this, you can kit a second browser out with extensions that might make certain web operations easier to complete.