What Are Persistent Cookies?
Some cookies only remain for one visit, but others stay with you over time.
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Persistent cookies are small files that contain user data that can be accessed across different browsing trips. Most websites use cookies to improve user experience. This article lays out all the details you need to know about managing persistent cookies.
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In this article
What are persistent cookies?How do persistent cookies work?
Are persistent cookies ever good?
How do I manage cookies?
What are persistent cookies?
Unlike session cookies, persistent cookies remain on your device, even after you've closed out the browser. These files help websites remember your information and settings when you visit in the future. These stored cookies result in faster and more convenient access since, for example, you don't have to login again.
Persistent cookies can also include language selections or your customized settings.
How do persistent cookies work?
Persistent cookies are small files that wait and record your preferences as you move about a webpage. On your first visit, the website is presented in default mode. During your visit, you select your preferences and these preferences are remembered, through the use of the persistent cookie, the next time you visit the site.
For example, a website may offer its contents in different languages. On your first visit, you may choose to have the content delivered in French and the site may record that preference in a persistent cookie set on your browser. When you revisit that site it will use the cookie to ensure that the content is delivered in French.
Are persistent cookies ever good?
Persistent cookies do serve a purpose, and are partially responsible for streamlining your online experience. Persistent cookies are the reason your login information autofills on selected sites. Besides authentication, other websites' features made possible by persistent cookies include: language selection, theme selection, menu preferences, and internal site bookmarks or favorites.
Persistent cookies also allow you to personalize your ad preference online.
How do I manage cookies?
While cookies help streamline your internet, for optimum efficiency, it's necessary to manage your cookie use. When you store up too many cookies (or data), your device will inevitably slow down or misbehave. Read our step-by-step guide on how to enable and disable cookies.
Alternatively, you can block cookies by using an ad blocker with tracker blocking capabilities. Here are our top recommendations:
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