How To Clear Computer Cookies [2025 Guide]

You can clear cookies by going into the settings menu of your internet browser. You should be aware that deleting cookies may sign you out of websites or make you lose the information you've saved, like items in a shopping cart or your site preferences.

Although cookies are very useful for navigating the web, you need to know the basics of removing your cookie files so you can protect your privacy online and improve your browser performance. 

But there's no one standardized way to remove cookies since different browsers clear cookies using different procedures. Since the vast majority of internet users access the web using Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Opera, we'll focus on those. For blocking unwanted cookies, trackers, and ads, consider a top-rated ad blocker extension that's compatible with all your favorite browsers. 

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is another popular browser, which makes it a larger target for spyware or malware. You can ensure your information remains private by clearing your browser cookies.

How to clear cookies in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome on your computer.

2. In the top-right corner, click the three vertical dots to bring up customization options.

3. In the drop-down menu, select Delete browsing data.

4. Select Cookies and other site data. You’ll have the option to choose a time range. To delete all your cookies, select All time. Then click Delete data.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the second most popular web browser, which isn't surprising since it comes with Windows 11. Plus, it's considered a "cutting-edge" browser because it frequently releases new updates, like the integration of AI with Copilot.

How to clear cookies in Microsoft Edge

1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.

2. Select the menu icon (three dots) in the upper right corner of your browser window.

3. Click Settings.

4. Choose Privacy, search, and services.

5. Navigate to Clear browsing data now and select Choose what to clear.

6.  A time range will appear, and you can choose a time range from the list. (What you select will delete cookies collected from the chosen timeframe.)

7. Choose Cookies and other site data.

8. Click Clear now.

Safari

Please note that if you change your cookie preferences in Safari or remove the cookies in your browser, this might remove or change the cookie settings for your other applications, including your Dashboard.

How to clear cookies in Safari

1. Open Safari browser.

2. Click Safari in the upper left corner.

3. Click Settings.

4. Click the Privacy tab.

5. Click Manage Website Data.

6. Remove or Remove All to clear all cookies.

7. Click Done.

Mozilla Firefox

Before going through the steps below, make sure you're using the latest version of Firefox. Doing this ensures that you benefit from the latest security updates offered by your browser. 

How to clear cookies in Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Firefox browser and open the hamburger menu in the upper right corner. (The menu button might look like three horizontal lines.)

2. Select History. 

3. Open the Clear recent history tab.

4. In the When drop-down menu, select the time period you'd like to erase.

5 Check the box next to Cookies and site data. Leave all other options unchecked (unless you want to clear your browsing history and cache, too, which is recommended).

6. Hit Clear to clear all cookies stored on your browser.

Opera

Originally marketed as a "fast" browser, Opera has developed quite a loyal, albeit small, following throughout the years. During our testing, we found it to be one of the best browsers for privacy. 

How to clear cookies in Opera browser

1. The quickest way to clear cookies in Opera is to press Ctrl + H to open your browser history. 

2. Click Clear Browsing Data in the upper right-hand corner of the pop-up screen.

3. Select the Time Range you'd like to clear from the dropdown.

4. Check the box for Cookies and other site data, then click Delete data. (It's recommended that you clear the cache and browsing history, too.)

Bottom line: How to protect your privacy online

While cookies are relatively harmless, they can be used to track your online activities. Ad blockers that stop unwanted ads, pop-ups, and malicious downloads can help protect you online. Plus, the best ad blockers include anti-tracking features (like stopping tracker cookies) and can warn you of potentially malicious websites. As a bonus, you'll be able to stream your favorite content on YouTube and other platforms ad-free.