Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (2024)

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Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (10)

Last Updated by Sarah Barnes on June 19, 2022

Cookies can improve your browsing experience and save information like passwords and usernames for your convenience.

However, they can also be exploited to track your data or pry into your online activity.

Here is our Ultimate Guide for Internet Cookies.

  • Does a VPN Protect Your From Cookies
  • Different Types of Cookies
  • Privacy Issues Surrounding Cookies
  • How to Clear Cookies from:
    • Chrome – Linux, MacOS, and Windows
    • Chrome – Mobile
    • Firefox – iOS
    • Firefox – Android
    • Firefox – Linux, MacOS, and Windows
    • Internet Explorer 9, 10, 11
    • Safari – iOS
    • Safari – MacOS Edge

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (11)

VPN Services and Cookies

While a VPN is a great security tool for making you anonymous online, it does not prevent cookies from tracking you. That being said, because the VPN is can connect you with foreign servers and hide your IP address, it will give some false information to the tracking cookies.

Some VPNs, like CyberGhost, have a feature that prevents tracking. Unfortunately, this seems to be the exception to the rule, as opposed to a standard VPN feature.

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (12)

If online security and privacy are important to you, then getting a VPN is an important step, but when it comes to cookies the best things to do are clear your browser (instructions below) or use incognito mode.

A VPN allows you to obscure your online activity by connecting to a remote server, making it impossible for individuals and advertisers to track your online data.

There are many differentVPN services available. The The key to staying safe while browsing the web is to choose a service that offers multiple procedures for protection and integrates with your preferred browser and device.

While there are some free VPN services, they don’t provide the same security as premium accounts. Additionally, these services don’t offer the same speeds or network sizes, and many platforms are initiating ways to identify and block them, rendering the service practically useless and you vulnerable.

Everything You Need to Know About Internet Cookies

Internet cookies are small files stored on your browser that contain data about your interaction with websites. The information within a cookie does vary, but they typically include:

  • A unique number generated randomly to identify you as a user
  • The name of the website where the cookie appeared
  • The cookie’s expiration date
  • Your saved preferences on a site
  • Whether you’re a first time visitor to a website

Today, there are various types of cookies.

1. Session Cookies

These are temporary cookies your browser stores that don’t have an expiration date, so they start when you enter a website and end when you close your web browser. Session cookies are the least harmful to your privacy because they don’t store information about your device.

2. Persistent Cookies

Persistent, or permanent, cookies store data even after you close your web browser until they expire or are deleted.

These cookies can be useful because you don’t have to re-enter your credentials every time you visit your favorite sites.

However, persistent cookies are the most harmful regarding both privacy and security because of the way they store your data, making it easy for others to obtain, and possibly gain access to your online accounts.

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (13)

3. Supercookies

Supercookies aren’t that super; they’re a nuisance. Aside from embedding themselves onto your device, these tracking cookies can be difficult to delete on some operating systems. Supercookies contain information like:

  • Authentication details
  • Data that allows companies to send targeted ads
  • Browsing history

4. Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies allow advertisers to send targeted ads to individual users. The best way to identify these cookies is by looking at the domain, as while cookies usually have the same domain attribute as the websites you visit, third party ones are different.

The Privacy and Security Issues Surrounding Cookies

The server your device is communicating with and your device itself are the only two parties that have access to your cookies. While this doesn’t sound alarming, you have no idea what the sites you visit do with the information in those cookies, hence the concern for the link between cookies and data protection.

1. Targeted Ads

With advancements in online marketing, cookies can track and collect your browsing data to discern personal information for personalized ads. Information can be shared or sold between different advertising networks, and once your data is in their hands, you have no say over how they use it.

2. Hackers and Phishing Attacks

If a hacker gains access to your device, they can also gain access to all the information in your cookies and use them to their advantage.

Clearing Cookies in Different Browsers

If you want to prevent the risk to your personal information, you must clear the cookies in your browser regularly.

Google Chrome on Linux, MacOS, and Windows

  • Open Chrome
  • Click the three vertical dots at the top right-hand side of your browser
  • Select “More Tools”
  • Select “Clear Browsing Data”

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (14)

  • Select “Browsing history”
  • Select “Cookies and other site data”
  • Select “Cached images and files”
  • In the menu at the top, select “All time” to delete all cookies

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (15)

Google Chrome – iOS and Android

  • Open the Chrome on your phone or tablet
  • Click on the three vertical dots at the bottom right of your screen
  • Select “History”
  • Select “Clear browsing data”

Firefox – iOS

  • Click the number icon in the top right-hand corner of your screen
  • Click on the three horizontal lines at the bottom of your screen
  • In the menu panel, select “Settings”
  • Under “Privacy,” select “Clear private data”
  • Select the data you’d like to delete and select “Clear private data”

Firefox – Android

  • Click the three vertical dots and select “History”
  • Navigate to “History” panel
  • Select “ Clear browsing history”
  • Select “OK” to confirm

Firefox – Linux, MacOS, and Windows

  • Click on the three vertical lines in the top right-hand side of your browser
  • Choose “Preferences”
  • Select the “Privacy & Security” panel
  • Go to the “History” section
  • Navigate to “Firefox will”
  • Choose “Use custom settings for history”
  • Click “Show Cookies” followed by “Remove all”

Internet Explorer 9, 10, 11 – Windows 10

  • Hold Ctrl, Shift, and Delete simultaneously
  • Check “Cookies and website data” as well as “Temporary Internet files and website files”
  • Uncheck “Preserve Favorites website data”
  • Click “Delete”
  • A message saying “Internet Explorer has finished deleting the selected browsing history” will appear at the bottom of your page

Safari – iOS

  • Go to “Settings” followed by Safari
  • Select “Clear History and Website Data”
  • Under “Block Cookies,” choose the settings to suit your needs

You can also set Safari to not keep a browser history.

  • Open Safari
  • Tap on the two overlaying boxes at the bottom right-hand side of your screen
  • Tap on “Private” followed by “Done”

Safari – MacOS

  • Open Safari
  • Click on “History” followed by “Clear History”

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (16)

  • Select “All history”

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (17)

Edge

  • Click the three horizontal dots
  • Select “Choose what to clear”
  • Check “Cookies and saved website data”
  • Check “Browsing history”
  • Check “Cached data and files”
  • Select “Clear”

Bottom Line

If you want to stay safe online, it’s essential that you delete your browsing history and cookies on a regular basis.

The key to complete online anonymity is to manage these elements in conjunction with a high-quality VPN.

Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (18)

Sarah is a security writer who believes that people are entitled to a high level of online privacy. She specializes in managing digital projects for small to medium businesses from various industries.

This Article contains

  • VPN Services and Cookies
  • Everything You Need to Know About Internet Cookies
  • The Privacy and Security Issues Surrounding Cookies
  • Clearing Cookies in Different Browsers
  • Bottom Line

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Are Cookies Affected by a VPN and How to Delete Them (2024)

FAQs

Does VPN get rid of cookies? ›

While a VPN is a great security tool for making you anonymous online, it does not prevent cookies from tracking you. That being said, because the VPN is can connect you with foreign servers and hide your IP address, it will give some false information to the tracking cookies.

Is it a good idea to remove all cookies? ›

Although small, cookies do occupy space on your computer. If there are enough of them stored over a long period of time, they could slow down the speed of your computer and other devices. Flagged, suspicious cookies. If your antivirus software flags suspicious cookies, you should delete them.

How do I enable cookies on VPN? ›

Why do you need Cookies?
  1. If you're using Chrome, go to Chrome > Preferences and you'll see a settings menu appear within the browser window. ...
  2. Now, click the Content settings button, and then, to enable cookies, click Allow local data to be set (recommended).

How do I clear all cookie data? ›

Clear all cookies
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app .
  2. To the right of the address bar, tap More. Settings.
  3. Tap Privacy and security. Clear browsing data.
  4. Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time.
  5. Check Cookies and site data and uncheck all other items.
  6. Tap Clear data. Clear.

Are cookies deleted permanently? ›

This type of cookie is created when a user enters a website and they only serve for as long as you browse on that page. The cookie is permanently deleted when you close the web browser. Session cookies don't collect any information from your device, so they don't really cause any harm to your privacy.

What happens if you don't delete cookies? ›

Without your cookies, website hosts won't be able to count how many times you visit their sites, nor will they be able to create a digital persona based on your personal information. You may see fewer targeted ads as a result. However, the main appeal of deleting your cookies is that it gives you a clean slate.

What happens if I refuse all cookies? ›

What happens if you don't accept cookies? – The potential problem with refusing to accept cookies is that some website owners may not allow you to use their websites if you don't accept their cookies. Another downside is that without acceptance, you may not receive the full user experience on certain websites.

How often should you clear all cookies? ›

So how often should you clean these cookies? If you're using a public computer, you should delete them and other data, such as browsing history, right after your session. If it's your personal device, it's a good idea to remove all cookies at least once a month to keep your device neat.

How do I know if my cookies are enabled? ›

In Chrome
  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More. Settings.
  3. Under "Privacy and security," click Site settings.
  4. Click Cookies.
  5. From here, you can: Turn on cookies: Next to "Blocked," turn on the switch. Turn off cookies: Turn off Allow sites to save and read cookie data.

Can websites track you with a VPN? ›

If you're using a trustworthy VPN service, your browsing activities become illegible to snoopers. However, this doesn't mean a VPN user is entirely untraceable online. Internet service providers (ISPs), websites, and even governments can determine whether you're using a VPN.

Do cookies contain IP address? ›

Yes, some cookies track IP addresses from users when they visit a website. The use of such tracking cookies is regulated in most parts of the world, and under the EU's GDPR, California's CCPA/CPRA, Brazil's LGPD and South Africa's POPIA, IP addresses are considered personal data/information.

Does clearing cookies log everything out? ›

Clearing cookies will log you out of all the websites that you are currently logged into on that computer or phone. You will have to log in again to use those sites.

What is the fastest way to clear cache and cookies? ›

Delete browser cache and cookies in Chrome

Open Google Chrome. Click the menu button ⋮ > More Tools > Clear browsing data. On the Clear browsing data window, select which time range you want to clear. Put a check beside Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, and then click Clear data.

Does clearing cookies delete passwords? ›

Clearing your browser's cache and cookies means that website settings (like usernames and passwords) will be deleted and some sites might appear to be a little slower because all of the images have to be loaded again.

Why do cookies come back after I delete them? ›

However, the bad cookies that malware scanners can detect and remove want to try and steal your personal information. If bad cookies keep making their way back onto your company computer after a scanner removes them, it is because your Web browsing keeps inviting the cookie back.

How long are cookies saved? ›

Information. Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature two to three weeks or two months in the refrigerator. Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for eight to 12 months. Moist bars, such as cheesecake and lemon bars, can be refrigerated for seven days.

What happens if I remove all cookies from Chrome? ›

Clear all cookies

Important: If you remove cookies, you're signed out of websites and your saved preferences could be deleted. Cookies and other site data.

Is it good to clear cookies and cache? ›

It is a good idea to clear your browser cache because it: prevents you from using old forms. protects your personal information. helps our applications run better on your computer.

Is clearing cache same as deleting cookies? ›

In most browsers, the options for clearing the cache and clearing cookies are in the same place—but they're not the same thing. Your cache stores files downloaded directly from the websites you visit—fonts, images, that kind of thing.

Why should I not block all cookies? ›

If you Block all cookies then none of the functions we mentioned earlier will work (auto login, adding items to a shopping cart, etc.) and some websites may become unusable. To delete the cookies you already have, go to Settings then under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

Can cookies steal passwords? ›

Can cookies steal passwords? Cookies aren't able to directly steal passwords. They simply save a scrambled version on your device that only the website can decode.

Why are all websites asking about cookies 2022? ›

Don't worry, there's no baking involved here. In fact, the cookie we're referring to is really just a small piece of data that's stored on a computer as you browse through websites. It's a way your favorite sites remember you.

Can accepting cookies cause viruses? ›

Since the data in cookies doesn't change, cookies themselves aren't harmful. They can't infect computers with viruses or other malware. However, some cyberattacks can hijack cookies and enable access to your browsing sessions. The danger lies in their ability to track individuals' browsing histories.

Who can see my cookies? ›

A cookie can only be read by the site that created it

Any cookie on your computer can only be read by the website that created that cookie. Web browsers are very strict about enforcing this.

How can I see my hidden cookies? ›

Inspect Cookies in Google Chrome
  1. Right-click on your browser window. ...
  2. Choose 'Inspect. ...
  3. Choose the Applications tab. ...
  4. Select 'Cookies. ...
  5. Check installed cookies. ...
  6. Right-click anywhere in the browser window. ...
  7. Choose 'Inspect Element. ...
  8. Choose 'Storage' in the menu bar.
18 Dec 2020

Do all websites use cookies? ›

Do all websites use cookies? Almost all websites in the world use cookies, whether their owners/operators are aware of it or not. Cookies are by far the most used technology for tracking, collecting, and sharing data from website visitors.

What does a VPN not hide? ›

What doesn't a VPN hide? A VPN doesn't hide your activity from online registered accounts. Anyone can still see your social media shares, posts, and pictures. A VPN is also different from antivirus software; while it boosts your online security, it doesn't protect you from cyberattacks.

Can police find me if I use VPN? ›

Police can't track live, encrypted VPN traffic, but if they have a court order, they can go to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and request connection or usage logs. Since your ISP knows you're using a VPN, they can direct the police to them.

Can my IP address be traced if I use a VPN? ›

If you're using a VPN, your IP address will be hidden. However, there are some ways in which you can be tracked even when you're using a VPN. For example, your ISP can track your activity if you're using a VPN that doesn't encrypt your traffic.

How do you protect yourself from tracking cookies? ›

You can prevent tracking cookies from spying on your online activity by installing ad block plugins that come along with most major browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer and so on. There are a number of good ad block plugins that you can find on the web by searching 'ad block plugins' in Google.

Can a hacker steal your cookies? ›

How Hackers Steal Cookies. Browsers allow users to maintain authentication, remember passwords and autofill forms. That might seem convenient, but attackers can exploit this functionality to steal credentials and skip the login challenge. Behind the scenes, browsers use SQLite database files that contain cookies.

Can hackers get your cookies? ›

Like a phishing attack, cookie hijacking allows a cybercriminal to steal personal information like usernames, passwords, and other important data held within the cookie. If you enter your information while on the fake website, the criminal can then put that cookie in their browser and impersonate you online.

Does NordVPN stop cookies? ›

Ultimately, it's your choice, but, with the threat of undetectable ISP super cookies tracking us, we recommend you browse with a VPN. NordVPN prevents any and all tracking software that your ISP will try to sneak into your network.

Can you block cookies from tracking? ›

You can prevent tracking cookies from spying on your online activity by installing ad block plugins that come along with most major browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer and so on. There are a number of good ad block plugins that you can find on the web by searching 'ad block plugins' in Google.

Are cookies tracked in private browsing? ›

When you browse privately, other people who use the device won't see your history. Chrome doesn't save your browsing history or information entered in forms. Cookies and site data are remembered while you're browsing, but deleted when you exit Incognito mode.

Should I accept cookies when using VPN? ›

Cookies don't affect your VPN. You deal with cookies the same way you would without a VPN, however it is you deal with 'em. Cookies don't affect VPN, but VPN doesn't affect cookies. Cookies are used by web sites to track you.

Can I refuse to accept cookies? ›

Do you HAVE to accept cookies? Most cookies are really not an issue. They are just used by the website owner so you have a better experience with the site. You can decline the “Accept Cookies” message and most websites will work just fine.

What is the best way to block cookies? ›

To block all third-party cookies in Google Chrome in one fell swoop: Click the three dots icon in the upper-right corner, select Settings and go to Security and privacy → Cookies and other site data. To block all third-party cookies, select Block third-party cookies.

How long does a tracking cookie last? ›

The cookie's expiration date is decided by the brand when the affiliate program is initially set up, so it can vary between vertical and retailer. However, the network standard for this is usually 30 days, as it gives the consumer enough time to make their purchase decision.

Do cookies know every site you visit? ›

It will collect information about all the sites you visit, the pages you looked at within a website, products you might have clicked on or purchases that you've made etc. Advertisers use the information collected via tracking cookies to serve users custom ads across the web and in their social media feeds.

Does accepting cookies in Incognito do anything? ›

Cookies are still used, but everything starts "fresh" when the incognito window is launched. This applies all storage, including Cookies, Local Storage, Web SQL, IndexedDB, cache, etc. Of course Chrome also leaves pages out of the browser's history. Save this answer.

Can hackers see your Incognito history? ›

Incognito mode does not mean you're browsing anonymously. Personal information like your device's IP address and what you're doing on a website (especially while logged in) is visible to others around the web who might be tracking you online.

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