No Cookies Available | The Cairns Post

Understanding Cookies and Their Importance for Browsing

In the digital age, cookies play a crucial role in enhancing our online experience. These small text files are stored on your device when you visit a website, allowing the site to remember your preferences, login information, and other personalized settings. However, to fully utilize many websites, including social media platforms like Facebook, cookies must be enabled in your browser. If you encounter a message stating, "To use this website, cookies must be enabled in your browser," it’s a prompt to adjust your settings for a seamless browsing experience.

The Facebook In-App Browser Dilemma

For users who frequently access Facebook, it’s important to note that the Facebook app has its own built-in browser. Unfortunately, this in-app browser has been reported to intermittently make requests to websites without the cookies that were previously set. This issue can lead to frustrating experiences, such as being logged out of accounts or losing saved preferences. While Facebook is expected to address this defect in future updates, there is a straightforward workaround: open links in your device’s external browser instead of the in-app browser.

How to Open Links Externally in the Facebook App

To ensure that you are using your preferred browser rather than the Facebook in-app browser, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Settings Menu: Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) located in the top right corner of the Facebook app.
2. Select App Settings: Scroll down and choose “App Settings” from the menu options.
3. Enable External Links: Toggle the option “Links Open Externally” to ensure that any links you click will open in your device’s default browser.

By making this adjustment, you can avoid the cookie-related issues that may arise from using the in-app browser.

Enabling Cookies in Various Browsers

If you find yourself unable to access certain websites due to cookie restrictions, enabling cookies in your browser is essential. Below are step-by-step instructions for enabling cookies in some of the most popular web browsers.

Internet Explorer (Versions 7, 8 & 9)

1. Open Internet Explorer: Launch the browser on your device.
2. Access Internet Options: Click on the “Tools” menu and select “Internet Options.”
3. Navigate to Privacy Settings: Go to the “Privacy” tab and click on “Advanced.”
4. Override Automatic Cookie Handling: Check the box for “Override automatic cookie handling.”
5. Accept Cookies: For both First-party and Third-party Cookies, select “Accept.”
6. Confirm Changes: Click “OK” twice to save your settings.

Firefox

1. Launch Firefox: Open the Firefox browser.
2. Access Options: Click on the “Tools” menu and select “Options.”
3. Privacy Settings: Navigate to the “Privacy” tab and choose “Use custom settings for history.”
4. Enable Cookies: Check the boxes for “Accept cookies from sites” and “Accept third-party cookies.”
5. Set Expiration: Select “Keep until: they expire.”
6. Save Changes: Click “OK” to apply your settings.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome: Launch the Google Chrome browser.
2. Access Options: Click on the “Tools” menu and select “Options.”
3. Privacy Settings: Navigate to “Privacy” and then “Content Settings.”
4. Allow Local Data: Check “Allow local data to be set.”
5. Adjust Third-party Cookies: Uncheck “Block third-party cookies from being set.”
6. Close Settings: Ensure all changes are saved and close the settings tab.

Mobile Safari (iPhone, iPad)

1. Access Home Screen: Press the Home button or unlock your device.
2. Open Settings: Tap the “Settings” icon.
3. Select Safari: Scroll down and select “Safari” from the settings menu.
4. Accept Cookies: Tap on “Accept Cookies.”
5. Choose Cookie Acceptance: Select “From Visited” to allow cookies from sites you visit.
6. Return to Home Screen: Press the Home button to exit settings.
7. Restart Safari: To ensure the changes take effect, press and hold the Home button for about five seconds until the screen goes blank, then release to return to the home screen.
8. Reopen Safari: Tap the Safari icon to start browsing with the new cookie settings.

Conclusion

Understanding how to enable cookies across various browsers is essential for a smooth online experience. Whether you’re using Facebook or any other website, ensuring that cookies are enabled will help you maintain your preferences and enhance your browsing efficiency. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily adjust your settings and enjoy a more personalized and uninterrupted online journey.