Is there a way to automatically reject all cookies?

Yes, you can automatically reject all cookies by adjusting your browser settings or using extensions. Most browsers allow you to block all cookies or only third-party cookies in their privacy settings. Additionally, you can install extensions like Ghostery or I Don't Care About Cookies , which automate the process of rejecting cookie consent banners. These tools help you avoid manually declining cookies on every website, enhancing your browsing privacy and convenience.

What are the disadvantages of blocking cookies?

Blocking cookies can lead to a less personalized and more cumbersome browsing experience. Essential website functions like staying logged in, remembering preferences, and maintaining shopping carts rely on cookies. Without them, you may need to repeatedly enter information or log in each time you visit a site. Some websites might not function correctly or restrict access to content and services. Additionally, certain features like language settings or region-specific content may not be available, reducing overall usability.

What happens if I reject all cookies?

Rejecting all cookies can significantly impact your online experience. Cookies are used by websites to remember your preferences, login details, and items in your shopping cart. If you reject them, you'll need to log in every time you visit a site, and your preferences won't be saved, requiring you to manually adjust settings like language or display options on each visit. Online shopping becomes cumbersome since items won't stay in your cart between sessions. Some websites may not function correctly or may block access altogether because they rely on cookies for essential operations. Additionally, rejecting cookies doesn't completely prevent tracking, as websites might use alternative methods like browser fingerprinting to collect data.

Guide

How to Block Cookies on Most Browsers

Key Points:

Cookies can be useful but they cause major privacy and security issues on the web.
Some browsers allow you to stop tracking cookies but their blocking capabilities are limited.
Downloading a cookie-blocking extension is one of the best ways to stop cookie pop-ups, enhance your browsing experience, and improve your digital privacy.
Ghostery’s new feature ‘Never-Consent’ is a next-generation cookie blocker that automatically opts out from all cookie pop-ups and tracking.
This approach does not cause website breakage and sends important messages to website owners saying that Ghostery users don’t want to be tracked.

This article contains

How to Block Cookies

A cookie is a small text file that web servers create while a user is browsing a website. This data is stored within the web browser and the website can retrieve it at a later date.

Cookies can be useful as they remember important information - such as your login and your shopping cart - to improve your browsing experience. However, browser cookies cause various privacy and security issues on the web today. In a recent study, 95% of users rejected consent cookies when there is an option to reject additional cookies.

If you find cookies annoying, you’ve come to the right place! This article will tell you how to block third-party cookies and stop cookie pop-ups on most browsers to improve your digital privacy.

Annoying - Most internet users find cookie pop-ups intrusive and annoying. This is one of the main reasons why cookie blocker extensions are becoming so popular.
Harming browsing experience - Cookie pop-ups and banners can harm your browsing experience, especially if multiple pop-ups appear or they cover important information.
Leading to privacy issues - Third-party cookies contain web trackers which analyze your behavior online and build a user profile. This data is used for marketing purposes and is often sold to third-party companies for a profit.
Lacking transparency - The lack of transparency about how cookies work and how the data they collect is used is a major part of the problem. In a recent poll, half of the consumers surveyed will just accept a user cookie prompt despite having concerns about how their data is shared.

Suggested reading: If you want to find out more about web trackers, check out - What is web tracking and how can I browse safely

Most web browsers offer three cookie filtering options: allow all cookies, block third-party cookies, or block all cookies.

Some websites experience breakage if you block all cookies as first-party cookies are often used to improve the user experience. For that reason, many people are satisfied to just block third-party cookies.

TIP: Blocking third-party cookies will usually not cause breakage or impact your experience with the web browser as most sites only rely on first-party cookies to improve functionality.

How to stop cookies in Chrome

It is no longer possible to block all cookies in Chrome, although you can block and delete all third-party cookies when you close the browser.

Step 1: Go to ‘Menu’ > ‘Settings’
Step 2: Scroll down and click ‘Advanced’ > ‘Content settings’
Step 3: Click ‘Cookies’ > ‘Block all third-party cookies’

Suggested reading: If you want to find out more about the best cookie blocker for Chrome, check out - How to block trackers on Chrome.

How to stop cookies in Firefox

Step 1: Go to ‘Menu’ > ‘Options’
Step 2: Click on ‘Privacy & security’ > ‘Browser privacy’ > ‘Content blocking’ and select ‘Custom.’
Step 3: Select “All third-party cookies” or “All cookies” from the drop-down menu.

How to stop cookies in Safari

Step 1: Click ‘Safari’ in the top left-hand corner
Step 2: Select ‘Preferences’ > ‘Privacy’
Step 3: Tick ‘Block all cookies’

Tip: You can download a cookie blocker for Safari if you want to remove cookie pop-ups and prevent online tracking on Safari.

How to stop cookies in Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Click ‘More actions’ button in the top right corner
Step 2: Select ‘Settings’ > ‘Site permissions’
Step 3: Untick ‘Allow sites to save and read cookie data’ and select ‘Block third-party cookies’

How to stop cookies in Opera

Step 1: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy and security’
Step 2: Click Cookies and other site data’
Step 3: Select ‘Clear cookies and site data’ when you close Opera

You will need to follow a slightly different process in learning how to stop cookie pop ups in mobile browsers. We will outline how to block cookies in Firefox, Chrome and Safari on your phone or smart device below.

Firefox

Step 1: Select the ‘Menu’ tab next to the address bar
Step 2: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy & Security’
Step 3: Tick ‘Block cookies’ & choose the type of cookies you want to block

Chrome

Step 1: Open the Chrome app on your Android device
Step 2: Click ‘More’ > ‘Settings’ > ‘Site settings’ > ‘Cookies’
Step 3: Turn cookies on or off

Safari

Step 1: Open Settings > Safari
Step 2: Scroll down to ‘Privacy & Security’
Step 3: Select ‘Block cookies’

TIP: You can download an Android cookie blocker if you want to stop cookie pop-ups and prevent tracking on most mobile browsers.

Will my browser block all cookies?

Most web browsers have cookie blocker capabilities but they are not perfect and some ads and pop-ups will still appear. A cookie pop-up may still be able to track your search history and activity online if you don’t take extra steps to protect your data.

The best option is to download a cookie blocker extension like Ghostery’s Tracker & Ad Blocker if you want more control over how cookies are managed. This will improve your digital privacy and prevent tracking techniques - without harming your browsing experience.

What is a cookies blocker extension?

You can download a cookie blocker extension to auto reject cookies and remove intrusive cookie consent notices that pop all over the web. This will improve your browsing experience and stop you from accidentally allowing cookies.

The Ghostery Privacy Suite includes a next-generation cookie blocker that is rated as one of the best cookie blocker extensions on the market today - and it’s completely free to use!

In summary, Ghostery:

Blocks ads and pop-ups on websites and non-private search engines
Blocks trackers on websites and non-private search engines
Prevents private data from leaving your browser
Prevents profiling

Ghostery is compatible with all major web browsers and devices, including Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Opera and Safari.

Ghostery already blocks all tracking covered by the community block lists, along with new or obscure trackers thanks to our Anti-Tracking feature and the Ghostery user community.

However, we believe that website owners should be aware that Ghostery users do not want to be tracked online which is one of the reasons we introduced our latest feature ‘Never-Consent.’

The introduction of ‘Never-Consent’ means:

A new tracker category called “consent management” will be identified by Ghostery's WhoTracks.Me, the largest database of trackers.
Ghostery will stop blocking GDPR dialogs but will continue to block cookies and pop-ups which do not cause much breakage.
You can set Ghostery to automatically “click-through” GDPR cookie consent pop-ups and chose optimal privacy settings. This will give users peace of mind, reduce privacy concerns, and improve their browsing experience.

Unlike traditional cookie blockers, Ghostery does not simply hide cookie pop-ups. Instead, it automates the interaction with consent dialogs which auto-rejects cookies without any user interaction.

This removes intrusive cookie consent pop-ups and also sends important messages to website owners telling them that you don’t want to be tracked.

Simply removing or hiding a cookie consent pop-up will not stop companies from tracking you as website owners may still think that you’re happy for them to collect your personal data.

This is why Ghostery will always choose optimal privacy settings automatically for its users, and block all tracking, regardless of what you select on the cookie consent manager form. This lets website owners know that you are against online tracking.

Should I use a private browser?

Using a private web browser and a cookie blocker together will improve your digital privacy and browsing experience.

The Ghostery Private Browser has an ad, tracker and cookie blocker as well as private search built-in to create a more secure and private browsing experience. We recommend using a private browser if you share your computer or device with others and want to keep your browsing history and personal information private.

Suggested reading: If you want to find out more about private browsers, check out our recent blog - What is a Private Browser?

Many internet users are frustrated by endless cookie pop-ups disrupting their browsing experience. Not only are cookie pop-ups annoying, but they can also track your online activity and collect your personal data without your knowledge.

The Ghostery Privacy Suite is the ultimate solution if you want to remove intrusive cookie pop-ups, prevent online tracking, and more. Our new feature ‘Never-Consent’ is a next-generation cookie blocker that auto-rejects consent and third-party cookies. Furthermore it sends important messages to website owners letting them know that you don't want to be tracked.

Download the Ghostery Privacy Suite for free today or get in touch if you have any questions. We’re more than happy to talk to you!

How to Block Cookies on Most Browsers

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