How to Manage Cookies on Opera
Cookies often play an essential role in web browsing, providing a personalized experience and handling user authentication. However, they can also be used to track user activities and even breach the privacy of the user. That's why it's essential to learn how to manage cookies on Opera browser effectively. Whether it's to delete cookies or block them for specific websites, we'll dive into the ins and outs of managing your cookies. Let's get started!
Understanding Cookies and Their Function
Cookies are small text files that contain data about a user's browsing activity. It includes information such as login credentials, site preferences, and items added to the cart on an e-commerce site. Cookies play a crucial role in allowing the browser to remember user preferences and online activity. However, over time, it can also accumulate and lead to slower browser performance or even compromise privacy. That's why it's important to manage cookies effectively, enabling you to control which cookies are allowed, blocked or deleted
.
What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your computer or mobile device's browser. When you visit a website, these files are downloaded on your device, allowing the website to recognize you and remember your preferences. They can store a wide range of information, including your username, shopping cart items, language preference, and your browsing activity. This information helps websites personalize your experience and make it more convenient for you.
How Cookies Work on Opera Browser
When you browse the internet using the Opera browser, cookies collect data about your browsing activity and store it in the browser's local storage. Cookies can be temporary or permanent. Temporary cookies, also known as session cookies, are deleted when you close the browser or log out. On the other hand, permanent cookies, such as authentication cookies, are stored for a more extended period. Permanent cookies can make it easier to log in to a website on subsequent visits.
Enabling and Disabling Cookies in Opera
Opera offers you the flexibility to enable or disable cookies for individual websites or all websites. Here's how you can enable or disable cookies:
Accessing Cookie Settings
To access cookie settings on Opera, click on the Opera menu at the top left corner of the screen. Select 'Settings' from the drop-down menu, followed by 'Privacy & Security.' Under Privacy & security, click on the 'Cookies' section to access the cookie settings.
Allowing or Blocking Cookies
From the 'Cookie' settings menu, you can select whether to allow or block all cookies. To block all cookies, click on the 'Block sites from setting any data' option under the 'Cookies' section. To enable cookies, click on the 'Allow sites to save and read cookie data' option. You can also choose to block or enable third-party cookies from the same menu.
Managing Third-Party Cookies
Third-party cookies are created by a website other than the one you're visiting. They track your online activity across different websites. To manage third-party cookies in Opera, visit the 'Cookies' settings, select 'Block third-party cookies,' to block all third-party cookies. Alternatively, you can choose to 'Allow local data to be set (recommended)' to allow third-party cookies.
Clearing Cookies on Opera
In case you want to start afresh and remove cookies from your browser, Opera offers various methods to clear cookies, either for specific websites or all cookies saved in your browser. Here's how:
Clearing Cookies for Specific Websites
If you wish to remove cookies for specific websites, launch Opera browser and pull up the cookie settings as previously described. Next, scroll down to the 'All Cookies and Site Data' section and click on it.
A new page will open, displaying a list of all websites that have stored data on your device. Locate and select the website whose cookies you want to delete and click 'Remove.'
Clearing All Cookies and Site Data
To remove all cookies and data saved on your device, pull up the cookie settings and click on 'Clear browsing data.' From the pop-up menu, ensure that the 'Cookies and other site data' box is checked. You can also set a time range, allowing you to delete all data from a specific period. Once you're ready, click on the 'Clear data' button to remove all cookies and site data saved in your browser.
Managing Cookie Exceptions
Additionally, Opera allows you to add exceptions for websites whose cookies you want to block or allow. Exceptions allow you to fine-tune your cookie settings and ensure sites function as expected. Here's how:
Adding and Removing Exceptions
To add a cookie exception for a website, pull up the cookie menu, click on the 'Manage exceptions' button. A new page will open where you can add, remove, or edit exceptions for specific websites. To add a new exception, click 'Add exception' and enter the site URL and cookie settings as appropriate. To remove an exception, locate the site under the exceptions list, and click 'Remove.'
Editing Exception Settings
Finally, to edit cookie settings for an existing exception, locate the site under the exception list, and click on the site URL. You can then change the cookie settings as appropriate, enabling or disabling specific cookies for that website.
Opera's Built-In Privacy Features
Private Browsing Mode
Opera's Private browsing mode can help you protect your privacy by not storing any cookies or site data. To access private browsing, click on the Opera Menu and select 'New Private Window.' The private window has a distinctive purple background, indicating that it's in private browsing mode.
Opera's Ad Blocker and Tracker Blocker
Opera's built-in ad blocker and tracker blocker can help you block ads and trackers that may collect your data or slow down your browsing. To use these features, click on the Opera menu and access the Ad blocker and Tracker Blocker settings to configure as required or turn them on or off.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing cookies on Opera browser is essential for privacy, security, and performance reasons. By using the cookie settings provided, you can effectively manage your cookies and remove any unwanted data saved in your browser. Opera's built-in features, including private browsing mode, AdBlocker, and Tracker blocker, further enhance your privacy and browsing experience. With these tools, you can enjoy a safer, faster, and more personalized browsing experience.