Is it a Good Idea to Clear Cookies and Browser History? Find out!

Almost every individual who owns a smartphone, computer, or tablet uses their respective device to access the Internet and perform numerous web-related accessories. They do it using special applications called web browsers. These apps allow individuals to use the Internet for performing different activities online, such as browsing through different websites, accessing social media accounts, shopping for products online via eCommerce websites, playing online games, etc. According to Mozilla, web browsers allow users to perform the aforementioned activities by retrieving information from other sections of the web and displaying them on users’ devices.

Whenever a user uses any web browser to perform activities on the Internet, the browser saves the address of pages they have visited or the links they have clicked on. All the activity-related data is held in a section called “History,” which can be accessed by users by navigating to the Settings page of their respective browsers. Similarly, HTTP cookies or Internet cookies are designed especially for Internet web browsers to track, personalize, and, most importantly, save the user’s information about each of their surfing sessions. There are instances when websites ask users to accept cookies. When users accept the cookies, they are stored in the device’s web browser. The stored cookies can track and collect data from users’ browsers and send them back to the website owner. However, users are advised to clear cookies as well as their browser history frequently due to numerous reasons. This article will list the steps following which users can get rid of cookies and their browser’s history and list multiple reasons why deleting cookies and clearing the browser history is a good idea. Let us dive right into it:

How to Clear Browsing History

Different operating systems offer different methods following which users can clear their browser’s history. For instance, if you are a macOS Safari user and are wondering how to clear browser history on Mac, all you need to do to get the job done is click on the Safari menu, choose the “Clear History” option, select the right option from the dropdown menu, and click on the “Clear History” option again. If you use multiple browsers and wish to clean all their browser history at once, you can opt to use a third-party cleaner app like CleanMyMac X. On the other hand, if you are a Windows user who uses the Google Chrome browser, you can wipe the browsing history by accessing the “History” tab by pressing the “Ctrl” and “H” buttons, clicking on the three-lined icon on the top-right of the section, and using the “Clear Browsing Data” option.

Reasons Why Users Should Clear Cookies

Here are some prominent reasons why you should consider clearing your browser’s cookies:

• It Facilities in Fixing Website-Related Problems

There are certain instances when cookies prevent certain websites from functioning normally. For example, a website may not open or load pages quickly despite the user having a stable and fast Internet connection. Hence, users need to clear the stored cookies frequently. Once the cookies are cleared, users get a clean or empty slate; thus, they can reload the website and make it function normally again.

• It Minimizes the Risk of Identity or Account Theft

There are times when users need to use a public WiFi network. However, once they are done, they should immediately get rid of cookies to ensure they are logged out of everywhere. If they do not do it, others may be able to use their accounts or handles, which is a significant security concern.

• It Prevents Third-Party Cookies from Tracking You

Accepting third-party cookies is sometimes a necessity. However, once you are done using the website, you should get rid of all the cookies on your browser to ensure your activities are not tracked by the website or other users.

Reasons Why Users Should Delete their Browsing History

Here are two of the most prominent reasons why you should delete your browser’s history:

• It Prevents Websites from Tracking You

Most websites these days have an eye out for the user’s information. Moreover, they also try to track the user’s web-based activities and keep a record of them. However, when users delete their browsing history, it prevents websites from tracking their activities and identifying them.

• It Enhances the Browser’s Performance

When a browser has too much browsing history accumulated in it, chances are that its performance will significantly decline. However, once the user deletes their browsing history, the browser’s performance will return to normal. Hence, it is advised that users clean their browser history from time to time.

To conclude, getting rid of browser history as well as cookies offers numerous benefits to users as mentioned earlier. Hence, it should be done frequently by users of all devices and platforms.