Definition
A website cookie is a small text file stored by your browser that helps a website remember your session (such as logins), preferences, and activity (like analytics). Cookies can’t run programs or install malware by themselves, but some cookies can be used for cross-site tracking.
Cookies Can vs. Cookies Can’t
Cookies can…
- Keep you logged in to a website
- Remember preferences (language, dark mode)
- Measure site usage and performance (analytics)
Cookies can’t…
- Read files on your computer
- Install software or malware
- “Hack” your computer on their own
Cookies are passive text files. While some are used for tracking, they do not execute code or access personal files.
Wondering “what is a cookie on a website?” A cookie is a tiny text file a website saves in your browser to remember things like your settings, login state, and visits. Cookies make sites smoother and help measure usage; used poorly, they can track you across sites. Below, we explain types, consent, and how to manage or clear them.
What is a cookie on a website?
A cookie on a website is simply a small browser-stored text file that lets the site recognize your device later. It typically contains an ID plus preference or session info—not your password—and can be first-party (set by the site) or third-party (set by external services like ad networks).
Fresh-baked cookies are yummy, but you may not have the same positive associations with cookies on your computer. Here’s what you need to know about cookies and what they mean for your internet browsing. Below we answer the question: what are cookies on websites?
Cookies have been around for a long time, but new laws now require websites to ask for your permission to use them. You have likely noticed more sites informing you that “this website uses cookies,” and they’ll ask you to click to accept the use of cookies. But what exactly are you agreeing to?
A website cookie is a small piece of text the website you are visiting stores on your computer.
Cookies are equivalent to your ticket to get onto the website. Website owners track your individualized code to gather information.
Cookies tell the website that the user has been to the site before. The website can recall personal login information and other preferences. A shopping site will remember your cart and let you continue shopping or suggest other goods you might like.
What Do Website Cookies Do?
So, why are sites asking for permission to store their cookies on your computer? Users are more concerned now about the digital footprint they are leaving on the Web: they want to protect their Web history.
Let’s be clear. When you accept a cookie, you are not allowing access to your computer or any of your personal data, unless you have knowingly provided it, as you do when online shopping, that is.
Also, it’s not possible to execute code from a cookie. That means a bad actor can’t use a cookie to deliver a virus or malware.
Overall, cookies on their own are safe. Agreeing to first-party cookies from the website simplifies session management, personalization, and tracking.
The danger comes from third-party cookies generated by advertisers or analytics companies. Say, for instance, you surf to a webpage that has 10 ads on it. You don’t even have to click on any of those ads to generate 10 cookies. These cookies track your browsing history across the Web on any site carrying their ads. That’s why people are becoming more wary of the privacy implications.
Website Cookies and Your Online Privacy
Users can make their own cookie choices. Those who allow cookies will enjoy a more streamlined Web surfing experience. Those who don't want cookies tracking their browsing history will opt out. Without cookies these users have to re-enter their data every time they visit a website.
Often you can control your cookies in your browser settings. In Google Chrome, for example, you would select “Settings” from the drop down menu in the upper-right corner, then under “Privacy and security” select “Cookies and other site data”. In the Cookies section you might choose to enable “Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome.
If you’re really annoyed by the pop-ups asking you about cookie use, you can install a browser add-on, too.
The “Incognito” mode on your browser can be used to save cookies for the current session, but when you close the browser the cookies will be deleted.
We hope this answered your question, "what are cookies on websites"? We can help you minimize the extent to which you are being tracked on the internet.
🍪 Unsure How Cookies Affect Your Business or Privacy?
From website tracking to third-party data sharing, cookies play a big role in online privacy. At Landon Technologies, we help individuals and small businesses understand, manage, and secure their digital environments through cybersecurity services and IT consulting.
- Website cookie policy audits
- Security and compliance consulting
- Data protection strategies for businesses
- Remote support for browser privacy and security settings
🔐 Whether you're a business owner in Brunswick, GA or an individual looking to protect your browsing data, we’re here to help.
Get Help Securing Your Digital Footprint
How to clear cookies (quick steps)
Before you start: clearing cookies will sign you out of most sites. Consider removing data for just one site if you only have issues there.
Google Chrome (desktop)
- Menu (⋮) → Settings → Privacy and security.
- Clear browsing data → Cookies and other site data.
- Pick Time range (e.g., Last 7 days or All time) → Clear data.
Per-site: Privacy and security → Third-party cookies (or Site settings) → See all site data and permissions → search site → Delete.
Microsoft Edge (desktop)
- Menu (⋯) → Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
- Clear browsing data → Choose what to clear → select Cookies and other site data → Clear now.
Per-site: Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies and site data → See all cookies and site data → search site → Remove.
Mozilla Firefox (desktop)
- Menu (≡) → Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data… (or Manage Data… for per-site) → Remove.
Tip: In History, choose Never remember or Strict Enhanced Tracking Protection if you want fewer tracking cookies.
Safari (macOS)
- Safari → Settings (or Preferences) → Privacy.
- Manage Website Data… → Remove All (or select sites → Remove).
Tip: Enable Prevent cross-site tracking to reduce third-party tracking.
Chrome (Android)
- Menu (⋮) → Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.
- Check Cookies and site data → choose Time range → Clear data.
Per-site: Site settings → All sites → pick site → Clear & reset.
Safari (iPhone/iPad)
- Settings app → Safari → Clear History and Website Data.
- Or Settings → Safari → Advanced → Website Data → Remove All Website Data (or remove specific sites).
Note: Blocking third-party cookies preserves logins while limiting tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I accept cookies from websites?
A: Accept essential/first-party cookies (they power logins, carts, preferences). Use “Customize” to decline or limit analytics/advertising cookies. Most modern browsers already block third-party cookies by default—keep that on for privacy. For sites you trust, allow what’s needed for features; otherwise reject non-essential cookies, manage per-site permissions, and clear cookies periodically.
Q: What is an example of cookies?
A: One example is a session cookie that keeps you logged in: session_id=abc123; Path=/; Secure; HttpOnly; SameSite=Lax (it’s removed when you close the browser). Another is a persistent “remember me” cookie: remember_me=true; Max-Age=2592000; Path=/; Secure; SameSite=Strict (lasts ~30 days). Both show what a cookie on a website stores—small key-value data plus privacy/expiry attributes.
Q: Should I remove cookies?
A: Not always. Deleting cookies improves privacy, reduces tracking, and can fix site glitches—but it also signs you out and clears preferences. Keep essential/first-party cookies for convenience, block third-party cookies by default, and periodically clear cookies for sites you don’t use (or do a full clear every few months). Always clear cookies after using a shared/public device.
Q: What happens if we don’t accept cookies?
A: A cookie on a website is a small text file that remembers your session and preferences. If you don’t accept cookies, you can usually still browse, but you may not stay logged in, carts won’t persist, preferences (language/dark mode) won’t save, analytics/ad personalization won’t run, and banners may keep reappearing. Some sites require essential cookies for security or may restrict access (“cookie walls”) until you allow them.
💡 Small Business Tech Tips
💡 IT Advice for Small Businesses
Get practical tools and time-saving strategies in our
👉 Small Business Tech Tips Blog Category
