Check for external scripts

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 91 views

How do I find out what is arbitrarily removing cookies on my website?

Understanding the Issue

Having issues with cookies being arbitrarily deleted on your website can be frustrating, especially when it affects critical functionality like session management. In this article, we'll explore the possible causes and provide a step-by-step guide to help you identify and resolve the issue.

Possible Causes

Before we dive into the troubleshooting process, let's discuss some possible causes of cookie deletion:

Browser-specific issues: Different browsers have varying levels of cookie management. Some browsers may delete cookies more aggressively than others.
Third-party scripts: External scripts, such as analytics or advertising tools, can sometimes interfere with cookie settings.
Facebook In-App browser: As you've mentioned, the Facebook In-App browser has been known to delete cookies arbitrarily.
Cookie policies: Strict cookie policies or settings can lead to cookie deletion.

Troubleshooting Steps

To identify the cause of cookie deletion on your website, follow these steps:

1. Check Browser Settings

Facebook In-App browser: Check the Facebook In-App browser settings to see if cookies are being deleted. You can do this by:
- Opening the Facebook In-App browser
- Going to Settings (usually represented by three horizontal lines or a gear icon)
- Selecting "Cookies and site data" or "Privacy and security"
- Checking if cookies are being deleted or blocked
Other browsers: Check the cookie settings in other browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, to see if they're deleting cookies.

2. Inspect Third-Party Scripts

Check for external scripts: Review your website's code to identify any external scripts that might be interfering with cookie settings.
Test with scripts disabled: Temporarily disable external scripts to see if the issue persists.

3. Verify Cookie Policies

Check website cookie policy: Review your website's cookie policy to ensure it's not too restrictive.
Test with relaxed cookie policy: Temporarily relax your cookie policy to see if the issue resolves.

4. Use Browser DevTools

Chrome DevTools: Use Chrome DevTools to inspect cookie settings and identify potential issues.
Firefox DevTools: Use Firefox DevTools to inspect cookie settings and identify potential issues.

5. Test with Different Browsers

Test with multiple browsers: Try testing your website with different browsers to see if the issue is browser-specific.

6. Consult Facebook Support

Contact Facebook support: Reach out to Facebook support to report the issue and ask for assistance.

7. Review Website Code

Inspect website code: Review your website's code to identify any potential issues that might be causing cookie deletion.

Conclusion

Arbitrarily deleting cookies on your website can be a frustrating issue to resolve. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify the cause of the issue and resolve it. Remember to check browser settings, inspect third-party scripts, verify cookie policies, use browser DevTools, test with different browsers, consult Facebook support, and review website code to resolve the issue.

Additional Tips

Use a cookie management tool: Consider using a cookie management tool to help you manage cookies and identify potential issues.
Regularly review website code: Regularly review your website's code to ensure it's up-to-date and free from potential issues.
Test website functionality: Regularly test your website's functionality to ensure it's working as expected.

Common Issues and Solutions

Cookie deletion in Facebook In-App browser: Facebook has acknowledged issues with cookie deletion in their In-App browser. You can try contacting Facebook support for assistance.
Browser-specific issues: Different browsers have varying levels of cookie management. You can try testing your website with different browsers to see if the issue is browser-specific.
Third-party script issues: External scripts can sometimes interfere with cookie settings. You can try temporarily disabling external scripts to see if the issue resolves.

Best Practices for Cookie Management

Use secure cookies: Use secure cookies to ensure they're transmitted over a secure connection.
Set cookie expiration dates: Set cookie expiration dates to ensure cookies are deleted after a certain period.
Use cookie domains: Use cookie domains to ensure cookies are only set for specific domains.
Test website functionality: Regularly test your website's functionality to ensure it's working as expected.

Conclusion

Cookie deletion can be a frustrating issue to resolve, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify the cause of the issue and resolve it. Remember to check browser settings, inspect third-party scripts, verify cookie policies, use browser DevTools, test with different browsers, consult Facebook support, and review website code to resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cookie Deletion

Q: What are the most common causes of cookie deletion?

A: The most common causes of cookie deletion include browser-specific issues, third-party script interference, Facebook In-App browser issues, and strict cookie policies.

Q: How can I prevent cookie deletion in the Facebook In-App browser?

A: Unfortunately, Facebook has acknowledged issues with cookie deletion in their In-App browser. You can try contacting Facebook support for assistance.

Q: Can I use a cookie management tool to help me manage cookies and identify potential issues?

A: Yes, you can use a cookie management tool to help you manage cookies and identify potential issues. These tools can provide insights into cookie settings and help you troubleshoot issues.

Q: How can I test my website's functionality to ensure it's working as expected?

A: You can test your website's functionality by regularly testing it with different browsers, devices, and scenarios. This will help you identify potential issues and ensure your website is working as expected.

Q: What are some best practices for cookie management?

A: Some best practices for cookie management include using secure cookies, setting cookie expiration dates, using cookie domains, and testing website functionality.

Q: Can I use a cookie policy generator to help me create a cookie policy for my website?

A: Yes, you can use a cookie policy generator to help you create a cookie policy for your website. These generators can provide you with a template and help you customize it to your needs.

Q: How can I ensure that my website is compliant with cookie regulations?

A: To ensure your website is compliant with cookie regulations, you should:

Use secure cookies
Set cookie expiration dates
Use cookie domains
Provide clear information about cookies on your website
Obtain user consent for cookies
Regularly review and update your cookie policy

Q: Can I use a cookie consent plugin to help me obtain user consent for cookies?

A: Yes, you can use a cookie consent plugin to help you obtain user consent for cookies. These plugins can provide you with a customizable consent form and help you manage cookie settings.

Q: How can I troubleshoot cookie deletion issues on my website?

A: To troubleshoot cookie deletion issues on your website, you can:

Check browser settings
Inspect third-party scripts
Verify cookie policies
Use browser DevTools
Test with different browsers
Consult Facebook support
Review website code

Q: Can I use a cookie management plugin to help me manage cookies and identify potential issues?

A: Yes, you can use a cookie management plugin to help you manage cookies and identify potential issues. These plugins can provide you with insights into cookie settings and help you troubleshoot issues.

Q: How can I ensure that my website is secure and protected from cookie deletion issues?

A: To ensure your website is secure and protected from cookie deletion issues, you should:

Use secure cookies
Set cookie expiration dates
Use cookie domains
Provide clear information about cookies on your website
Obtain user consent for cookies
Regularly review and update your cookie policy
Use a cookie management tool or plugin
Test website functionality regularly

Conclusion

Cookie deletion can be a frustrating issue to resolve, but by following the troubleshooting steps and best practices outlined in this article, you should be able to identify the cause of the issue and resolve it. Remember to check browser settings, inspect third-party scripts, verify cookie policies, use browser DevTools, test with different browsers, consult Facebook support, and review website code to resolve the issue.