Cookies are a fundamental part of the internet, enabling websites to function properly and provide personalized experiences. However, not all cookies are created equal. Among the various types, session cookies play an important role in managing information during a user’s visit to a website.
Here’s a closer look at what they are, how they work, and why they matter for both users and businesses.
What is a session cookie?
A session cookie is a small, temporary data file stored in a user’s browser during their visit to a website. These cookies are designed to enable real-time functionality by maintaining the continuity of a user’s session. For example, session cookies can keep a user logged in or retain items in an online shopping cart as they navigate among pages.
Unlike other types of cookies, session cookies are temporary. They only last for the duration of a browsing session and are automatically deleted when the user closes the browser.
What’s the difference between cookies and sessions?
Cookies and sessions serve similar purposes but function differently.
Cookies, including session cookies, are stored on the user’s device. They facilitate data exchange between the browser and the server.
In contrast, sessions store user-specific data on the server and rely on session cookies to track the user’s activity during a single visit.
For example, when you log in to a website, the server generates a session and assigns it a unique ID, which is then stored in a session cookie on your device. The session cookie helps the server remember your authentication status. Meanwhile, the server uses this session ID to retrieve stored information about your activity. The server may discard the session data once the session ends, and the cookie may expire.
What are persistent cookies?
Persistent cookies, also called permanent cookies, are a different type of cookie. Unlike session cookies, persistent cookies remain on the user’s device even after the browser is closed. These cookies are programmed with an expiration date and can last for weeks, months, or even years, depending on their intended purpose
They are often used to retain information across multiple visits. For example, they may:
- save login credentials for faster access
- track user behavior over time for analytics
- personalize the user experience by storing preferences, such as language or theme settings
What’s the difference between session cookies vs persistent cookies?
A key difference between session cookies and persistent cookies is their lifespan. Session cookies are temporary and exist only during the user’s session, whereas persistent cookies can last for days, months, or even years. Session cookies are ideal for short-term, real-time functionality, such as keeping a user logged in, while persistent cookies are better suited for long-term data storage, like remembering preferences across visits.
Another difference is how they are stored. Session cookies stay in the browser’s memory and are deleted when the session ends, while persistent cookies are saved on the device’s hard drive until they expire or are explicitly removed.
While session cookies and persistent cookies serve different purposes, they complement each other in website functionality. Here are their key differences.
| Aspect | Session Cookies | Persistent Cookies |
| Lifespan | Exist only during the browser session; deleted when the browser closes. | Remain on the device until their programmed expiration date. |
| Purpose | Manage short-term, real-time functionality (e.g. logins, shopping carts). | Store long-term information (e.g. user preferences, saved logins). |
| Storage Location | Temporarily stored in browser memory. | Saved on the user’s hard drive or device storage. |
| Security Implications | Lower risk as they are short-lived and not stored long-term. | Higher risk of misuse in tracking or unauthorized access. |
| Use Cases | Online banking, multistep forms, and ecommerce transactions. | User personalization, targeted advertising, and analytics. |
Session cookies examples
Session cookies are essential for creating a smooth user experience. They enable websites to manage temporary data effectively and deliver real-time functionality.
One common use is in authentication. Session cookies enable users to log in securely and stay logged in as they navigate through the site. This is particularly useful for platforms requiring secure interactions, such as online banking.
In short, session cookies are a key part of how websites function smoothly. Here are some examples of their use.
- Online banking: When you log into your bank account, session cookies securely manage your authentication. They ensure you stay logged in as you check your balance or transfer money, but automatically log you out after a period of inactivity to protect your data.
- Ecommerce: Session cookies track the items in your shopping cart as you browse. Without them, your cart would reset every time you click on a new product. They also enable a smooth checkout process by carrying your selected items through to payment.
- Learning platforms: Online education tools use session cookies to keep students logged in and to save their progress during quizzes or lessons. They maintain continuity, even if students navigate between different sections of a course.
- Customer support: Many websites offer live chat support, where session cookies keep the conversation active as you explore the site. This prevents disruptions and enables the support agent to assist you more effectively.
- Content management systems: Platforms like WordPress rely on session cookies to maintain secure access for administrators while they make updates or manage content.
How do session cookies work?
Session cookies work by temporarily storing a unique identifier in your browser. When you visit a website, the server generates a session ID and sends it to your browser as a session cookie. This ID acts as a key, allowing the server to recognize your interactions and provide the appropriate data.
For example, when you log in to a website, the session cookie tells the server that you are an authenticated user. The server then uses the session ID to retrieve your account information and keep you logged in as you navigate. If you add an item to your shopping cart, the session cookie ensures that the server remembers your selection across pages.
Once you close the browser, the session cookie is deleted, ending the session and clearing its data. This process means that session cookies fulfill their purpose while minimizing data storage and security risks.
Where are session cookies stored?
Session cookies are stored in the browser’s memory rather than on the user’s device. This temporary storage means they exist only for the duration of a browsing session. Once the browser is closed, the memory is cleared, and the session cookies are deleted.
This transient nature makes them ideal for temporarily managing data without accumulating unnecessary or invasive information on the user’s device.
The benefits of using session cookies
Session cookies aren’t just for basic website functionality. They create better customer experiences, improve efficiency, and enable marketing optimization. Companies can use session cookies to improve website functionality and create a better user experience during a single visit, all while staying compliant with privacy regulations.
Using session cookies gives brands the flexibility to design secure, user-friendly interactions. From custom authentication to seamless multistep processes, these cookies enable smoother digital experiences. Here’s how businesses can benefit.
Create a better user experience
Session cookies enable brands to deliver seamless and intuitive interactions. They eliminate friction by ensuring users don’t have to repeatedly log in, re-enter information, or start over when navigating multistep processes. This ease creates a positive impression and encourages users to spend more time on the website.
Improve your website performance
Session cookies enable websites to manage resources more effectively. By handling temporary data on a session-by-session basis, they reduce server load and streamline operations. This not only benefits the user by enhancing data security, but it also makes it possible for websites to handle higher traffic without compromising speed or functionality.
Better data security
The temporary nature of session cookies adds a layer of security. Since they are deleted when the browser is closed, they reduce the risk of long-term tracking or unauthorized access.
Boost your marketing strategies
Session cookies can provide marketers with valuable insights into user behavior during a visit. By analyzing session data, brands can identify patterns, optimize user journeys, and address pain points. For example, if many users frequently abandon a multistep process at a particular stage, marketers can redesign the flow to improve conversions.
However, it’s important to note that session cookies only track data while the user is actively on the site. Once the session ends — when the tab or browser is closed — that data is deleted. So while session cookies offer real-time insights during a visit, they don’t allow tracking across multiple sessions. To gather long-term data or track returning users, brands would need to rely on website tracking, tracking cookies, or other tracking methods.
Session cookies and the GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how cookies are used within the European Union, and gives users greater control over their personal data. Under the GDPR, websites must obtain user consent for cookies, except for those considered strictly necessary for functionality.
Session cookies often fall into the “strictly necessary” category, as they are essential for core website operations such as maintaining login sessions and shopping carts, or navigating between pages without losing data. These cookies do not store personally identifiable information (PII) beyond what is needed for functionality and are deleted as soon as the user closes the browser.
However, while session cookies are generally exempt from the requirement of explicit consent, they should still be disclosed in your cookie banner, and there are still compliance responsibilities that websites must fulfill.
- Transparency: Websites must disclose their use of session cookies in a clear and accessible cookie policy. The policy should explain what session cookies are, how they function, and why they are necessary.
- Purpose limitation: Businesses can only use session cookies for their stated purpose, such as enabling secure logins or maintaining a shopping cart. Using them for tracking purposes without consent could violate GDPR rules.
- Security measures: Even though session cookies are temporary, businesses must implement safeguards to prevent session hijacking or other security threats. Secure cookies with proper encryption, e.g. HTTPS, to help protect user data.
Instantly generate your customized privacy policy.
Use our privacy policy generator to craft a personalized privacy policy for your website that aligns with data privacy laws — in just a few easy steps.
Additionally, websites should remain mindful of the distinction between necessary session cookies and those used for analytics or marketing during a session. Analytics cookies typically require user consent, even if they are temporary, because they are not strictly necessary for the website to function.
Easily manage cookie consent and improve privacy compliance with Usercentric Cookiebot CMP
Managing cookies in a way that is privacy-compliant and user-friendly can be challenging, but tools like the Usercentrics Cookiebot Consent Management Platform (CMP) simplify the process. Cookiebot CMP provides automated solutions for identifying and managing cookies, including session cookies, in line with GDPR requirements.
With automated website scans, Usercentrics Cookiebot CMP identifies all cookies and other tracking technologies in use, categorizes them, and generates detailed cookie declarations. It also enables businesses to obtain and document user consent with transparency, thereby supporting compliance while maintaining user trust.
For websites relying on session cookies to deliver functionality, Usercentrics Cookiebot CMP clearly explains these cookies and properly manages them without disrupting the user experience.
Don’t just take our word for it. Experience it for yourself. Try Usercentrics Cookiebot CMP free for 14 days! No credit card required.
FAQ
Session cookies, also known as transient cookies, are temporary data files stored in a user’s browser that exist only during a single browsing session and are deleted once the browser is closed.
Session cookies are used to temporarily store information about a user’s activities during a single browsing session, such as items added to a shopping cart or login credentials.
Session cookies are temporary. They last only for a single browsing session and are deleted when the browser is closed. Browser cookies—also called persistent cookies— can remain on a user’s device for months or longer.
To check if your website uses session cookies, you can use a free online cookie scanner tool like the one from Usercentrics Cookiebot, which will automatically scan your website and identify all cookies and other tracking technologies in use. Alternatively, you can manually check cookies in your web browser’s developer console by right-clicking on your site, selecting “Inspect,” navigating to the “Application” (Chrome) or “Storage” (Firefox) tab, and clicking on the “Cookies” section to view all active cookies.
Cookies and sessions are used by websites to store users’ data across different pages on the site. The key difference between sessions and cookies is that sessions are saved on the server side while cookies are saved on the user side.
Session cookies do not have a set expiration date and are instead designed to be automatically deleted when the browser is closed.
Session cookies are considered strictly necessary cookies, so they do not require prior cookie consent.
