Cookies are small files that websites store on your computer to remember your preferences, allow you to stay logged in, and track your activities. While cookies can be helpful, they can also be invasive and can accumulate over time, taking up precious storage space on your computer. Thus, it’s important to clear your cookies from time to time. In this blog post, we will discuss different methods to clear cookies on Apple Mac.
Mac is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, so it’s no wonder that many people use it every day. However, even if you’re a Mac user, you might not be familiar with the different ways to clear your cookies. That’s why we’ve put together this article to provide you with some easy-to-follow steps. Read on to know more about it.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we start, you need to check that your Mac has the latest version of the Safari browser installed. If not, go to the App Store and download the latest version. You also need to make sure that you save any important password or user data before clearing cookies. Clearing cookies may also sign you out of some websites you’re signed into currently.
What Requires Your Focus?
Clearing cookies can be essential for maintaining your computer’s performance and privacy. Therefore, it is important that you follow the right steps to avoid deleting data you don’t intend to delete. One of the main concerns is logging out of all websites after clearing cookies because it can be time-consuming. Another point of concern is that clearing cookies can remove preferences saved on websites.
Different Methods to Clear Cookies on Apple Mac
Method 1: Clearing Cookies via Safari Browser Preferences
Safari browser preferences allow you to easily remove individual cookies or all cookies. Here’s how to clear cookies using Safari browser preferences:
- Open the Safari app on your Mac
- Click on the "Safari" option in the top left corner
- Select "Preferences" from the dropdown menu
- Click on the "Privacy" tab in the Preferences window
- Select "Manage Website Data" option
- You’ll see the cookies saved on your browser. Select the ones you want to remove by using appropriate filters
- Once you decide which cookies to remove, click on the "Remove" button
- Lastly, confirm by clicking on "Remove Now"
Pros:
- Allows you to remove individual cookies
- Easy to access through Safari browser options
Cons:
- Cannot remove cookies from other browsers through this method
- Does not have an option to clear all cookies at once
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Cookie Cleaner
Many third-party cookie cleaners provide more features and flexibility than the browser’s native cookie cleaner. CCleaner is a reliable cleaner that removes cookies and other temporary files. Follow these steps to clear cookies using CCleaner:
- Download and install CCleaner on your Mac
- Open CCleaner and click on the "Applications" tab
- Select your preferred browser from the list of applications under "Internet"
- Then, click on the "Analyze" button. This will show you all the cookies removed from your browser
- Click on "Run Cleaner" to remove all the cookies that have been found during the analysis
Pros:
- Removes cookies from multiple browsers
- Can clear cookies and other temporary files at once
Cons:
- Requires a separate application to install
- May contain additional features that you may not need to use
Method 3: Clearing Cookies via Terminal
If you’re comfortable using terminal commands, clearing cookies through the terminal can be quick and efficient. Follow these steps to clear cookies via Terminal:
- Open the Terminal
- Type the command "defaults write com.apple.Safari WebKitStorageBlockingPolicy -string ‘blockThirdParty'".
- After typing in the command press enter
- Quit Safari browser and then open it again
- Go to the top menu and click on "Clear History and Website Data" under the history option menu
- Select "All History" then click "Clear History"
Pros:
- Quick and efficient
- Works with all browsers
Cons:
- Requires knowledge of Terminal commands
- Cannot remove individual cookies
Why Can’t I Clear Cookies on Apple Mac?
* is Not Able to Clear Cookies on Apple Mac
There could be several reasons why you’re not able to delete cookies from a particular website. Some of them are:
1. Cookies That Are Protected from Deletion
If a website or page has enabled certain cookie protection options, it can prevent users from deleting cookies from their browsers. This is done to prevent unauthorized access to the website.
2. Outdated Browser Version
Most browser updates come with additional features and security patches. An outdated browser is known to contain bugs and vulnerabilities that may be exploited by cyber-criminals to steal sensitive information. As a consequence, some websites may block users from deleting cookies if they are using an outdated browser version.
3. Websites with Login Restrictions
Websites with login restrictions or those that require users to provide additional authentication may prevent them from deleting their cookies. This is a precautionary measure to minimize the chances of a user losing their login credentials and data.
Solutions:
- Update the browser to the latest version
- Clear cookies in other browsers that share the same website data
- Access the website in the private browsing mode which won’t save cookies.
Implications and Recommendations
Clearing cookies can help protect your online privacy and improve the overall performance of your system. However, it’s important to note that clearing cookies may result in websites forgetting your preferences and settings. For instance, you might have to login again every time you visit a website that you’ve logged into before.
If you’re concerned about the amount of data being saved by cookies, it’s recommended that you regularly clear your cookies or use a browser extension like Privacy Badger to limit the amount of data that websites can access. Additionally, if you’re using a public computer, it’s important to clear your cookies before leaving the computer to prevent unauthorized access to your online accounts.
5 FAQs about How to Clear Cookies on Apple Mac
Q1: How do I disable cookies on my Mac?
A: Go to the Safari menu and select "Preferences".Click the "Privacy" tab and then select "Block all cookies". This will prevent all websites from saving cookies on your Mac.
Q2: Will clearing cookies from my Mac delete all my saved passwords and form history?
A: No. Clearing cookies will only remove website preferences. However, if you want to delete all your saved passwords and form history, you can also clear your browsing history in the Safari menu.
Q3: Can I clear cookies from a specific website on my Mac?
A: Yes. You can manage individual cookies by going to the Safari menu and selecting "Preferences" then click on the "Privacy" tab. Click on the "Details" button and filter cookies by the domain. Select any unwanted cookie and then click "Remove".
Q4: What happens when I delete cookies from my Mac?
A: When you delete cookies, websites will forget your preferences and settings such as login information and items added to shopping carts. Also, some websites may take longer to load because they will need to load new cookies for returning users.
Q5: Can I recover deleted cookies from Safari on my Mac?
A: No. Once deleted, cookies cannot be recovered.
Final Words
We hope that this guide has provided you with enough information about how to clear cookies on Apple Mac. Most importantly, clearing cookies can help to protect your privacy and enhance system performance. If you have any other questions or feedback, feel free to drop a comment below. Happy browsing!