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Source: MacHow2

How To Allow Cookies on Mac (Safari, Chrome & Edge)

Quick Answer

To allow cookies on a Mac:

  • Safari:
    Go to Settings > Advanced and turn off “Block all cookies”
  • Chrome:
    Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies and allow cookies
  • Edge:
    Go to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies and allow cookies

How To Allow Cookies in Safari on a Mac

  1. Open Safari
  2. Click Safari in the menu bar
  3. Select Settings
  4. Go to the Advanced tab
  5. Turn OFF:
    • Block all cookies

This will allow websites to store cookies on your Mac.

How To Allow Cookies in Google Chrome on a Mac

  1. Open Google Chrome
  2. Click the three-dot menu (top right)
  3. Select Settings
  4. Go to Privacy and security
  5. Click Third-party cookies
  6. Choose:
    • Allow third-party cookies

You can also add exceptions for specific sites.

How To Allow Cookies in Microsoft Edge on a Mac

  1. Open Microsoft Edge
  2. Click the three-dot menu
  3. Go to Settings
  4. Click Manage and delete cookies and site data
  5. Turn ON:
    • Allow sites to save and read cookie data

What Are Cookies and Why Do They Matter?

Cookies are small files stored by websites to:

  • Keep you logged in
  • Remember preferences
  • Enable shopping carts
  • Improve site performance

If cookies are blocked, you may notice:

  • Login issues
  • Websites not loading properly
  • Settings not saving

Is It Safe to Allow Cookies?

Generally, yes – but with some precautions.

Safe:

  • First-party cookies (from trusted websites)

Less safe:

  • Third-party cookies (used for tracking/ads)

Best option:

  • Allow cookies, but block third-party cookies when possible

How To Allow Cookies for Specific Websites Only

In Chrome:

  • Go to Third-party cookies
  • Click Add under “Sites that can always use cookies”

In Safari:

  • Safari doesn’t allow fine control per site, but you can:
    • Disable “Prevent cross-site tracking”

Common Problems (and Fixes)

Websites still not working?

Cookies keep getting blocked?

  • Check:
    • Privacy settings
    • Ad blockers
    • Security software

FAQ

Why are cookies blocked by default?

Browsers like Safari block some cookies to improve privacy and prevent tracking.

Should I allow third-party cookies?

Only if necessary – many users keep them disabled for better privacy.

Do cookies slow down my Mac?

No – they are small files and have minimal impact on performance.

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