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Simple Guide on How to Disable ThirdParty Cookies Update

Simple Guide on How to Disable Third-Party Cookies [2024 Update]

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Written by: Anton Minaev

4/29/2020, 12:14:23 PM

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Remember the last time you were surfing the web and saw a pop-up on a website saying it used cookies? Most probably you didn’t even read the text on that pop-up, and routinely accepted or declined it. Those who anyhow managed to read it, know, that the message convinced them that “We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience“. Very few people pondered over the real purpose of collecting and processing cookies, and even fewer wondered if and how their permission could cause harm. This article will give you shivers but also an answer on how to block third-party cookies.

What are Third-Party Cookies?

Third-Party-Cookies
There are two types of cookie files — first-party and third-party. Technically, there is no difference between these two types of cookies. Both of them are data files and have similar purposes. What’s different is how they are created and used by websites.

First-party cookies are useful. They contain information that you probably don’t want to store in your own memory — logins and passwords to Facebook, Twitter, etc. They save information about products added to the cart in your favorite online store and even if your internet suddenly goes down, you will most likely find them there when you’re back. Cookies from the websites you commonly use do make your life easier. Third-party cookies do not.

As you can understand from their name, third-party cookies are set up by third parties and they have nothing in common with a website you visit. Generally, those third parties are advertisers who track you across all pages where they landed ads or web bugs. You can once visit a plumber online store just because and then you’ll see tap advertisements all over the internet. Not only it violates your privacy, but you also never know across how many domains tracking is done, and in whose hands your personal information ends up. It feels pretty much like being stalked by a weirdo on a street. Some weirdos like exhibitionists will just harmlessly flash you their ads while others can literally steal your ID. So, if you want to stop third-party cookies from stealing your sensitive data, it’s better to disable them.

Third-party cookies are minuscule issues you can meet online. The real problems begin when you catch a virus or a mining script from an infected ad. Not only they can snatch your personal files, they can also cause damage to your computer. If you need a comprehensive defender of your online safety and security, try out this very special adblocker for Windows.

How to Block Third-Party Cookies?

There are two simple ways you can remove third-party cookies. First: you can browse the internet in private or incognito mode. Second: you can block third-party cookies directly on your browser.

Disable third-party cookies by using private or incognito mode

On most browsers, to go incognito you should RMB click the link and choose “Open in a private window/Open in incognito mode” from the shortcut menu.

Pros: It’s the easiest way to stop tracking your browsing history across multiple sites.
Cons: Your visits won’t be saved in your browser history so it will be difficult to find something later. Your internet provider will still be able to track your visits. Private browsing/incognito mode doesn’t protect you from spyware and bugs.

Another issue with the incognito mode is it switches off all your extensions by default. It does it in order to provide you maximum privacy as extensions can track you likewise. If you want to browse the web without fear of tracking or mal/adware attacks, you should get the best adblocker we can provide you. Not only it blocks obnoxious ads, but it also makes your internet leisure safe and comfortable.

Disable Third-Party Cookies Directly on a Browser

All you need to do is update your browser settings. See how to do it via your browser below.

Pros: There’s no need for installing additional applications.
Cons: It doesn’t protect you from scammers and phishing attempts.

How to block third party cookies on Google Chrome

Click the three-dot menu button (“⋮”) “Customize and control Google Chrome” in the right top corner of your browser window and choose “Settings”;

In the opened window scroll down, click “Advanced” and in “Privacy and Security” choose “Content settings”;

adlock-how to block third party cookies in google chrome - privacy and security

Click “Cookies”;

adlock- how to block third party cookies in google chrome - chrome cookies

Turn “Block third-party cookies” ON.

adlock - how to block third party cookies in google chrome
After that, all cookies from sites other than the one you visit will be blocked, even if those cookies are from the sites from your exception list.

How to disable third-party cookies on Mozilla Firefox

To start with, we’d like to mention the privacy improvements that Mozilla introduced into Firefox. In June 2019, Mozilla turned on its “Enhanced Tracking Protection” feature, which blocks cookies from third-party trackers by default. If you download the latest version of the Firefox browser, the tracking protection will be enabled by default as a matter-of-course. This feature can be found by a small shield icon in the address bar. By clicking the shield icon, you open the Enhanced Tracking Protection menu containing a range of adjustable settings and a “Reports” section. In the “Reports” you’ll find a list of companies labeled as third-party cookies and online trackers blocked by Firefox. This feature focuses on blocking only third-party data collectors and trackers while letting little helpers (first-party cookies) do their useful work.

If you use legacy Firefox out of necessity or for some other reason, then the following guide is for you. Here’s how you disable third-party cookies on an older version of Firefox:

Click the hamburger menu button (“☰”) and choose “Options”;

In the opened window click the “Privacy” panel;

adlock -how to block third party cookies in mozilla-mozilla privacy

Go to the “History” section, open the drop-down menu next to “Firefox will” and choose “Use custom settings for history”;

adlock-how to block third party cookies in mozilla - custom settings for history

In the drop-down menu next to “Accept third-party cookies” choose “Never”.

adlock - how to block third party cookies in mozilla - accept third party cookies
Mozilla support warns that after those changes take force, a bunch of websites might be unavailable. In that case, better use option “From visited” so you can properly view commonly used sites.

How to block third party cookies on Microsoft Edge

Click the three-dot menu button (“⋮”) and choose “Settings and more”;
Click “Site permissions”;
Click the “Cookies and site data” option;

In the new window, toggle the “Block third-party cookies” switch;

Final Words

To admit, it’s really good for your computer to clear both third-party cookies and regular cookies once in a while. Although we’ve figured out that first-party cookies are useful little helpers, when accumulated over time, they clutter your computer and eat up space on your drive. Also, using your cookies third parties can track your visits on the web which is not good in terms of privacy and security. For more useful information about internet security visit our blog and find answers to your questions.

Protect your online privacy. Don't let trackers and collectors steal your data!

Try AdLock for free on your Windows device

Adverts and data collectors - two birds. AdLock - a stone that never misses.

For Windows

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Anton Minaev

UI/UX designer, Fullstack developer, Nerdy good guy loved by everyone!!! Anton is a rare specimen: he codes, creates outstanding product designs, builds servers, deploys services, builds pilot dash panels, and writes technical articles for the AdLock blog. When did he have time to master all of these? Even he has no idea.