This article describes what "cookies" are, how they are used, and how to manage them in Firefox. __TOC__ = What is a cookie? = A [http://wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie cookie] Cookies are small files that are introduced and stored on your device by the websites and apps which connect to a computer or smartphone. These files retain information that has been entered previously by the user and can contain personally-identifying information such as name, address,etc., if the user has in the past shared that information with the site. Other uses for the types of information commonly found in cookie files can include: Authentication Security and site integrity Localization Site features and services Website Performance Cookies also help to customise the users' visit by remembering certain settngs made during the last visit. For example, the website is more user-friendly when it remembers what zoom level we like the page to be shown and where we live so we can be shown the local sports and weather that are relevant to our area. Whether a cookie should be allowed to be saved initially on the device or to stay after the first visit for later reference ultimately depends on the preference of the user, as cookies are not generally viewed as a security threat. Over time, however, the accumulation of cookies that are no longer needed or valid can cause web sites to malfunction, among other annoyances. A regular cleaning and a review of security settings is recommended in order to keep your browser running well. In some browsers, each cookie is a small, individual file, but in Firefox, all cookies are stored in a single file, located in the Firefox [[Profiles - Where Firefox stores your bookmarks, passwords and other user data|profile]] folder. The process of storing and sending cookies happens without any user input. However, you can change your Firefox settings to allow you to approve or deny cookie storage requests, to set Firefox to automatically delete all cookies when you exit the browser, or specify which cookies are stored and which are denied so that it happens automatically. = Cookie settings = Cookie settings in Firefox are managed in the {for win}Options{/for}{for mac,linux}Preferences{/for} window's '''Privacy''' panel. See [[Settings for privacy, browsing history and do-not-track]] for information on these settings. For instructions on how to use these settings for certain tasks, see: * [[Enable and disable cookies that websites use to track your preferences]]: How to turn cookie storage off or on in Firefox. * [[Delete cookies to remove the information websites have stored on your computer]]: How to remove cookies that have already been stored by websites. * [[Block websites from storing site preferences or login status in Firefox]]: How to block certain websites from storing cookies. * [[Disable third-party cookies in Firefox to stop some types of tracking by advertisers]]: 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 - Unblock them]] * [[Fix login issues on websites that require a username and password]] [[Template:ShareArticle|link=http://mzl.la/Lp1OMU]]

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

What is a cookie?

A cookie Cookies are small files that are introduced and stored on your device by the websites and apps which connect to a computer or smartphone. These files retain information that has been entered previously by the user and can contain personally-identifying information such as name, address,etc., if the user has in the past shared that information with the site.

Other uses for the types of information commonly found in cookie files can include: Authentication Security and site integrity Localization Site features and services Website Performance

Cookies also help to customise the users' visit by remembering certain settngs made during the last visit. For example, the website is more user-friendly when it remembers what zoom level we like the page to be shown and where we live so we can be shown the local sports and weather that are relevant to our area.

Whether a cookie should be allowed to be saved initially on the device or to stay after the first visit for later reference ultimately depends on the preference of the user, as cookies are not generally viewed as a security threat. Over time, however, the accumulation of cookies that are no longer needed or valid can cause web sites to malfunction, among other annoyances. A regular cleaning and a review of security settings is recommended in order to keep your browser running well.

In some browsers, each cookie is a small, individual file, but in Firefox, all cookies are stored in a single file, located in the Firefox profile folder.

The process of storing and sending cookies happens without any user input. However, you can change your Firefox settings to allow you to approve or deny cookie storage requests, to set Firefox to automatically delete all cookies when you exit the browser, or specify which cookies are stored and which are denied so that it happens automatically.

Cookie settings

Cookie settings in Firefox are managed in the OptionsPreferences window's Privacy panel. See Settings for privacy, browsing history and do-not-track for information on these settings.

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

• Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox for desktop: How to turn cookie storage off or on in Firefox.
• Clear cookies and site data in Firefox: How to remove cookies that have already been stored by websites.
• Block websites from storing cookies and site data in Firefox: How to block certain websites from storing cookies.
• Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection: 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 - Unblock them
• Fix login issues on websites that require a username and password