Can I customize cookies settings in Safari?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can I customize cookies settings in Safari?

So frequently when I visit a website it will allow me to choose to accept or block some or all cookies. Can’t I make my own choices without being invited? Google searches yield murky answers stating or implying that this is a very complex problem. I don’t see why. Is it entirely up to a website to offer this option? Apple seems to offer only one option: “block all cookies” or not. I don’t think this is a viable option for most people.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 9, 2025 06:42 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

153,634 points

Apr 10, 2025 08:36 AM in response to rhnj22

Is it entirely up to a website to offer this option?

Yes. Website code will save anything the website is coded to save, unless you choose to deny it that ability. For example certain websites will ask if you want to save only what it deems necessary, but it's up to the website developer to define what that means.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

153,634 points

Apr 10, 2025 10:59 AM in response to rhnj22

Apple understands, having known about potential nefarious implementations for years. Safari already implements a number of countermeasures that render the most popular ones ineffective.

Safari Privacy - Apple

Privacy - Features - Apple

Safari Privacy Overview - Apple

... and if that's not enough for your specific needs,

How to use Locked Private Browsing in Safari - Apple Support

Still not enough?

About Lockdown Mode - Apple Support

By the way...

Google searches yield murky answers stating or implying that this is a very complex problem.

I wonder why 🤔

Hint: Don't use Google.

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