We've all heard about cookies, but how often do we think about them? These small data files help websites remember you, save your preferences and make your browsing easier. While cookies have good points, getting rid of them now and then can protect your privacy, speed up your browser, and stop potential problems. Let's break down why, when, and how to delete your browser cookies.
What Are Cookies, and Why Should You Care?
Cookies are tiny files that websites you visit store on your device. They have several uses, such as:
- Keep your login info stored so you won't need to type it in again.
- Monitoring your web habits to show you tailored advertisements.
- Storing your choices, such as language options or items in your cart.
- Storing your notes as for Note Hero all notes are kept in the local storage of the web browser so in case you want to delete cookies, we recommend to either download the most important notes or use the Backup function.
While cookies can be useful, they also:
- Put your privacy at risk: Some cookies follow you on different websites, building detailed user profiles. While this is not the case for this online note-taker, other websites could sell your personal data to other companies or use it for marketing retargeting.
- Create problems: Old or damaged cookies can result in sign-in issues or website loading. Some pages will just go through simple errors, or some parts of it will be broken.
- Fill up space: They can take up needless room on your device over time. If you do not clear cache and cookies once in a while, it can grow to GBs of data stored on your hard drive.
Advantages of Removing Cookies
- Better Privacy: Cut down on tracking and guard your private data. As cookies can be valid for 30 or more days, the web can easily track you for longer than just one visit.
- Fixing Browser Problems: Solve issues like website errors or weird behaviours.
- Make Room: Remove old data to boost your device's speed.
When Should You Get Rid of Cookies?
- Regular Cleanup: Every couple of weeks, you visit lots of different websites and press cookie consent of most of them without even realizing it.
- After Using Public or Shared Computers: Stop others from getting your data. If you use someone else's PC or use it in a public library, clear cookies every time you leave the PC. Skilled people can get your personal data out of them.
- If Your Browser Acts Up: Errors or sluggish performance often get better when you clear cookies.
How to Get Rid of Browser Cookies
Google Chrome
- Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
- Choose Cookies and other site data and pick a time range.
- Hit Clear data.
Mozilla Firefox
- Launch Firefox and click the three-line menu.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data.
- Press Clear Data, check the Cookies and Site Data box, and confirm your choice.
Safari (Mac)
- Launch Safari and navigate to Preferences > Privacy.
- Hit Manage Website Data to view cookies from specific sites.
- Pick the ones to erase, or hit Remove All.
Microsoft Edge
- Hit the three-dot menu and navigate to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services.
- Under Clear browsing data, hit Choose what to clear.
- Tick Cookies and other site data and hit Clear now.
Mobile Browsers
The steps are similar but simplified for touch-based navigation. Look in the settings menu for a "Privacy" or "Browsing Data" section.
How to Handle Cookies Without Constant Deletion
- Use Incognito/Private Browsing: These modes erase cookies when you shut down the browser. You have to run this mode before you go to the web page. Usually, the shortcut is CMD + Shift + N or CTRL + Shift + N
- Tweak Cookie Settings: Many browsers allow you to block third-party cookies or accept cookies from specific websites. You can even use a dedicated browser like Brave.
- Cookie Management Add-ons: Tools like Cookie AutoDelete help you control how browsers store and remove cookies.
To wrap up
Cookies play a key role in browsing, but their smart management can guard your privacy, keep your browser working well, and cut down on digital mess. Removing cookies is fast and simple—make it a habit to enjoy a safer and quicker online journey.
Spend a few minutes today to clear your cookies and surf the web with a calm mind!
