Trace your commute

Practical privacy steps

Browser privacy settings to review

Choose cross-site protections, inspect site permissions and understand what private browsing leaves visible.

Latest source check .

Conceptual illustration

Chrome on a computer

  1. Open Chrome Settings, Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies. Review the blocking choice and any sites allowed as exceptions. Google Chrome: cookie settings
  2. If a site fails after a change, review that site's exception rather than allowing third-party cookies everywhere. Google documents per-site controls. Google Chrome: cookie settings

Firefox on a computer

  1. Open Settings, Privacy & Security, then Enhanced Tracking Protection. Compare Standard, Strict and Custom against the explanation in Mozilla's guide. Mozilla: tracking protection
  2. Use the shield beside the address bar to inspect what was blocked on the current site. If a feature breaks, review the site-specific protection choice. Mozilla: tracking protection

Safari on Mac and iPhone

  1. On a Mac, open Safari, choose Safari then Settings, open Privacy, and select Prevent cross-site tracking. Apple: Safari cross-site tracking on Mac
  2. On iPhone, open Settings, Apps, then Safari. Keep Prevent Cross-Site Tracking enabled. The current guide also describes separate website location, camera and microphone choices. Apple: Safari privacy on iPhone

Microsoft Edge on a computer

  1. Open Settings and more, Settings, then Privacy, search, and services. Open Tracking prevention and make sure it is on. Microsoft: Edge tracking prevention
  2. Compare Basic, Balanced and Strict in the official guide. Strict blocks more trackers but can affect sign-in or video playback, so test the sites you need. Microsoft: Edge tracking prevention

Private browsing has a limited purpose

Private browsing does not block sites from observing everything done during a session. It mainly changes what the browser keeps locally. Use tracking controls in addition to private browsing. FTC: online tracking

Questions and answers

Does stricter protection break every site?

No. Mozilla describes exceptions and troubleshooting for sites that do have problems. Test the sites you need after changing protection. Mozilla: tracking protection

Is a cookie setting the same as deleting an account?

No. Google's cookie controls manage browser cookies and site access. Account deletion is a separate provider process. Google Chrome: cookie settings

Sources and scope

Vendor documentation checked 10-23-2026: desktop Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge, plus the current iPhone Safari guide. Vendor help can change and menus vary by version. No personal browser settings were changed and no physical phone test was performed.

Keep exploring