Cookies (or cookie files) are small pieces of data that websites and apps store on your device. They help remember settings, logins, and personalized content, but they accumulate over time, slow down your smartphone, and can pose a privacy risk. On Android cookies are stored both in browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet) and in system applications, for example Google Play Services or YouTube.

Clearing cookies is a simple procedure, but it has nuances. For example, after deletion, you will have to re-enter logins on sites, and some settings (language, theme) will be reset. In this article we will look at how to delete cookies selectively (only for certain sites) or completely (for all applications), as well as what to do if standard methods do not work. We will place special emphasis on hidden system cookies, which many users do not know about.

What are cookies and why do they need to be cleared on Android

Cookies (HTTP-cookies) are text files that are created by websites when you first visit them. They contain:

  • 🔑 Authorization data (sessions, tokens)
  • 🛒 Shopping carts in online stores
  • 📍 Geolocation and language preferences
  • 🎯 Information for targeted advertising

Over time, cookies accumulate, taking up space in the device’s memory (sometimes up to 500 MB or moreif you actively use browsers). In addition, they can:

  • 🐢 Slow down page loading due to the large volume of requests to the server.
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Track your activity (even in "incognito" mode!).
  • 🔄 Lead to authorization errors if files are damaged.

Clearing cookies is recommended in the following cases:

  • 📱 Before selling or transferring the smartphone to another user.
  • 🔒 If you suspect a data leak (for example, after visiting a phishing site).
  • 🚀 To speed up the browser or applications.
⚠️ Attention: Some sites (for example, banking or government portals) may block access if cookies are deleted. In this case, you will have to go through the identification procedure again.

Method 1: Clearing cookies in the Chrome browser

Google Chrome is the most popular browser on Android, and in it cookies are cleared through the settings menu. Here are the step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right corner (⋮).
  2. Go to History → Clear data.
  3. Select a time range: All time (for complete clearing).
  4. Tick the boxes Cookies and site data.
  5. Click Delete data.

If you need to delete cookies only for one site:

  1. Open the desired site. Chrome open the desired site.
  2. Click on the lock icon (🔒) in the address bar.
  3. Select Cookie settings.
  4. Tap Delete next to unnecessary files.

Save passwords from autofill

Remember important tabs

Disable synchronization with Google account (if you do not want to delete data on other devices)

Check if you are using sites with two-factor authentication (you will need to re-enter the code)

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After cleaning Chrome may be slower when first launched - this is normal as the browser re-caches the data. If the speed has not been restored after 10–15 minutes, try restarting your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: If you use Chrome in guest or incognito mode, cookies are deleted automatically after closing the tabs. But this does not guarantee complete anonymity - the IP address and other technical information are still transmitted to sites.

Method 2: Deleting cookies in other browsers (Firefox, Samsung Internet, Opera)

In alternative browsers, the process of clearing cookies is similar, but there are differences in the interface. Let's look at three popular options:

Browser Path to settings Features
Mozilla Firefox ⋮ → Settings → Delete personal data You can select individual sites for clearing via History → History management.
Samsung Internet ⋮ → Settings → Personal data → Delete browsing data There is an option "Delete data on exit" for automatic clearing.
Opera ⚙️ → Clear data → Select "Cookies and site data" The built-in VPN does not protect against tracking through cookies.

There is an additional function - Firefox there is an additional function - Tracking protection (Settings → Privacy → Improved tracking protection). If you enable it, the browser will automatically block some cookies from advertising networks.

B Samsung Internet can be configured exceptions for certain sites:

  1. Go to Settings → Personal data → Exceptions.
  2. Add domains for which you do not want to delete cookies.
📊 What browser do you use on Android?
Chrome
Firefox
Samsung Internet
Opera
Other

Method 3: Clear cookies for system applications (YouTube, Gmail, Google Play)

Many people do not know that system applications (for example, YouTube, Gmail, Google Play Market) also save cookies. They cannot be deleted through the browser - you need to use the menu Android Settings.

Instructions for Android 10–14:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Find the application you need (for example, YouTube) and tap on it.
  3. Go to Storage → Clear data.
  4. Select Clear cache (will delete temporary files) or Clear all data (will delete cookies, settings and authorization).

For Google Play Services (system application responsible for the operation of many functions):

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Services.
  2. Select Storage → Space management → Clear all data.
What happens if you clear Google Play Services data?

This will lead to resetting some system settings, for example, you may need to re-link your Google account or update services. In rare cases, push notifications stop working until the application is updated.

After clearing the cookies for Google Play Store you will have to re-enter your account password Googleand in YouTube recommendations and browsing history will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing data for system applications can lead to malfunctions of the smartphone. For example, if you delete cookies Google Play Services, some applications (for example, Google Maps or Gmail) may temporarily stop updating.

Method 4: Clear cookies completely through Android settings (for all applications)

If you need to delete all cookies at once (including hidden system ones), use the cache reset function in the device settings. This method is suitable for Android 8.0 and newer.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Storage (or Memory).
  2. Tap on Other applications or Cached data.
  3. Confirm cleaning (the system will show how much space will be freed).

This method deletes:

  • 🍪 Cookies of all browsers and applications.
  • 🗑️ Cache of images, videos and other temporary files.
  • 📱 Authorization data in some applications (for example, in Facebook or Instagram).

The disadvantage of this method is non-selective. If you need to save data for a specific application (for example, saved games), it is better to use selective clearing (see Method 3).

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Before completely clearing the cache, make a backup copy of important data via Settings → Google → Backup. This will save your contacts, SMS and application settings.

Method 5: Using third-party applications to clear cookies

If standard methods do not help or you want to automate the process, you can use specialized ones utilities. The best of them:

  • 🧹 CCleaner — clears cookies, cache and unnecessary files. There is a scheduler function (automatic cleaning on a schedule).
  • 🛡️ SD Maid — finds and deletes “junk” files, including hidden cookies of system applications.
  • 🔍 Files by Google — built-in memory cleaning tool with a deletion function cache by category.

Example of use CCleaner:

  1. Download the application from Google Play and open it.
  2. Go to the Cleaning tab.
  3. Check Cache, Cookies and Logs.
  4. Click Analyze, then Clean.

Advantages of third-party utilities:

  • ✅ Deeper cleaning (finds files that the system skips).
  • ✅ Ability to configure automatic cleaning (for example, once a week).
  • ✅ Shows how much space each application's cookies take up.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Some applications (for example, CCleaner) require root access for complete cleaning.
  • ❌ Can delete the desired data if you do not configure exceptions.
⚠️ Attention: Cleaning applications often request access to notifications, contacts or storage Before installation, check reviews and permissions in Google Play — some utilities may themselves collect user data.

What to do if cookies are not deleted

Sometimes cookies remain even after clearing. Possible reasons and solutions:

Problem Cause Solution
Cookies appear again after deletion Synchronization with Google account Disable synchronization in Settings → Accounts → Google → Account synchronization.
Cookies for a specific site are not deleted The site uses HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) Clear your browser data completely or use incognito mode.
Error "Failed to clear data" System failure or insufficient rights Reboot the device or clear the data via ADB (for advanced users).

If standard methods do not work, try:

  1. Update your browser or application to the latest version.
  2. Clear data via ADB (computer and USB debugging required):
adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome # For Chrome

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms # For Google Play Services

For root-users there is a more radical way - manually deleting cookies through the file manager (for example, Root ExplorerPaths to cookies:

  • /data/data/com.android.chrome/app_chrome/Default/Cookies
  • /data/data/org.mozilla.firefox/files/mozilla/*.default/cookies.sqlite
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If cookies are not deleted through standard settings, the problem may be in the application itself. Try reinstalling it or contacting developer support.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing cookies on Android

Is it possible to clear cookies for only one site without affecting the others?

Yes, most browsers have such a function. Open the site, click on the lock icon (🔒) in the address bar and select Chrome open the website, click on the padlock icon (🔒) in the address bar and select Cookie settings → Delete. This is done through Firefox this is done through History → Manage history (select the site and click Forget about this site).

Why do some sites ask you to re-enter your password after clearing cookies?

Cookies often store authorization data (session tokens). After they are deleted, the site “forgets” that you are logged into your account and requires you to enter your login/password again. To avoid this, before clearing, save your passwords in the manager (for example, Google Password Manager or 1Password).

How to clear cookies in applications that do not have the "Clear data" option?

For some system applications (for example, Google App or Android System WebView), standard cleaning is not available. In this case:

  1. Disable the application in Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Disable.
  2. Clear the cache via ADB (see command above).
  3. Update the application via Google Play.

If all else fails, reset your smartphone to factory settings (Settings → System → Resetting settings).

Clearing cookies deletes the browser history?

No, cookies and history are different data. However, if you select the option Clear all. data in the browser settings, the history will also be deleted. To save the history, clear only Cookies and site data.

Is it possible to disable cookies completely?

Technically yes, but this will greatly limit the functionality of the sites. For example:

  • Items in the cart of online stores will not be saved.
  • You will have to enter your login/password every time.
  • Some sites will refuse to work (for example, social networks or banking services).

Instead of completely disabling it, it is better to use modes Incognito or extensions to block trackers (for example, uBlock Origin).