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How to Clear Cookies on Mac: Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

Speed up browsing and protect your data

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Last updated: September 16, 2024

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TL;DR

To clear cookies on Mac:

  1. Safari: Go to Safari’s Settings > Privacy tab > Manage Website Data, then remove all or specific cookies.
  2. Chrome: Open Chrome’s Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data, select cookies, and click Clear data.
  3. Firefox: In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data, then click Clear Data.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

You might not think about cookies often, but they can seriously slow down your browser over time. Once I figured that out, clearing them became a routine for me. Here’s how you can do the same on Safari, Chrome, and Firefox to keep your browsing smooth and your privacy protected.

Did You Know? Cookies were originally designed to help websites remember your preferences, but today, many are used for tracking your behavior online. Third-party cookies, in particular, are often used by advertisers to follow you across multiple websites.

How to Clear Cookies on Mac

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Here’s a quick guide on how to delete cookies from Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox.

1. Clear Cookies on Safari

Here are the detailed steps to clear cookies on Safari:

  1. Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  2. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
click safari and select settings
  1. Navigate to the Privacy tab.
  2. Click the Manage Website Data button.
select the privacy tab and tap the manage website data button
  1. Select Remove All to clear all cookies.
click remove all
  1. If you want to delete cookies for a specific site, select it and click Remove.
select a website and click remove

2. Delete Cookies on Google Chrome

Follow these steps to delete cookies on Google Chrome on Mac:

  1. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots at the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Settings.
click three dots at top right corner of screen and select settings
  1. In the new window, click the Privacy and security tab.
  2. Choose Clear browsing data.
click clear browsing data in privacy and security tab
  1. Select the Cookies and other site data checkbox and select a Time range.
  2. Click Clear data.
select a time range check the cookies and other site data box and click clear data

3. Remove Cookies on Firefox

Here is the step-by-step guide to remove cookies on Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines at the top-right corner.
click the three lines in the top right corner of firefox
  1. Choose Settings.
click the firefox menu and select settings
  1. Go to the Privacy & Security tab.
  2. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data.
  3. Click Clear Data…
click privacy security in the left sidebar and click clear data button
  1. Check the box for Cookies and Site Data and click Clear.
check the cookies and site data box and click clear

Clearing cookies will log you out of most websites. If you’re regularly signed into services like email or banking, be prepared to re-enter your login details after clearing cookies.

If you want to protect your privacy by blocking tracking cookies and ads, MacKeeper’s StopAd feature can help. Simply download and install MacKeeper, enable StopAd in the Privacy section, and adjust your browser settings. This tool will block trackers, ads, and even speed up your browsing experience.

Clear Cookies on Mac and Speed Up Your Browser

Cookies may be small data files, but their impact on your browsing experience and online privacy can be significant. Fortunately, clearing cookies on your Mac is a straightforward process, whether you’re using Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.

If you want to enhance your browsing experience further, here are some more tips for you:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do browsers use cookies?

Web browsers use cookies to store small pieces of data on your computer. These data pieces help websites remember your preferences, login information, and browsing history. Cookies enhance your browsing experience by enabling websites to personalize content, save session states, and even recommend products or services based on your past activity.

Is it safe to delete cookies on Mac?

Yes, it’s generally safe to delete cookies on Mac. Doing so can improve your online privacy and browser performance. However, you may have to re-enter login information and reset personalized settings on websites you frequently visit. Deleting cookies will not harm your computer or stored files in any way.

Will deleting cookies delete passwords?

Deleting cookies will not typically remove saved passwords, but it may log you out of websites you’re currently signed into, requiring you to re-enter your username and password. Passwords are usually stored separately in a browser’s password manager or keychain, not in cookies. Always double-check your browser’s settings to understand what data will be removed when you clear cookies.

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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