Cookies are turned on by default in Chrome, but you can change that setting if you've blocked them
Chrome allows cookies automatically when you first install it. If you've blocked them — either all cookies or cookies from specific websites — you can turn them back on in a few clicks. The steps depend on whether you want to allow all cookies again or just unblock certain sites.
Cookies are small files that websites store on your computer to remember things about you: what you put in a shopping cart, whether you're logged in, what language you prefer. Without them, many websites won't work properly — you'll get logged out unexpectedly, shopping carts will empty, and sites won't remember your preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome turns cookies on by default, so you only need to change this setting if you've manually blocked them.
- To allow all cookies, open Chrome settings, go to Privacy and security, then Cookies and other site data, and select "Allow all cookies".
- To unblock cookies from one specific website, go to the same menu and add that site to the "Sites that can always use cookies" list.
- If a website isn't working properly, check whether you've blocked its cookies before trying other fixes.
How to allow all cookies in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears.
On the left side of the Settings page, click Privacy and security. Then click Cookies and other site data. You'll see several options for how Chrome handles cookies. Click the radio button next to "Allow all cookies". Chrome will save this change automatically — you don't need to click a separate save button.
Once you've done this, all websites can store cookies on your computer. If you want to be more selective and only allow cookies from certain sites, use the next section instead.
How to allow cookies from one website only
If you want to keep most cookies blocked but allow them from a specific website, you can add that site to an exception list. Open Chrome settings and go to Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data as described above.
Look for the section labeled "Sites that can always use cookies". Click the Add button next to it. Type the website address — for example, amazon.com or gmail.com — and click Add. That website can now store cookies even if you have cookies blocked for everything else.
You can add as many sites as you need this way. If you change your mind about a site, click the trash icon next to its name to remove it from the list.
What to do if a website still isn't working after you allow cookies
Sometimes a website won't work properly even after you've allowed cookies. This usually means the site needs a different setting, not just cookies. Check whether you've also blocked JavaScript — many modern websites need both cookies and JavaScript to function.
To check your JavaScript setting, go to Privacy and security > Site settings > JavaScript. Make sure "Allowed (recommended)" is selected. If you've blocked JavaScript for a specific site, you can add it to the exceptions list the same way you would for cookies.
If the website still doesn't work, the problem is likely something else — try clearing your browser cache, or try the website in a different browser to see if the issue is Chrome-specific.
The difference between allowing all cookies and third-party cookies
Chrome's main cookie setting controls first-party cookies — cookies that the website you're visiting creates. These are what let a site remember you're logged in or what you put in your cart. When you select "Allow all cookies," you're allowing these.
Third-party cookies are different. These are cookies created by other companies — usually advertisers or analytics services — while you're on a website. Chrome has a separate setting for these. To control third-party cookies, go to Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data and look for the option about third-party cookies. You can block them entirely, allow them, or block them only in Incognito mode.
Most people don't need to change the third-party cookie setting. The main cookie setting (first-party) is what you'll adjust if a website isn't working.
How to check if cookies are blocked for a specific site
If one website isn't working but others are, you may have blocked cookies for just that site. Click the lock icon or information icon next to the website address in Chrome's address bar. Click Cookies and data stored or Cookies. You'll see a list of cookies that site has tried to store.
If you see a message saying cookies are blocked, go back to Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data and check the "Sites that can't use cookies" section. If the website is listed there, click the trash icon next to it to remove the block.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning on cookies make my browsing less private?
Cookies from websites you visit let those sites remember you, but they don't let other companies track you across the internet — that's what third-party cookies do. If you're concerned about privacy, you can allow first-party cookies (which most websites need to work) while keeping third-party cookies blocked.
Do I need to restart Chrome after changing cookie settings?
No. Chrome saves cookie settings immediately. You may need to refresh the webpage you're on to see the change take effect, but you don't need to close and reopen Chrome.
What if I want to block cookies again after turning them on?
Go back to Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data and select a different option, such as "Block all cookies" or "Block third-party cookies in Incognito". Your change will save automatically.
Can I allow cookies in regular Chrome but block them in Incognito mode?
Yes. In the Cookies and other site data menu, you can choose to block third-party cookies specifically in Incognito mode while allowing them in regular browsing. This gives you privacy when you want it without breaking websites in your normal sessions.