Cookies are small text files that websites store in the visitor's browser. They contain key-value pairs of data and are sent back to the server with every request. WordPress uses cookies for login sessions, remembering preferences, and tracking.
Types of Cookies
- First-party cookies — Set by your own domain. Examples: WordPress login session (
wordpress_logged_in_*), GDPR consent preferences. - Third-party cookies — Set by external services loaded on your page. Examples: Google Analytics (
_ga), Facebook Pixel (_fbp), advertising trackers.
WordPress Default Cookies
wordpress_test_cookie— Tests if cookies are enabled.wordpress_logged_in_*— Authenticates logged-in users.wp-settings-*— Stores admin interface preferences.comment_author_*— Remembers commenter info.
GDPR and Cookies
Under the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive, you must:
- Inform visitors about which cookies you set and why
- Obtain consent before setting non-essential cookies (tracking, marketing)
- Allow visitors to reject non-essential cookies
- Essential cookies (login, security) do not require consent
What InspectWP Checks
InspectWP lists all cookies set by your WordPress site, including their names, values, domains, and attributes. This helps you identify third-party cookies that may require GDPR consent.