Cookies are small pieces of data that websites store on your computer to remember your preferences, keep you logged into your accounts, and save items in your shopping cart. While Safari’s strict privacy features block tracking cookies by default, completely disabling all cookies will break many modern websites, making it impossible to log in or complete purchases.
How to Enable Cookies in Safari on a Mac
If a website is giving you an error message saying “Cookies must be enabled to proceed,” here is how to fix it in Safari for macOS:
- Open the Safari browser.
- Look at the very top-left corner of your screen (in the menu bar next to the Apple logo) and click on the word Safari.
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu (if you are on an older Mac, this will be called Preferences).
- A new window will appear. Click the Advanced tab (the icon looks like a gear) at the top of the window. Note: If you are running an older version of macOS like Big Sur or Catalina, you will need to click the Privacy tab instead.
- Look for the option labeled Block all cookies.
- Uncheck the box next to “Block all cookies.”
Once you uncheck the box, your settings are saved instantly. You can close the Settings window and refresh the website you were trying to use; it should now load perfectly.
What About Cross-Site Tracking?
If you look in the Privacy tab, you will see a feature called “Prevent cross-site tracking.” This blocks third-party advertisers from following you around the web. You can leave this feature turned on (checked). Turning on “Prevent cross-site tracking” while unchecking “Block all cookies” is the perfect balance: it allows websites to function normally while protecting your data from ad agencies.