Description: A cookie is a small file created by a website to store information.
Keywords: maintaining privacy and security, cookies, preferences, privacy, security

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# About cookies

A cookie is a small file created by a website to store information. The cookie is stored on your computer. Cookies are normally helpful and harmless; it’s rare to encounter a bad cookie.

When you visit a website that uses cookies, the site asks Safari to put cookies on your computer. When you return to the site later, Safari sends back the cookies that belong to the site. The cookies tell the site who you are so that the site can show you information that’s appropriate for you.

Cookies can store information that identifies you, such as your name and email address. A website has access only to the information you provide. For example, a website can’t determine your email address unless you provide it. A website can’t gain access to other information on your computer.

When you use the default cookie preferences in Safari, you won’t know when Safari is accepting or sending cookies.

You can change your cookies preferences so that Safari doesn’t accept cookies or accepts them only from limited sources.

### Related Topics

Managing cookies