How to Clear Cookies on Android
How to Clear Cookies on Android? Your device stores small files from websites named cookies to enhance user browsing experience. The buildup of cookies creates two problems: it affects device speed and harms privacy while causing difficulties with account login access. Your Android device will become faster and solve browser issues and improve privacy through deletion of cookies. The following guideline presents multiple steps to erase cookies on Android devices.
Why Should You Clear Cookies?
Before we dive into the methods, here are some reasons why clearing cookies is beneficial:
- Improves privacy: Cookies store browsing data that can be tracked by advertisers.
- Frees up storage: Clearing cookies helps remove unnecessary files and saves space.
- Fixes browsing issues: If a website is not loading properly or login issues occur, clearing cookies may help.
- Prevents targeted ads: Advertisers use cookies to track your activity; clearing them reduces targeted advertisements.
Method 1: Clearing Cookies in Google Chrome
Since Google Chrome is the most widely used browser on Android, let’s start with it.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
- Tap on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll down and tap on Privacy and security.
- Tap Clear browsing data.
- Choose Cookies and site data (you may also select Cached images and files if needed).
- Select Time range (choose “All time” for a complete cleanup).
- Tap Clear data to remove cookies.
Alternative Shortcut:
- Simply type chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar and hit Enter to go directly to the clearing options.
Method 2: Clearing Cookies in Mozilla Firefox
If you are using Firefox, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Mozilla Firefox on your Android device.
- Tap on the three-dot menu in the lower-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down to Delete browsing data.
- Select Cookies (you can also choose cache and other browsing data if needed).
- Tap Delete browsing data to confirm.
Alternative Method:
- Open a new tab in Firefox.
- Type about**:preferences****#privacy** in the address bar.
- Navigate to Cookies and Site Data and clear them manually.
Method 3: Clearing Cookies in Samsung Internet Browser
For Samsung device users, the Samsung Internet browser is a common choice.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Samsung Internet on your Android phone.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Privacy and security.
- Tap Delete browsing data.
- Check Cookies and site data.
- Tap Delete to clear cookies.
Alternative Method:
- Open Settings on your Android phone.
- Go to Apps > Samsung Internet.
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache and Data.
Method 4: Clearing Cookies in Microsoft Edge
For Edge users, the process is slightly different.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Tap on the three-dot menu.
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy and security.
- Tap Clear browsing data.
- Select Cookies and site data.
- Tap Clear data to confirm.
Method 5: Clearing Cookies in Opera Browser
If you are an Opera user, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Opera on your Android device.
- Tap on the profile icon.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll to Privacy and tap Clear browsing data.
- Select Cookies and site data.
- Tap Clear data.
Method 6: Clearing Cookies for All Apps Using Android Settings
If you want to clear cookies from all browsers and apps:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open Settings on your Android device.
- Go to Apps & notifications or Application Manager.
- Tap on the browser or app you want to clear cookies for.
- Go to Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache and Clear data.
Note: Clearing data will log you out of websites, so make sure to back up important information.
How to Prevent Websites from Storing Cookies
If you don’t want websites to store cookies in the future, you can:
- Use incognito mode: Open Chrome, tap on New Incognito Tab to browse without storing cookies.
- Block third-party cookies: In Chrome settings, go to Privacy and security > Cookies and site data > Select “Block third-party cookies”.
- Use privacy-focused browsers: Try browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo that automatically block cookies.
Conclusion
Android users need to clear their cookies because it protects their privacy and enhances speed and resolves website problems. Each Android browser including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet and Opera offers a straightforward method to delete saved cookies. Android provides users with built-in settings that enable them to clear cookies from all installed applications. Users should periodically remove their browsing cookies to preserve security and enhance their privacy with additional protective tools. Your ability to effectively handle cookies allows faster browsing with secured data protection and improved online security measures.
