7 Ways Websites Track You Online

Q: How do websites track you online?

Websites use at least seven techniques: cookies (first- and third-party), browser fingerprinting, IP address logging, invisible tracking pixels, WebRTC leaks, DNS logging, and supercookies and ETags. Most tracking is invisible, and sites typically combine several methods.

Q: What is browser fingerprinting and how does it work?

Your browser leaks a large amount of unique data: screen resolution, installed fonts, GPU model, timezone, language settings, and dozens of other attributes. Combined, these create a fingerprint that is unique to you even without cookies.

Q: Can websites track you without cookies?

Yes. Even as browsers phase out third-party cookies, trackers use browser fingerprinting, your IP address, tracking pixels, DNS logging, and supercookies stored in places like Flash, localStorage, and HTTP ETags that survive most cookie cleaners.

Q: What are tracking pixels?

Tracking pixels are invisible 1x1 pixel images embedded in emails and web pages. When your browser loads the pixel, the server logs your IP, device info, and the exact time you viewed the content. You never see them, but they see you.

Q: How do I stop websites from tracking me?

No single tool stops all tracking. Use a combination: a reputable VPN, a privacy-focused browser, cookie auto-delete extensions, and disable WebRTC. Regularly audit your exposure with tools like a fingerprint test, WebRTC leak test, and DNS leak test.

~/sheets/how-websites-track-you.md

You Are Being Watched. Here Is How.
Every website you visit is collecting data about you. Some of it is obvious. Most of it is not. Here are seven tracking techniques used across the web right now, and what you can do to fight back.
1. Cookies
The classic. First-party cookies remember your login and cart. Third-party cookies follow you from site to site, building a profile of your interests, purchases, and browsing patterns. Browsers are phasing out third-party cookies, but the tracking industry has already moved to other methods.
2. Browser Fingerprinting
Your browser leaks a massive amount of unique data: screen resolution, installed fonts, GPU model, timezone, language settings, and dozens more attributes. Combined, these create a fingerprint that is unique to you, even without cookies. Check yours with our Browser Fingerprint Test. You will be surprised how identifiable you are.
3. IP Address Tracking
Your IP address reveals your approximate location, ISP, and connection type. Websites log it automatically with every request. Combined with timestamps, your IP creates a trail of every site you visit. See exactly what yours reveals at our IP Checker.
4. Tracking Pixels
Invisible 1x1 pixel images embedded in emails and web pages. When your browser loads the pixel, the server logs your IP, device info, and the exact time you viewed the content. You will never see them, but they see you.
5. WebRTC Leaks
WebRTC is built into your browser for video calls and file sharing. It can reveal your real IP address even when you are using a VPN or proxy. Run our WebRTC Leak Test to see if your browser is exposing you right now.
6. DNS Logging
Every domain you visit starts with a DNS lookup. Your ISP (or whoever runs your DNS) can see every site you access. Even with HTTPS, the domain names are visible. Check if your DNS is leaking with our DNS Leak Test.
7. Supercookies and ETags
When you clear cookies, trackers use supercookies stored in Flash, localStorage, and HTTP ETags. These are harder to delete and survive most cookie cleaners. Some ISPs even inject supercookies into your traffic at the network level.
Fighting Back
No single tool stops all tracking. Use a combination: a reputable VPN, a privacy-focused browser, cookie auto-delete extensions, and disable WebRTC. Regularly audit your exposure with our tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do websites track you online?
Websites use at least seven techniques: cookies (first- and third-party), browser fingerprinting, IP address logging, invisible tracking pixels, WebRTC leaks, DNS logging, and supercookies and ETags. Most tracking is invisible, and sites typically combine several methods.
What is browser fingerprinting and how does it work?
Your browser leaks a large amount of unique data: screen resolution, installed fonts, GPU model, timezone, language settings, and dozens of other attributes. Combined, these create a fingerprint that is unique to you even without cookies.
Can websites track you without cookies?
Yes. Even as browsers phase out third-party cookies, trackers use browser fingerprinting, your IP address, tracking pixels, DNS logging, and supercookies stored in places like Flash, localStorage, and HTTP ETags that survive most cookie cleaners.
What are tracking pixels?
Tracking pixels are invisible 1x1 pixel images embedded in emails and web pages. When your browser loads the pixel, the server logs your IP, device info, and the exact time you viewed the content. You never see them, but they see you.
How do I stop websites from tracking me?
No single tool stops all tracking. Use a combination: a reputable VPN, a privacy-focused browser, cookie auto-delete extensions, and disable WebRTC. Regularly audit your exposure with tools like a fingerprint test, WebRTC leak test, and DNS leak test.
Published: April 2026