All About Cookies
A complete guide to what cookies are, how cookies work, and why cookies are important for your web experience and privacy.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device (computer, phone, or tablet) when you visit them. They help websites remember information about you and your preferences.
Think of cookies as a "memory note" that the website leaves on your device. The next time you visit the same website, it can read this note and remember who you are and what you like.
Cookies are fundamental to how modern websites work - without them, you would need to log in every time you visit a page, and websites couldn't remember your settings.
Examples of how cookies stored on your device might look
How do cookies work?
Cookies work through a simple process between your browser and the website you visit.
When you visit a website for the first time, the server sends instructions to your browser to create cookies.
Your browser stores these cookies locally on your device, organized by domain and website.
On your next visit, your browser automatically sends the relevant cookies back to the server.
Cookies are stored per domain
Result: No Google cookies exist → Maps doesn't function optimally
Result: Google cookies exist → Maps functions fully
Important to understand
Cookies are domain-specific. If you've never visited google.com, Google Maps on another website won't have access to any Google cookies, which can affect functionality. But if you've previously visited Google services, these cookies will be available for iframe content from Google.
Different types of cookies
Cookies are categorized based on their purpose and how they affect your privacy.
Essential for the website's basic functionality
Examples:
Remember your settings and choices
Examples:
Help us understand how visitors use the website
Examples:
Used for targeted advertising and tracking
Examples:
How long do cookies last?
Automatically deleted when you close your browser
Remain on your device until they expire or are deleted
First-party vs. third-party cookies
Created by the website you're directly visiting. Generally safer and more privacy-friendly.
Used for:
- Keeping you logged in
- Remembering language choices
- Saving shopping cart
- Website settings
Created by domains other than the one you're visiting (e.g., advertising companies). Can be used for tracking.
Used for:
- Targeted advertising
- Cross-site tracking
- Social media buttons
- Analytics tools
Your privacy and control
You have the right to know which cookies are used and to control them.
Under GDPR, you have the right to know which cookies are collected, why they're used, and to give or withdraw your consent.
Modern cookie banners allow you to easily choose which types of cookies you want to accept or reject.
You can change your cookie preferences or delete existing cookies in your browser at any time.
Common questions about cookies
No, cookies themselves are not dangerous. They can't run code, install viruses, or damage your device. However, they can be used to track your activity, which can affect your privacy.
If you block all cookies, many websites won't function properly. You may need to log in every time you visit a page, and your settings won't be saved.
Yes, you can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. You can also set your browser to automatically delete cookies when you close it.
EU's GDPR legislation requires websites to get your explicit consent before using non-essential cookies. That's why you see cookie banners on almost all websites nowadays.
Want to manage cookies on your website?
Cookiefy helps you implement GDPR-compliant cookie management with AI-driven classification and beautiful consent banners.