Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (2024)

Third-party cookies, also known as cross-site cookies, are cookies set by a website other than the one you are currently on. For example, cnn.com might have a Facebook like button on their site. The like button will set a cookie that can be read by Facebook. That would be considered a third-party (cross-site) cookie. Some advertisers use these types of cookies to track your visits to the various websites on which they advertise. This is called cross-site tracking.

Note: Cross-site tracking cookies are now disabled by default for all Firefox users. See Enhanced Tracking Protection for more information about how Firefox protects you against tracking.

When third-party cookies are disabled, it can stop some, but not all types of tracking. If you are concerned about tracking, see also:

To block cross-site trackers or all third-party (cross-site) cookies:

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version.Click the menu button Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (2) and select Settings.
  2. Select the Privacy & Security panel.
  3. Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select the Custom radio button.
  4. Check Cookies and use the drop-down menu to select the types of cookies you wish to block.
    Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (3)Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (4)
    • To block all third-party cookies, select All third-party cookies (may cause websites to break)All cross-site cookies (may cause websites to break) from the drop-down.
  5. Select the Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (5) button (shown when multiple tabs are open) to apply your new setting.

Note: Firefox also includes Total Cookie Protection, which creates a “cookie jar” for every website. This feature keeps cookies in the site where they were created so that they can't track you across websites. Total Cookie protection is enabled when the Cross-site tracking cookies, and isolate other cross-site cookies setting is selected.

Some websites may not work properly when third-party (cross-site) cookies are blocked. To turn off Enhanced Tracking Protection for a specific website:

  1. Visit the website.
  2. At the left of the address bar, click the Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (6) shield icon.
  3. At the top right of the panel, toggle off the Enhanced Tracking Protection switch Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (7). This will disable Enhanced Tracking Protection for the site, causing the page to automatically reload and enable trackers.
    Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (8)

Follow the same process to turn Enhanced Tracking Protection back on.

If the issue persists, consider reporting it by submitting a Broken Site Report. This allows the Webcompat team to examine the problem. For more information, see How do I report a broken site in Firefox desktop?

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Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (11)

Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox for desktop

Enhanced Tracking Protection in Firefox automatically protects your privacy while you browse. It blocks trackers that follow you around online to...

Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection (2024)

FAQs

Third-party cookies and Firefox tracking protection? ›

Under Enhanced Tracking Protection, select the Custom radio button. Check Cookies and use the drop-down menu to select the types of cookies you wish to block. To block all third-party cookies, select All cross-site cookies (may cause websites to break) from the drop-down.

Does Firefox block tracking cookies? ›

Standard Enhanced Tracking Protection

By default, Firefox blocks the following on all sites: Social media trackers. Cross-site tracking cookies (other third-party cookies are isolated) Tracking content in Private Windows only.

Does Firefox allow third-party cookies? ›

It is possible to allow usage of third-party cookies on a case-by-case basis in Firefox via browser settings. In Safari however, control is more limited — you can turn off cross-site tracking prevention, but allowing access to third-party cookies per frame can only be done at the code level, via the Storage Access API.

Does Firefox really block trackers? ›

Firefox Desktop and Firefox for Android include built-in tracking protection. In Private Browsing windows (tabs, in Firefox for Android), Firefox will block content loaded from domains that track users across sites.

How do I stop websites from tracking me Firefox? ›

Turn on the Do Not Track feature
  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and then select Preferences or Settings, depending on your macOS version. ...
  2. Select the Privacy & Security panel. ...
  3. Under Send websites a “Do Not Track” signal that you don't want to be tracked, choose Always.
  4. Close the Settings page.

Should I block tracking cookies? ›

If you don't mind cookies tracking your browsing habits and your general location, then you don't have anything to worry about. However, if you feel that this an invasion of your privacy, you can always delete and disable tracking cookies. Additionally, you can clear your cache to remove more data.

Can you block cookies from tracking? ›

Manage your tracking protections

If you choose to, you can block third-party cookies completely in your settings. You can manage your Tracking Protection preferences in your 'Privacy and security' settings. Tracking Protection. Block all third-party cookies: when you toggle this on, features on some sites may not work.

How do I stop Firefox from blocking third-party cookies? ›

Enable third-party cookies for specific sites
  1. Visit the website.
  2. At the left of the address bar, click the. shield icon.
  3. At the top right of the panel, toggle off the Enhanced Tracking Protection switch. .

What happens if I allow third-party cookies? ›

Functionality of Third-Party Cookies: Third-party cookies track user behavior between browsing sessions, allowing websites to display personalized content and ads. They work by embedding JavaScript from one website into another, enabling data transfer across domains.

When did Firefox remove third-party cookies? ›

March 13, 2018. Firefox 59 removed path information from referrers to prevent cross-site tracking of users when browsing in private browsing mode. Firefox 63 introduces content blocking, allowing users to block third-party cookies and block known trackers.

What trackers does Firefox block? ›

Firefox's Enhanced Tracking Protection feature blocks cookies from cross-site trackers and isolates cookies from all other third parties. This helps prevent your browsing activity on one website from being visible to other websites.

Is Firefox safer than Chrome privacy? ›

If you're someone who values digital privacy and security, the Firefox browser may be a better choice because it's considered more private by experts.

How do I make Firefox untraceable? ›

Can I set Firefox to always use Private Browsing? and select Settings. Select the Privacy & Security panel and go to the History section. Choose Use custom settings for history from the drop-down menu and check the Always use private browsing mode setting.

Which is better DuckDuckGo or Firefox? ›

With its wide range of features, add-ons, tools, and search results from various search engines, Firefox stands out as the better option compared to DuckDuckGo, despite its strong privacy stance. However, users who value privacy over customization, and require a minimalist search interface, may prefer DuckDuckGo.

How do I block all detected trackers? ›

Use an anti-tracking extension in your preferred browser

An anti-tracking browser extension like the Ghostery Tracker & Ad Blocker can be installed on your preferred browser to block ads and trackers. Our browser extension is free to use and is rated as one of the best anti-tracking extensions on the market today.

How do I stop websites from tracking me? ›

Browse in Incognito/Private: Use private browsing modes to prevent your history, cookies, and data from being stored. Configure Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings in your browser and on websites to manage tracking preferences.

How do I stop Firefox from blocking cookies? ›

Click on the 'Permissions" tab and scroll down to "Set Cookies". Uncheck "Use Default" and check "Allow". Then close and restart Firefox.

Does Firefox Focus block tracking? ›

Firefox Focus is your dedicated privacy browser with automatic tracking protection. With Focus, your pages load faster and your data stays private. Firefox Focus is available for both iOS and Android devices.

Does Firefox private browsing clear cookies? ›

Private Browsing does not save your browsing information, such as history and cookies, and leaves no trace after you end the session. By default, when you browse in private windows, you're shielded from third-party cookies and content trackers.

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