- Understand the difference between cookies and cache and how they impact your privacy and performance.
- Configure third-party cookies in Chrome (block, allow, and exceptions) to limit tracking.
- Delete cookies on Android and iPhone and clear app data to resolve errors and free up space.
- Strengthen your security with account maintenance and management routines (My Google Activity).
Your phone collects more information than you realize every time you browse the internet or use apps. This data includes cookies, small files that websites and services store to remember your session, preferences, and even show you more relevant ads. If you want more privacy, organization, and performance , learning how to properly delete and manage cookies on your phone is essential.
This practical guide explains, in clear and straightforward language, how to delete cookies on Android and iPhone, how to limit or allow third-party cookies (including temporary exceptions in Chrome), what deleting this information entails, and what other best practices to adopt. The goal is to give you complete control over what your browser and apps store, with clear instructions and truly helpful tips.
What are cookies and how do they differ from cache?
Cookies are tiny files that websites create to recognize your visit and personalize your experience. There are two main types: first-party cookies (from the site you see in the address bar) and third-party cookies (from external domains integrated as ads, images, widgets, or tools). The latter allow, for example, tracking your activity across multiple sites and personalizing advertising. That's why it's important to know how to manage them.
The cache, on the other hand, stores temporary resources (images, scripts, styles) to speed up loading times. The key difference : the cache saves page files to open them quickly; cookies save your preferences, sessions, and interaction data. Both can be deleted and both affect how websites load and remember you, but their function is different.
Some browsers, like Chrome, include more controllable customization features, such as ad themes or site suggestions that limit what information partners collect. Managing these options helps you find a balance between convenience and privacy.
What happens when you clear cookies and cache?
Deleting cookies and cache has direct effects: it will log you out of websites where you were logged in, remove saved preferences (language, layout, etc.), and for a while, pages may take a little longer to load because they have to redownload images and other resources. If you use your browser's sync feature (for example, in Chrome), your synced Google account will still be available, but local data on your device will also be deleted.
An important note: if you're worried about tracking, incognito mode helps because closing the window erases the temporary nature of the session. However, it's not a magic cloak of invisibility ; your internet service provider, the website you visited, or your school/company (if they manage the device) may still see your activity.
Android: Delete cookies in popular browsers
The process is very similar across Android browsers, with minor variations. Essentially, you need to access your privacy settings and clear your browsing data, including cookies.
- Chrome (Android): Open Chrome > the three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy & security > Clear browsing data > check "Cookies and site data" (and, if you want, "Cached images and files") > tap "Clear data." You can choose the time range (Last hour, 24 hours, 7 days, 4 weeks, or All).
- Samsung Internet: Open the app > menu icon (three lines) > Settings > Personal browsing data > Clear browsing data > check “Cookies, site data” > Clear data > confirm “Delete”.
- Firefox (Android): Open Firefox > three-dot menu > Settings > Clear private data > select “Active cookies and logins” > Clear data > confirm “Clear”.
- Others (Brave, Opera…): Search for Privacy or Security in Settings and find “Clear browsing data.” The route changes a little, but the function is the same.
If you prefer, you can delete only data from a specific period (for example, "Last 24 hours"). This is useful when a website is giving you an error and you want to selectively delete data without affecting your entire mobile history.
Configure third-party cookies in Chrome (block, allow, and exceptions)
Chrome lets you decide what to do with third-party cookies by default and on a per-site basis. This is key to stopping cross-website tracking without disrupting the user experience where you need them.
Default setting
In Chrome (mobile or desktop), go to Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies and choose: Allow or block third-party cookies generally. If you block them by default, some services may not work as expected (cross-logins, widgets, media players, etc.).
Exceptions by site
When a site isn't working because it has third-party cookies blocked, you can add it to an allowed site list (exception). On devices managed by your company or school , you might not be able to change this setting: check with your administrator.
- How to add an exception: Settings > Privacy & security > Third-party cookies > "Sites that may use third-party cookies" > Add > enter the address. You can use wildcards like [*.]domain.com to include subdomains (e.g., [*.]google.com will affect drive.google.com and calendar.google.com). IP addresses or URLs without http:// are also supported.
- How to remove it: In the same list, tap “Remove” to the right of the site. This is how you revoke the permission when you no longer need it.
Temporary permission from the address bar
If you're on a website that's malfunctioning due to blocked third-party cookies, you can grant temporary permission without leaving the page. Tap the indicator next to the address (you'll see "Third-party cookies blocked" or "limited") and enable "Third-party cookies." In normal browsing, the exception lasts for 90 days or until you disable it; in incognito mode, it only lasts for the session. Upon reloading, a notification will appear with the status: "allowed," "blocked," or "limited."
Related site groups and embedded content
Some companies define groups of related sites (for example, acme-music.example and acme-video.example) to maintain your session when you switch between them or to personalize content. If you allow or restrict third-party cookies , these related sites will be able to access your activity for these purposes; if you block them completely, this cross-domain connection is usually prevented, although you can authorize specific groups.
Websites also embed content from other sources (images, ads, publishers, widgets). These third parties may request permission to use the information they've stored about you (usually through cookies) to make their content work. For example , if you're writing on docs.google.com and then access your school's portal that integrates Google Docs, Google may request access to your cookies to identify you and save changes from that portal. This connection uses cookies and lasts for 30 days or as long as there is activity; you can stop it in Settings. When the permission dialog box appears, choose "Allow" or "Don't allow," and keep in mind that some features may be limited if you deny access.
Privacy features and tests in Chrome
Google is testing features in Chrome, with certain user groups, that significantly restrict third-party cookies by default (except when they are essential for basic website services). You can choose to block them completely and also enable advanced options such as sending the "Do Not Track" request with your browsing (sites can decide whether to respect it) or reviewing the sites allowed to use third-party cookies in "Sites that can use third-party cookies." Manage everything from Settings > Privacy and security.
Delete cookies by period or site on Android
If you only want to clear your browsing history for a specific time period, in Chrome for Android, open the browsing data clearer and choose the period under "Time range" (Last hour, 24 hours, etc.). Enable "Cookies and site data" and uncheck anything you don't want to delete. Clear the data, and you're done. For specific cases involving a particular website, go to Settings > Privacy and security and check "Site data" to clear the affected domain.
Also on PC: Clean up all your site data in Chrome
If you also use Chrome on your PC or Mac, you can delete cookies and permissions from all sites at once. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies > "View all site data and permissions" > "Remove all data" > confirm by clicking "Remove." Keep in mind that you will lose any saved sessions and preferences on those websites.
Clear app data on Android
Beyond the browser, many apps store cache and local data (sometimes quite large amounts). Go to your phone's Settings > Apps > select an app > Storage > "Clear data" and/or "Clear cache." Social networks like Instagram, Facebook, X, or Snapchat accumulate a significant amount; clearing their data will require you to log in again. Information synced to the cloud is not lost, but anything stored only on your phone will disappear.
This helps with storage space and certain glitches, but it's not a privacy panacea: most services already back up your data on their servers . Even so, it's good practice, and you can complete the cleanup by reviewing the privacy options within each account to export or delete anything you don't want them to keep.
Manage what Google saves about you
On Android, much of your activity passes through your Google account. Open Settings > Google > "Manage your Google Account" > "Data & privacy" tab. Go to "My Activity," filter by date and product, and delete anything you don't want. You can also enable automatic deletion of activity (including location). Under "Data about what you create and do," open the Google Dashboard to view products and manage their associated information.
iPhone: Delete and block cookies in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox
On iOS, Safari is managed through System Settings. Go to Settings > Safari and tap "Clear History and Website Data." This removes Safari's history, cookies, and cache . If it's grayed out, there's either no data to clear or there's a Screen Time restriction you should check.
To delete website data in more detail: Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > "Delete All Data" > "Delete Now". This clears what websites use to remember your login information or speed up browsing. You can also open Safari > More button > Bookmarks > History > More > "Select Websites" and delete specific websites from your history.
To block all cookies in Safari: Settings > Safari > Advanced > enable "Block all cookies" and confirm by clicking "Block all." This will close Safari and reload tabs. Note : Blocking cookies may break some features (you might not be able to log in even with a correct password, cookie notifications might be disabled, or buttons might not respond).
Content blockers add a layer of control: install one from the App Store and enable it in Settings > Safari > Extensions. You can use more than one . If something goes wrong, contact the blocker app's developer.
In Chrome for iOS: Open Chrome > menu (three dots) > Settings > Privacy > "Clear browsing data" > check "Cookies, site data" and confirm. In Firefox for iOS : Menu > Settings > under Privacy, "Data Management" > check "Cookies" and tap "Clear private data".
Support reference note : Some Apple instructions may have been recently updated (for example, documentation published on September 24). Always check for the latest version of iOS to find the exact menus.
Advantages, risks and good practices with cookies
Regularly clearing cookies and cache improves performance, frees up space, and resolves certain errors. It also reduces ad profiling and cross-site tracking. On public Wi-Fi networks, removing identifying cookies minimizes the risk of session hijacking by attackers using devices on the same network.
In return, you'll lose active sessions and viewing preferences. It's nothing serious , but it's good to know so you're not surprised when you log back into your usual services.
Clear the cache on Android and iPhone
On Android, you can clear the cache per app: Settings > Apps > select an app > Storage > "Clear cache". In some older Android versions, there was a "Cached data" option in Settings > Storage to clear everything at once. This depends on the manufacturer and version.
On iPhone, Safari can be cleared along with cookies in Settings > Safari > "Clear History and Website Data." For third-party apps , "Download App" in Settings > General > iPhone Storage usually works (this deletes the app but keeps files), and then reinstalling it will refresh the cache. Some apps include their own "Clear Cache" button in their settings.
Private Browsing and Cleaning Frequency
If you're worried about your online activity, use incognito/private browsing mode and get into the habit of clearing cookies regularly . A good rule of thumb is to do this weekly if you browse a lot, or when you notice slow websites or unusual behavior (forms that won't load, interrupted sessions).
Extra mobile maintenance tips
Beyond cookies, there are routines that help keep your phone running smoothly. Keep your apps and system updated : new versions fix bugs, improve performance, and close vulnerabilities.
Manage your storage: delete unnecessary files and photos, and review screenshots and duplicate items. Freeing up space often prevents crashes and unexpected shutdowns when your phone is running low on storage.
Keep an eye on your battery: a degraded battery can negatively impact performance. On iPhones, if it drops below 80% under warranty , Apple will replace it; on Android devices, consult your brand's technical support.
Activate power saving modes when necessary, restart your phone occasionally to clear temporary files, and close background apps you're not using if they're consuming too many resources.
On Android, consider using a reputable antivirus if you install apps from outside the store or browse risky websites. Solutions from recognized providers offer an extra layer of protection against malware and fraud.
Manage your mobile data: monitor usage, set limits, and use Wi-Fi for large downloads. If you run out of data , you can use secure online top-up platforms to add credit without sharing bank details, compatible with Spanish operators like Movistar and Vodafone, or newer services like Hablapp and Tuenti.
Resetting the phone: the radical measure
If you want to restore your device to its factory settings—whether for a sale, a gift, or to start fresh—a factory reset will erase absolutely everything (apps, photos, local data). Think carefully and back up your data before proceeding.
- Android: Settings > find “Reset” (usually under Backup or Advanced settings) > “Factory reset” > confirm with your PIN/password.
- iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings > follow the onscreen steps.
If you don't need a complete wipe on Android, sometimes simply "Reset settings" is enough to return to a clean configuration without completely deleting your personal data.
It's worth remembering that clearing cookies and cache, carefully managing third-party cookies, and reviewing permissions in apps and accounts is the combination that makes all the difference: less tracking, fewer glitches, and a smoother phone . With these guidelines and the options already available on Android and iOS, keeping your privacy protected and your performance running smoothly is easier than it seems. Share this tutorial and help others learn how to delete cookies on their phones.