Safari can block cookies on an iPhone, but blocking every cookie can prevent websites from signing you in, remembering preferences, keeping shopping carts, or completing other normal functions. If privacy is the goal, consider Safari’s current tracking protections before using the more disruptive Block All Cookies option.
Block all Safari cookies on supported iOS versions
- Open Settings.
- Select Safari. On newer iOS releases, you may first open Apps.
- Find the Privacy & Security settings.
- Turn on Block All Cookies if that option exists on the installed iOS version.
- Confirm the warning if iOS asks you to approve the change.
Expect some websites to stop working correctly
Cookies commonly store session and authentication information. With all cookies blocked, a site can repeatedly ask you to sign in or refuse to complete a transaction. If that happens, restore cookie access before assuming the website is broken.
Cross-site tracking protection is less disruptive
Safari includes privacy features intended to limit cross-site tracking without blocking every first-party cookie. For many users, leaving Prevent Cross-Site Tracking enabled provides a better balance between privacy and website compatibility.
Clearing cookies is a separate action
Changing the blocking preference does not necessarily erase all website data already stored on the iPhone. Use Safari’s history/website-data controls if you specifically want to remove existing cookies and cached site information.
The iPhone 7 cannot run current iOS releases, and Safari settings have changed since the phone’s original software. If the exact switch is absent, use the privacy controls provided by the installed iOS version rather than installing profiles or third-party “cleaner” apps to force old behavior.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.