Cookies are turned on by default on Mac, but you may need to adjust your settings if websites aren't working properly
Most websites on Mac work because cookies are already enabled in Safari and Chrome. Cookies are small files that websites store on your computer to remember you — they keep you logged in, remember what's in your shopping cart, and let sites show you ads based on what you've looked at. If a website tells you to enable cookies, or if you can't log into an account, the problem is usually that your browser is blocking them. You can turn them back on in about 30 seconds.
The steps differ between Safari and Chrome, and the menu locations have changed in recent versions of macOS. This guide covers the current versions of both browsers and shows you exactly where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Safari and Chrome both allow cookies by default, so you only need to change settings if a website specifically asks you to or if you cannot log in.
- In Safari, you find cookie settings under Safari menu > Settings > Privacy, then choose to allow cookies from websites you visit.
- In Chrome, you go to Chrome menu > Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data, then toggle "Allow all cookies" on.
- If you want to allow cookies for one website but block them everywhere else, both browsers let you add exceptions for specific sites.
- Clearing your cookies will log you out of websites and remove saved passwords, so only do this if a website is malfunctioning.
Enable cookies in Safari on Mac
Open Safari and click the Safari menu in the top left corner of your screen. You will see a dropdown menu. Click Settings (or Preferences if you are using an older version of macOS). A window will open with several tabs across the top.
Click the Privacy tab. Look for the section labeled "Cookies and website data." You will see three options: "Always block," "Allow from websites I visit," or "Allow from current website only." Select Allow from websites I visit. This is the standard setting that lets most websites work normally. Close the Settings window and you are done.
If you want to block cookies everywhere except for one specific website, choose "Allow from current website only" instead. Then visit the website you trust, and Safari will remember it. This approach is more restrictive but gives you more control.
Enable cookies in Chrome on Mac
Open Chrome and click the Chrome menu in the top right corner (three vertical dots). Click Settings. On the left side, click Privacy and security, then click Cookies and other site data.
You will see a section called "General settings." Look for the option that says "Allow all cookies." Make sure the toggle switch next to it is turned on (it will be blue when on). Close the Settings tab and you are done.
If you see "Block all cookies" selected instead, click on it and change it to "Allow all cookies." Chrome also lets you block cookies for specific websites while allowing them everywhere else — scroll down to "Block" and add the website address there.
What to do if a website still does not work after enabling cookies
Sometimes enabling cookies is not enough. The website may also need third-party cookies, which are cookies from other companies that the main website uses. In Safari, third-party cookies are blocked by default. To allow them, go back to Safari > Settings > Privacy and uncheck the box next to "Prevent cross-site tracking."
In Chrome, third-party cookies are being phased out, but you can still allow them for now. Go to Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data, and make sure "Block third-party cookies" is toggled off.
If the website still does not work, try clearing your cookies for that site only. In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Privacy and click "Manage Website Data," find the website in the list, and click "Remove." In Chrome, go to Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data, make sure "Cookies and other site data" is checked, and click "Delete."
The difference between allowing and blocking cookies
When you allow cookies, websites can store information about you on your Mac. This information usually includes your login status, language preference, and items in your shopping cart. Websites also use cookies to track what you look at so they can show you relevant ads later. Some people block cookies to prevent this tracking.
When you block all cookies, you will have to log in to every website every time you visit, and websites will not remember your preferences. You may also see error messages or broken features. Blocking cookies does reduce tracking, but it makes browsing slower and more annoying. Most people find that allowing cookies from websites they visit is the right balance.
How to clear cookies without disabling them
Clearing cookies is different from disabling them. When you clear cookies, you delete the files that websites have stored on your computer, but you do not change your browser settings. This is useful if a website is acting strangely or if you want to remove old login information.
In Safari, go to Safari > Settings > Privacy and click "Manage Website Data." You will see a list of all websites that have stored cookies on your Mac. You can click on a website and click "Remove" to delete just that site's cookies, or click "Remove All" to clear everything. In Chrome, go to Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data. Make sure "Cookies and other site data" is checked, choose the time range (usually "All time"), and click "Delete."
Frequently Asked Questions
Will enabling cookies slow down my Mac?
No. Cookies are tiny files, usually just a few kilobytes each. Even if you have thousands of cookies stored, they will not noticeably affect your Mac's speed or storage. The only time cookies cause problems is when a website stores so many that it confuses the browser, which is extremely rare.
Is it safe to enable cookies?
Cookies themselves are safe — they are just text files. The risk is not the cookie but what the website does with the information it stores. Reputable websites use cookies only to remember your login and preferences. Less trustworthy sites may use cookies to track you across the internet. Enabling cookies from websites you visit is a reasonable choice for most people.
Why does a website say my cookies are disabled when I just turned them on?
The website may be checking for third-party cookies, not regular cookies. Try unchecking "Prevent cross-site tracking" in Safari or turning off "Block third-party cookies" in Chrome. If that does not work, clear the cookies for that specific website and reload the page.
Can I enable cookies for one website but block them for all others?
Yes. In Safari, choose "Allow from current website only" in the Privacy settings, then visit the website you want to allow. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data, scroll to "Allow," and type in the website address. All other sites will be blocked.
What happens if I clear all my cookies?
You will be logged out of every website, and websites will not remember your preferences. Any saved passwords associated with cookies will also be removed. Your browser will still allow cookies going forward — clearing them does not disable the feature. You will just have to log back in to your accounts.