Safari can block cookies in ways that make websites lose sign-ins or browsing state. Turn the current Safari cookie controls back on first, then check Private Browsing, cross-site tracking, and managed-device restrictions if the setting keeps changing.
Enable Cookies on iPhone
Start here when Safari on iPhone keeps rejecting normal website cookies.
- 1.Open the Settings app.
- 2.Tap Apps.
- 3.Tap Safari.
- 4.Tap Advanced.
- 5.Turn off Block All Cookies.
Turn Cookies Back On Mac
This fixes Mac sites that cannot save regular Safari cookies.
Open the Safari app.
Choose Safari > Settings.
Click Advanced.
Deselect Block all cookies.
Allow Cookies on iPad
On iPad, Safari’s cookie control sits inside the main Settings app. Open Settings, tap Apps, then tap Safari.
Tap Advanced, then turn off Block All Cookies. Safari can now save normal website cookies.
If this method fails, open the page outside Private Browsing, then check whether the site requires cross-site cookie behavior.
Adjust Cross Site Tracking for Embedded Sign Ins
Some sign-in pages, embedded forms, and payment flows require cross-site cookie behavior. Use this only for a site that specifically needs embedded third-party cookie handling.
On Mac, open Safari, choose Safari > Settings, click Privacy, then deselect Prevent cross-site tracking.
On iPhone, open Settings, tap Apps, tap Safari, then turn off Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.
On iPad, open Settings, tap Apps, tap Safari, then turn off Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.
Leave Private Browsing for Saved Website Data
The most common cause is a page open in Private Browsing, where Safari does not save changes to cookies and website data.
On Mac, close the private window or switch to a normal Safari window.
Choose File > New Window to open a non-private window.
On iPhone, open Safari, tap the More button, then choose New Tab.
On iPad, open Safari, tap the Show Sidebar button, then choose a tab group other than Private.
Skip Outdated Safari Cookie Instructions
Older Mac instructions that use Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data > Always allow belong to older Safari versions.
On current Mac versions, use Safari > Settings > Advanced, then deselect Block all cookies.
Safari for Windows instructions are obsolete for current troubleshooting. Apple no longer offers Safari updates for Windows or other non-Apple operating systems, and Safari 5.1.7 for Windows is outdated.
Unlock Cookies on Managed Devices
This applies when Safari cookie options are grayed out, missing, or switch back after you change them. A managed iPhone, iPad, or Mac can have Safari cookie behavior controlled by the organization that manages the device.
Ask the organization that manages the device to remove the restrictive Safari cookie policy or let you manage the setting yourself.
For managed Safari policies, the administrator can allow cookie handling by changing the Safari restriction to Always Allow or by removing forced Block all cookies and Prevent cross-site tracking restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Safari still ask me to log in after enabling cookies?
Use a normal Safari window or tab. Private Browsing does not save changes to cookies and website data, so sign-in state disappears when you browse privately.
Do I need to turn off Prevent Cross-Site Tracking?
Turn it off only for a site that requires cross-site or embedded third-party cookie behavior, such as certain sign-in or payment pages. It is separate from the regular cookie setting.
Where is Block All Cookies on iPhone and iPad?
Open Settings, tap Apps, tap Safari, tap Advanced, then turn off Block All Cookies.
Can I enable Safari cookies on Windows?
No current Apple-supported Safari for Windows method exists. Apple no longer offers Safari updates for Windows or other non-Apple operating systems.