How to block cookies on your web browser in 2024

Obnoxious cookie consent banners that jump into your face during each first visit to a website are a buzzkill. The non-biscuit cookies are nowhere as pleasurable as the biscuit ones. See, eCommerce businesses employ cookies to track user data. Even though it’s perfectly legal and normalized for advertising purposes, it’s still privacy-invading as they collect some information about you even if you decline them.

Cookies are harmless and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, in worse scenarios, some cybercriminals can hijack web cookies to gain access to your browsing history and data. The best way to prevent all these problems is to block cookies altogether. Our experts tested various methods to determine the best ways to block all cookies on various peripherals.

Stick with us and learn the best and most reliable ways to block cookies without needing high-level IT knowledge.

Why you would want to block cookie consent popups

Companies call browser cookies a necessary evil since the user data they collect helps them build digital profiles for future sales and marketing campaigns. They also must ask our permission due to GDPR (Europe) and CCPA (US) regulations. Still, our patience has run out. Especially when websites purposely create banners that trick people into accepting all cookies, like using dark themes or making it too complicated to toggle choices.

The first problem that arises with cookies is the interrupted user journey. Sure, they pop up only during your first visit to the site on a device. However, if you don’t give consent, most web pages prohibit you from continuing until you agree to at least mandatory cookies. Talk about the illusion of choice. That’s why more people are increasingly opting for reliable ad blockers.

Privacy concerns also feature on the plate. Regardless of what cookies you end up allowing, the site is likely harvesting more data. Besides, it doesn’t feel right to have your every step probed when you just want to read an article or buy a product quickly. Worse yet, cybercrooks can infiltrate website networks and inject cookies with malware to gather user intel. It’s a rare case, but chances aren’t zero, after all.

How to block cookies with ad blocker: detailed guide

There are several ways to block web cookies. However, some take extra steps and work sometimes, while others may be quick but inconsistent. After rigorous testing, we can safely say that using an ad blocker is the best solution in multiple ways. With little interaction from you, a robust app or extension will fiercely remove ads from your screen, including cookie banners.

We tested over 20 ad blockers to present you with the best-in-class solution – Total Adblock. This cookie popup blocker disabled nearly 100% of all banners. Moreover, you get an utterly ad-free browsing experience apart from not needing to throw your consent left and right. Picture no hindrances, faster website loading times, and less drain on mobile battery.

1. Head to the app store or official website of a chosen provider. We heartily recommend Total Adblock as the #1 cookie pop-up blocker
2. Download the ad-blocking client or browser extension
3. Proceed with installation
4. Launch the application or extension
5. Toggle settings off and on for various features
6. Now no cookie banner should trouble you again!

Other methods to block cookie consent banners

While the ad blocker may be your best shot, you’re not out of options besides it. We salute you for persistence and thus present you with alternative ways to block all cookies.

1. Block cookie pop-ups with a VPN extension

It’s no secret that a good VPN can get you far ahead in terms of security and breaking down virtual barriers. However, a service with built-in ad & cookie popup blockers gives you extra muscles against the obtrusive banners. During our trial runs, we learned that such a VPN’s extension yields solid anti-cookie results. Actually, extensions perform better than apps when it comes to cookies specifically.

In fact, Surfshark VPN extension is among the best cookie popup blockers. Keep in mind that while Surfshark supports all major browsers, the upgraded CleanWeb 2.0 version is available only on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Here’s how to install this VPN extension on your browser:

1. Subscribe to the chosen VPN with implemented cookie blocker. Surfshark extension is the top choice
2. Head to the browser web store and find the VPN you have
3. Add the extension to your library
4. Enable the VPN extension to wave cookie banners goodbye

2. Use a privacy-focused browser

Switching to a secure browser kills two birds with one stone. A private browser reduces cookie banners along with ads and bolsters your anonymity. That’s because they have pre-installed privacy features, like ad blockers, cookie popup blockers, and even VPNs. However, you must note that these features aren’t full-fledged and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Not every browser is private. For example, Chromium-based ones have some protective measures, but no one would call them secure browsers. Here are the top picks for reducing (but not eliminating altogether) the number of cookie banners:

1. DuckDuckGo
2. Brave
3. Mozilla Firefox
4. Tor Browser
5. Vivaldi

You can download them via Edge, Safari, or Chrome browsers. Simply look up the desired browser, download the file, run installation, and optionally set it to be the default app.

3. Delete cookie banners in Inspect mode

In light of Google silently removing the option to block all cookies on Chrome, people began talking about the impact of Inspect mode. Naturally, our research team, having dealt with this measure before, decided to try it against cookies. Lo and behold, it works. This method is manual labor, though.

In brief, the Inspect feature allows you to tinker with the CSS properties, identify and block the code that enables cookies. It’s a one-time shot, and likely you may have to do it again on your second visit or once you refresh the website. It’s a solid but temporary solution. Here’s how to block cookies with Inspect mode:

1. Left-click on the website
2. Press Inspect option
3. Search for the code line that’s responsible for cookie banner
4. Left-click on the code line and press Delete
5. Close the code window

4. Use other browser extensions

Just like you can add a VPN extension to your browser, you may also add other anti-cookie soldiers. While they work well enough, our tests reveal inconsistencies with Chromium-based browsers more often than secure ones. Also, we wince at whether these third-party extensions don’t collect data about you. VPN extensions are bound by no-logs, but not these services.

If you want to give it a shot, you might get lost in the dazzling variety of options. Since we did some serious ransacking and testing, we think that I Don’t Care About Cookies, Remove Cookie Banners, Stardust Cookie Cutter, and Ninja Cookie are the top picks. We present a quick guide for fetching a cookie popup blocker extensions:

1. Head to the web store of your browser (Chrome or Safari)
2. Type into the search bar the name of sought-after extension
3. Add it to your library
4. Enable the extension

How to block cookies on iPhone & Android devices

The best ways to block cookies on mobile devices are secure browsers, custom scripts & extensions, and ad blockers. Windows and Mac devices have greater functionality. Thus, there are more ways to disable cookies, like Inspect mode. Mobile users, on the other hand, have fewer options. Let’s dive into them without further ado.

Secure browsers, like Firefox and Brave, will help you, but their functionality is poorer on mobile devices. Think of persistent YouTube ads that are harder to disable on Android & iOS due to conflicting interests in the operating system. A private browser may not be a downright solution but a solid ingredient for blocking cookie banners.

Another option is custom scripts and extensions. Notably, this method involves more technical knowledge. With custom scripts, the principle lies in third-party apps that allow you to manually create or import scripts for blocking cookies. Or you can use existing scripts. Browser extensions use their own scripts only, not letting you toggle with them or import your own. Because of that, they may not block all cookies.

We left the best method for last to savor the taste of victory against cookie pop-ups. An ad blocker for Android and iOS devices is the cream of the crop if you want a reliable solution. Our top pick is Total Adblock. Our experts verified that its intelligent filter lists and script-blocking features block all cookies. Even mobile ads and cookie banners don’t stand a chance against it.

Block mobile cookies with Total Adblock

How to choose the best ad blocker to block cookie popups

An ad blocker is the safest and most user-intuitive way to remove cookie consent pop-ups. But you may wonder how to choose one in the crowded market. We’ll share the criteria that guide our ad-blocking tests so you can make an informed decision and save precious time. Here’s what to consider for the best cookie popup blocker:

• Whether it blocks cookies. It’s a no-brainer. But not all ad blockers fare well with cookie blocking. For this reason, dive into research and reviews to make sure that the ad blocker indeed removes cookies.
• Broad compatibility. You may want to block cookies on all devices or maybe one or two only. Look up device compatibility, whether yours is on the list. Also, we advise you to revise whether the app or extension is well-developed and resource-consuming, especially if you want to block cookies on smartphones.
• Brand reputation. All providers claim the best software and user experience. Instead, look up expert opinions, in-depth reviews, and always check out user reviews, comments, and threats. For example, best ad blockers by Reddit could give you noteworthy insights into functionality, strong and weak points.
• Additional perks. Your initial mission is to block all cookies. But since you want to invest in a premium ad blocker (even if a free one), extra features should be involved. Whether it’s customization, whitelisting, script-blocking, or notification disabler – do that research, have those higher standards.
• User-friendly design. Never underestimate the power of intuitive and easy designs. App or extension, you shouldn’t be confused about using the ad blocker, finding and toggling settings.

What matters most is knowing your needs and not faltering. Better take a few days longer, but pick the best ad blocker that swipes cookie pop-ups off your screen. And then, finally, peace of mind.

Parting shots

Cookie consent pop-ups have been plaguing us for way too long. Though harmless and annoying at first, they leave a trail of concerns in their wake. From privacy invasion to the potential risk of hijacked cookie banner buttons with potential malware. However, the game isn’t over. You can block cookies using our tested and verified methods: ad blockers, secure browsers, VPN extensions, Inspect mode, etc. The best way is to use an ad blocker.

Total Adblock is the top-grade solution to block invasive cookies & trackers that mock the illusion of us having a say in this. This cookie popup blocker employs the latest filter systems and extra perks to remove consent notifications swiftly. Moreover, you can forget all about ads, too. Best part? You need to enable it once to do all the heavy lifting for you.

What do you think is the best way to block all cookies? Let us know by leaving a comment!

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You may also like to read:
How to block ads on YouTube
How to bypass YouTube adblock detection
How to stop ads on Instagram
Best ad blockers for iPhone & iPad
Best ad blocker for Chrome
Best ad blockers for Firefox

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FAQ

Why am I constantly being asked to accept cookies?

Websites ask you to consent to cookies due to privacy regulations. Due to GDPR and CCPA policies, each web page must ask users to choose which cookies are allowed or deny consent. However, most sites prohibit people from interacting with their page until cookies are accepted.

Is it recommended to block cookies?

Yes, blocking cookies is encouraged. It's because most websites gather more data than you agree to or even if you don't consent. Apart from privacy concerns, cybercriminals can infiltrate networks to infect cookie banner buttons with malware. Solutions like Total Adblock quickly block all cookies.

How do I stop websites from asking me to accept cookies?

You can stop websites from asking you about cookies with an ad blocker. It's the most effective and fastest way to free and private browsing. Get a robust service like Total Adblock with a recorded history of successfully squashing cookies. Unlike most other methods, it blocks all cookies.

Is there a way to automatically block cookies?

Yes, you can disable cookies on your browser via settings. However, it's not particularly effective. Most methods you'll find online aren't noteworthy save for cookie popup blockers like Total Adblock. Aside from whisking ads away, you can bid all manners of cookies farewell and enjoy privacy.