These tiny data files track your browsing habits, store your preferences, and even save login details. While they can make online experiences smoother, they also raise real privacy concerns. If you don’t clear them regularly, cookies can build detailed profiles of your behavior, slow down your device, and expose you to targeted ads or potential security risks.

Why you should clear cookies on your phone

Removing cookies helps protect your personal information from third-party tracking and reduces the chance of your data being misused. It can also free up storage space, improve browsing performance, and stop advertisers from following you across apps and websites.

What cookies actually do

Cookies come in two types:

• Session cookies — temporary and deleted when you close the browser

• Persistent cookies — stay on your device until you remove them
  They remember things like login status, website preferences, and shopping carts. Convenient—yes. Private—not always.

The risks of letting cookies pile up

Accumulated cookies make it easier for advertisers to track you, and in some cases, hackers can exploit them to access your accounts. Too many cookies can also slow your phone down over time.

How to clear cookies on iPhone

1. Open Settings

2. Tap Safari

3. Select Clear History and Website Data

4. Confirm
   For Chrome or Firefox, open each app’s settings and look for privacy or data-clearing options.

How to clear cookies on Android

(Chrome example)

1. Open Chrome

2. Tap the three dots

3. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security

4. Tap Clear browsing data

5. Select Cookies and site data

6. Confirm with Clear data

Other ways to boost privacy

Try privacy-focused browsers, adjust app privacy settings, consider a VPN, and keep your device updated. These steps reduce tracking and enhance your overall security.

How often should you do it?

If you browse heavily or want stronger privacy, clear cookies weekly. Most users can do it monthly. If you use a shared device, clear them right after logging into important accounts.