Ever heard terms like “cookies,” “Incognito mode,” or “clearing cache” and wondered what they actually mean? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand these tools and improve your browsing experience.
What Are Cookies? 🍪
Website cookies are small files created by sites to store information on your device, like login details, shopping cart items, or preferred settings. They’re meant to make your experience smoother by remembering these details each time you visit.
Why Do Websites Use Cookies?
Cookies enhance your browsing experience by:
- Keeping you logged in across pages,
- Saving items in your cart,
- Personalizing content based on past visits.
However, cookies can also track browsing behavior, which is why you may see targeted ads.
What’s Incognito Mode?
Incognito mode (or private browsing) prevents your browser from saving your session history, cookies, and form data. It’s useful for:
- Price comparisons without tracking,
- Using multiple accounts without signing out,
- Private browsing on shared devices.
Keep in mind, Incognito mode only hides your history from your device—not from websites or your internet provider.
Clearing Cookies and Cache
If a website feels glitchy or your browser slows down, clearing cookies and cache can help. Here’s what it does:
- Clearing Cookies: Erases stored data for each site, requiring you to log in and reset preferences upon return.
- Clearing Cache: Removes stored images and scripts, refreshing sites to their latest versions.
How to Clear Cookies and Cache
In Chrome on Desktop:
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three dots in the top-right corner > Settings > Privacy and security.
- Choose Clear browsing data, select a time range, then check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear data.
In Chrome on Mobile:
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the three dots > History > Clear browsing data.
- Choose a time range, check Cookies and Cached images and files, and confirm.
Regularly clearing cookies and cache can keep your browser running smoothly. With these tools in mind, you’re all set to enjoy a faster, more private browsing experience!