If Safari on your iPhone isn’t saving logins, keeping you signed into websites, or remembering your preferences, cookies might be blocked. Cookies help websites remember who you are, what’s in your cart, and other session info. Here’s how to turn them back on in Safari on any iPhone running iOS 15.5 or later.
What Are Cookies and Why They Matter
Cookies are small files that websites store on your device to remember things like login info, preferences, or past activity. Some are helpful (like remembering your login), and some are used to track you for ads. iOS gives you options to control this.
Enable Cookies in Safari on iPhone
- Open the Settings app.
Tap the Settings icon on your Home screen. - Scroll down and tap Safari.
This will take you to Safari’s settings menu. - Scroll to the Privacy & Security section.
- Turn OFF “Block All Cookies.”
If the toggle is green, tap it to turn it off. Confirm when prompted.
That’s it—Safari can now accept cookies from websites, which helps improve site performance and remember your browsing preferences.
Optional: Prevent Cross-Site Tracking
To limit tracking from third-party advertisers while still allowing helpful cookies:
- Stay in Settings > Safari.
- Turn “Prevent Cross-Site Tracking” ON.
This lets Safari block tracking cookies used by advertisers while still allowing cookies from the sites you actually visit.
Types of Cookies iOS Safari Handles
- Session Cookies: Temporary; deleted when you close Safari. Safe and typically used by the website you’re visiting.
- Persistent Cookies: Stored for longer periods; used to save logins or settings.
- Third-Party Cookies: Used by advertisers to track you across websites.
- Supercookies (Zombie Cookies): Rare, harder to remove, and used by some ISPs or shady advertisers. These can persist even after deleting other cookies.
How to Clear Cookies or Block Them Again
Want to start fresh or boost privacy? Here’s how:
- To clear cookies and website data:
Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. - To block cookies again:
Go back to Settings > Safari and toggle Block All Cookies ON.
Extra Tip: Use Third-Party Privacy Tools
For deeper cookie control and tracking protection, consider privacy-focused apps like:
- 1Blocker
- Firefox Focus
- Kaspersky Security Cloud
These tools can automatically block trackers, malicious cookies, and even hide your activity from ad networks.