Cookies are small text files used by websites that contain information about a visitor’s activity on the website. They are stored on a user’s browser and help websites track user behavior or show relevant results and personalized suggestions to visitors.
WordPress uses two types of cookies in the core software:
Users cookies: Tracks the session of logged-in visitors
Commenters cookies: Store information about the users posting comments
| Cookies | Purpose | |
| Users Cookies | wordpress_[hash] | Stores user authentication information |
| wordpress_logged_in_[hash] | Shows logged-in status and user identity | |
| wp-settings-{time}-[UID] | Personalize the admin interface and influence the appearance of the website | |
| Commenter cookies | comment_author_{HASH} | Stores commenter’s name |
| comment_author_email_{HASH} | Stores commenter’s email ID | |
| comment_author_url_{HASH} | Stores commenter’s website URL |
The above-mentioned are the different cookies used by the WordPress core software. However, if you are using third-party plugins, themes, and add-ons, it may set additional cookies on your website. Some external services like Google Analytics or Hotjar could also add cookies to your website.
For more information, check out our detailed guide on WordPress Cookies.