Your phone accumulates more information than you imagine every time you browse or use apps. This data includes cookies, small files that websites and services store to remember your session, your preferences, and even show you more relevant ads. If you want more privacy, order and performance, learning how to properly delete and manage cookies on your phone is an essential step.
In this practical guide you will see, with direct 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 routines you should adopt. The idea is that you have total control of what your browser and apps store, with clear instructions and tips that really help.
What are cookies and how do they differ from cache?
Cookies are tiny files created by websites to recognize your visit and personalize your experience. There are two main types: own cookies (from the site you see in the address bar) and third-party cookies (from third-party domains integrated as ads, images, widgets, or tools). These latter allow, for example, to measure your activity on various sites and personalize 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. The key differenceCache saves page files to help you open them more quickly; cookies save your preferences, sessions, and interaction data. Both can be deleted and both affect how sites load and remember, but their functions are different.
Some browsers, like Chrome, include more controlled customization features, such as ad themes or site suggestions that limit what information partners collect. Manage these options helps find a balance between comfort and privacy.
What happens when you clear cookies and cache?
Deleting cookies and cache has direct effects: it will log you out of websites you were logged in to, remove saved preferences (language, layout, etc.), and, for a while, Pages may take a little longer to load because they have to download images and other resources again. If you use your browser's sync (for example, in Chrome), your synced Google account will still be available, but your device's local data will still be deleted.
An important note: If you're concerned about tracking, incognito mode helps because closing the window deletes the temporary session. Still, it's not a magic invisibility cloak.; your carrier, the site you visited, or your company/school (if they manage the device) may still see activity.
Android: Delete cookies in popular browsers
The process is very similar between Android browsers, with minor variations. The essential thing is to enter the privacy settings and delete 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 a specific period (for example, "Last 24 hours"). It is useful when a site gives an error and you want a selective deletion without touching the entire history on your phone.
Configure third-party cookies in Chrome (block, allow, and exceptions)
Chrome lets you decide what to do with third-party cookies by default and per site. This is key to stopping cross-web tracking. without breaking the experience where you need them.
Default setting
In Chrome (mobile or desktop), go to Settings > Privacy & security > Third-party cookies and choose: allow o block Third-party cookies in general. If you block them by default, some services may not work as expected (cross-login, widgets, players, etc.).
Exceptions by site
When a site isn't working because it has blocked third-party cookies, you can add it to an allowed (exception) list. On devices managed by your company or school, you may 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 crashing due to blocked third-party cookies, you can temporarily allow it without leaving the page. Tap the indicator next to the address (You'll see "Third-party cookies blocked" or "limited") and activate "Third-party cookies." In normal browsing, the exception lasts 90 days or until you disable it; in incognito, it only lasts for the duration of your session. When you reload, a notification will appear with the status: "allowed," "blocked," or "limited."
Related site groups and embedded content
Some companies define groups of related sites (e.g., acme-music.example and acme-video.example) to maintain your session when switching between them or to personalize content. Whether you allow or limit third-party cookies, those related sites will be able to access your activity for those features; if you block them completely, that cross-domain connection is usually impeded, although you can allow specific groups.
Sites also embed content from others (images, ads, publishers, widgets). These third parties may ask permission to use the information they've stored about you (usually through cookies) to make their content work. object lessonIf you write on docs.google.com and log into your school's Docs portal, Google may request access to its cookies to identify you and save changes from that portal. This connection uses cookies and lasts for 30 days or as long as there's activity; you can disable it from Settings. When the permission box appears, choose "Allow" or "Don't Allow," and remember that some experiences may be limited if you deny access.
Privacy features and tests in Chrome
Google is testing Chrome, with certain groups of users, features that They significantly restrict third-party cookies by default (except when they're essential for basic website services). You can choose to block them entirely and also enable advanced options such as sending a "Do Not Track" request with your browsing (sites can decide whether to honor it) or reviewing the sites allowed to use third-party cookies in "Sites that may use third-party cookies." Manage everything from Settings > Privacy & Security.
Delete cookies by period or site on Android
If you only want to clear a specific period of time, in Chrome for Android, open the Browsing Data Clearer and choose the period under "Time Range" (Last hour, 24 hours, etc.). Turn on "Cookies and site data" and uncheck anything you don't want to touch. Delete it, and you're done. For specific cases involving a specific site, go to Settings > Privacy & Security and review "Site Data" to clean up 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 for all sites in one go. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Third-Party Cookies > "See all site data and permissions" > "Delete all data" > click "Delete." Please note that you will lose sessions and preferences. stored on those websites.
Clear app data on Android
Beyond the browser, many apps store cache and local data (sometimes quite large). From your phone's Settings > Apps > select an app > Storage > "Clear data" and/or "Clear cache." Social networks like Instagram, Facebook, X or Snapchat They accumulate quite a bit; when you delete data, you'll have to log in again. Information synced to the cloud isn't lost, but what was only on your phone disappears.
This helps with space and certain bugs, but it's not a privacy panacea: Most services already back up your data on their serversStill, it's a good practice, and you can complete the cleanup by reviewing each account's privacy settings to export or delete anything you don't want them to keep.
Manage what Google saves about you
On Android, a lot of activity goes 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 what doesn't interest you. You can also activate automatic deletion Activity data (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 clears Safari's history, cookies, and cache.If it's grayed out, there's no data to delete or there's a Screen Time restriction you should review.
To clear web data in more detail: Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > "Clear All Data" > "Clear Now". It is used to clear what sites use to remember your login. or speed up browsing. You can also open Safari > More button > Bookmarks > History > More > "Select Websites" and delete specific websites from your history.
If you want to block all cookies in Safari: Settings > Safari > Advanced > enable "Block All Cookies" and confirm "Block All." This will close Safari and reload tabs. Eye- Blocking cookies can break features (not logging in even if the password is correct, cookie-disabled warnings, unresponsive buttons).
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 oneIf anything goes wrong, contact the developer of the blocker app.
On 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 NoteSome Apple instructions may have been updated recently (for example, documentation published on September 24). Always check the latest version of iOS to find the exact menus.
Advantages, risks and good practices with cookies
Clearing cookies and cache periodically improves performance, reclaims storage space, and fixes certain errors. In addition, reduces advertising profiling and tracking between sites. On public Wi-Fi networks, cutting identifying cookies minimizes the risk of session hijacking by attackers with computers on the same network.
In return, you will lose active sessions and viewing preferences. It's nothing serious, but it's good to know so you don't get a surprise when you log back into your usual services.
Clear the cache on Android and iPhone
On Android, you can clear cache by app: Settings > Apps > select an app > Storage > Clear Cache. In some older layers, there was a "Cached Data" option in Settings > Storage to clear everything at once. It depends on the manufacturer and version. that remains available.
On iPhone, Safari is cleared along with cookies in Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. For third-party apps, "Offload App" in Settings > General > iPhone Storage (deletes the app and preserves documents), and reinstalling it to refresh the cache usually works. Some apps include their own "Clear Cache" button in their internal settings.
Private Browsing and Cleaning Frequency
If you are worried about being tracked, use incognito/private mode and get into the habit of clearing cookies from time to timeA good rule of thumb is to do this weekly if you browse a lot, or when you notice slow sites or unusual behavior (forms not loading, sessions stuttering).
Extra mobile maintenance tips
Beyond cookies, there are routines that help keep your phone running smoothly. Keep apps and system updated: New versions fix bugs, improve performance, and close vulnerabilities.
Manage storage: Delete unnecessary files and photos, and review screenshots and duplicate items. Freeing up space usually prevents failures and unexpected shutdowns when the phone is at its limit.
Keep an eye on your battery: a degraded state can hinder performance. On iPhone, if it drops below 80% under warrantyApple is considering a replacement; for Android, consult your brand's technical support.
Activate power saving modes when you tap, restart your phone from time to time to clear temporary and close background apps that you don't use if they consume more resources.
On Android, consider a reputable antivirus if you install apps outside the store or browse risky sites. Solutions from recognized suppliers provide an additional layer against malware and fraud.
Manage your mobile data: monitor usage, set limits, and use Wi-Fi for large downloads. If you run out of dataYou can use secure online top-up platforms to add balance without sharing bank details. These platforms are compatible with Spanish carriers such as Movistar and Vodafone, or newer services like Hablapp and Tuenti.
Resetting the phone: the radical measure
If you want to leave your device as good as new—because you've sold it, given it as a gift, or started from scratch—a factory reset erases absolutely everything (apps, photos, local data). Think carefully and make a backup before further.
- 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 full wipe on Android, sometimes a "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, sensibly adjusting third-party cookies, and reviewing permissions on apps and accounts is the combination that makes the difference: Less tracking, fewer errors, and a more agile mobileWith these guidelines and the options you already have on Android and iOS, keeping privacy in check and performance in top shape is easier than it seems. Share this tutorial and help others learn how to delete cookies on their mobile..