This article describes what "cookies" are, how they are used, and how to manage them in Firefox.

Table Of Contents

• What is a cookie?
• Cookie settings
• Troubleshooting cookies

What is a cookie?

A cookie is information stored on your computer by a website you visit. Cookies often store your settings for a website, such as your preferred language or location. When you return to the site, Firefox sends back the cookies that belong to the site. This allows the site to present you with information customized to fit your needs.

Cookies can store a wide range of information, including personally identifiable information (such as your name, home address, e-mail address, or telephone number). However, this information can only be stored if you provide it - websites cannot gain access to information you didn't provide to them, and they can't access other files on your computer.

By default, the activities of storing and sending cookies are invisible to you. However, you can change you Firefox settings to allow you to approve or deny cookie storage requests, delete stored cookies automatically when you close Firefox, and more.

Cookie settings

Cookie settings in Firefox are managed in the OptionsPreferences window's Privacy panel. See OptionsPreferences window - Privacy Panel for information on these settings.

For instructions on how to use these settings for certain tasks, see:

• Enabling and disabling cookies: How to turn cookie storage off or on in Firefox.
• Deleting cookies: How to remove cookies that have already been stored by websites.
• Blocking cookies: How to block certain websites from storing cookies.
• Disabling third party cookies: How to block websites other than the one you're currently visiting from storing cookies.

Troubleshooting cookies

If you are having a problem with Firefox that involves cookies, see:

• Websites say cookies are blocked
• Cannot log in to websites