Google Ads cookies

Google Ads sets 6 cookies on websites that load its scripts. Below is the full list with purpose, expiry, and whether each one needs GDPR / ePrivacy consent.

Source: Google LLCOfficial cookie reference

_gcl_auAdvertisingExpires: 3 months

Google Ads conversion-linker cookie. Stores ad-click information so conversions can be attributed outside Google's domain.

_gcl_awAdvertisingExpires: 3 months

Google Ads click-through cookie set when a visitor lands on the site from a Google search ad. Used for attribution.

_gcl_dcAdvertisingExpires: 3 months

Google Ads / DoubleClick click-through cookie set when a visitor arrives from a Display Network ad.

_gcl_gsAdvertisingExpires: 90 days

Set by Google's Consent Mode v2 to store the timestamp of a Google Ads click when ad-storage consent has been granted. Used together with _gcl_gf to reconstruct attribution once the visitor consents.

_gcl_gfAdvertisingExpires: 90 days

Google Consent Mode v2 cookie that captures the gclid (Google Click Identifier) at click time when ad-storage consent has been granted. Pairs with _gcl_gs for delayed attribution.

_gac_<property-id>AdvertisingExpires: 3 months

Contains campaign-related information for the user. Linked to GA properties that have Google Ads auto-tagging enabled.

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