How to Clean Out Cookies in Your Browser

Cleaning out cookies removes small files websites store in your browser. Cookies can keep you signed in, remember preferences, or support features such as shopping carts. Clearing them can help resolve some website problems and remove stored site data, but it may sign you out and reset preferences. It does not erase your browsing history unless you select that separately, and it does not remove every kind of tracking or data held by websites.

Before you begin, decide whether you want to clear cookies for one site or for all sites. If you use a shared or work device, follow its owner’s or organization’s instructions. Menu paths below are general; names and locations can differ slightly by browser and version.

What You’ll Need

A phone, tablet, or computer with the browser you want to clean.
Access to that browser’s settings. You may need the device passcode or administrator permission on a managed device.
Your sign-in information for sites you may need to log into again. If you rely on a password manager, make sure you can access it.

Step-by-Step

Choose the browser. Open the browser where the cookies are stored. Clearing cookies in one browser usually does not clear them in other browsers or in separate browser profiles.
Open the settings. Find Settings, then look for Privacy, Privacy and security, History, or Browsing data. On a phone, this may be inside the browser’s menu rather than the device’s main Settings app. Menu names may differ slightly by version.
Find the clearing tool. Select an option such as Clear browsing data, Delete browsing data, or Website data. Read the choices carefully: “cookies,” “site data,” and “cached files” may appear together or as separate items.
Select cookies and site data. Check the box or category for cookies and other site data. Do not select saved passwords, autofill information, or browsing history unless you also intend to remove those. Browser labels vary, so check what each selection includes.
Choose a time range. Pick the shortest range that suits your goal, such as the last hour or day, if your browser offers one. To remove all stored cookies in that browser profile, select its all-time option. A limited range may leave older cookies in place.
Clear the selected data. Confirm the action. Some browsers ask you to approve it a second time. Wait for the confirmation or for the dialog to close before checking the site again.
Reopen the website. Visit the affected site and sign in again if needed. It may ask you to choose preferences or accept its cookie notice again. If your goal was to fix a site problem, test the site before changing other browser data.

To remove cookies for one website: Use the browser’s site settings or stored website data list, search for the site’s name, and remove its entry. This is usually preferable when only one site is misbehaving, because it leaves other sites’ cookies alone. Confirm that you have selected the correct domain; related services may use different entries.

Common Mistakes

Clearing too much: Selecting “all browsing data” can delete history, cached files, saved form details, or other data along with cookies. Review each checked category before confirming.
Expecting to stay signed in: Cookies often store login sessions. Clearing them can sign you out, so keep your login method available first.
Using the wrong browser or profile: A site may be open in a different browser, private window, or profile. Clear data in the place where you actually use the site.
Assuming cookies are passwords: Cookies can maintain a session, but they are not the same as saved passwords. Clearing cookies generally does not erase passwords unless you select that separate category.
Thinking cookie removal erases everything: It clears selected data stored in the browser, not necessarily information retained by a website, an account, or another device.

Tips

Clear a single site’s data first when troubleshooting a problem confined to that site.
Use an all-time range only when you intend to remove cookies across the chosen browser profile.
Keep passwords in a trusted password manager or another secure place rather than relying on a cookie to keep you signed in.
If several people share a device, check which profile is open before deleting data. Removing cookies from the wrong profile can disrupt someone else’s sessions.
For ongoing privacy, review the browser’s cookie controls. Options to block or limit third-party cookies may be available, but they can affect how some sites work. Browser settings and site behavior can change.
Private or incognito browsing generally keeps its temporary cookies separate from the regular session and removes them when that private session ends, but it does not make all online activity invisible.

Troubleshooting

The site still has the same problem: Check that you cleared the correct browser, profile, and site entry. Close and reopen the tab, then try again. If the problem continues, a site may store relevant information in other ways, or the issue may not be cookie-related. Avoid clearing passwords or all browser data unless you understand the consequences.

You cannot find the cookie option: Search the settings for “cookies,” “site data,” or “browsing data.” On some devices, the browser’s controls are separate from the operating system’s app settings. Use the browser’s own help page if the setting is not shown.

You are asked to sign in repeatedly: Check whether the browser is set to clear cookies when it closes, whether an extension or privacy tool removes site data, or whether cookies are blocked for that site. Change only settings you recognize; managed devices may enforce these choices.

Cookies return after clearing: Websites can create new cookies when you visit them again. Clearing stored cookies is a one-time deletion, not a permanent block. Review cookie permissions if you want to limit future storage, keeping in mind that some site features may stop working.

You cleared the wrong data: If saved passwords or other data were deleted, check whether your browser sync or a password manager can restore them. Do not assume recovery is possible; options depend on the browser and whether data was backed up or synced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I clear cookies?

Your browser deletes the selected websites’ stored cookies and site data. You may be signed out, and sites may forget preferences or ask you to set them again.

Will clearing cookies delete my browsing history?

Not usually if you select only cookies and site data. Browsing history is generally a separate option, but check the selected categories before confirming.

Should I clear cookies for all websites or just one?

Clear one site’s data if only that site has a problem. Clear all cookies in the browser profile when you specifically want to remove them broadly and are prepared to sign in again.

Does clearing cookies remove saved passwords?

Normally, no. Saved passwords are usually a separate data category. Make sure the password option is not selected if you want to keep them.

How often should I clean out cookies?

There is no required schedule. Clear them when you want to remove stored site data or troubleshoot a problem; frequent clearing can mean more sign-ins and repeated preferences.

Does clearing cookies stop websites from tracking me?

It removes selected cookies already stored in that browser, but sites can create new ones, and tracking can use other methods. Review your browser’s privacy controls for additional options.

Further reading: Google Help. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.