Pocket Guides

Cookie Policy

Pocket Guides · Last updated: 7 October 2026

This page explains what cookies and similar technologies we use on pocket-guide.co.uk (the "Website"), why we use them, and how you can control them. This Cookie Policy sits alongside our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.

The Pocket Guides mobile app is a native iOS and Android application and does not use browser cookies. The Firebase SDKs we use store small amounts of data locally on your device for technical purposes (caching, error reporting, identifying repeat opens) but those are not cookies in the legal sense and are not covered by this policy.

1. What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store on your device. The browser then sends the file back to the website on later visits, which lets the website recognise you, remember your preferences, or collect analytics about how you use the site.

2. Our approach

We only use cookies that are strictly necessary for the website to function, plus one optional analytics cookie set by Google Analytics 4. We do not show advertising and we do not place advertising or tracking cookies for third parties.

The analytics cookie is loaded only after you click "Accept" on the cookie banner shown to first-time visitors. If you click "Reject", Google Analytics is never loaded on your visit and no analytics cookie is set.

3. Cookies we use

3a. Strictly necessary cookies

Firebase uses browser storage for sign-in state. Where App Check is enabled, Firebase also stores a short-lived security token and Google reCAPTCHA Enterprise may set the _GRECAPTCHA cookie to assess automated abuse. These security functions are separate from optional Google Analytics and do not change your analytics or newsletter choices. See our Privacy Policy for the providers and processing arrangements.

3b. Analytics cookies (optional, requires consent)

If you click "Accept" on the cookie banner, we load Google Analytics 4. Google Analytics sets the following cookies in your browser:

  • _ga — used by Google Analytics to distinguish individual visitors. Stored for up to 2 years.
  • _ga_J3MHP04RSM — used by Google Analytics 4 to maintain the visitor's session state. Stored for up to 2 years.

These cookies tell us things like which pages are most viewed, how visitors arrived at the site, roughly where in the world they are (derived from IP — usually accurate to the city or region), what browser and device they use, and how long they stay. We use this to understand which parts of the site are working and which need improvement.

We do not use Google Analytics to build advertising audiences and we do not enable remarketing or any Google Ads integrations.

3c. Third-party content

Website features make requests to providers including Firebase for accounts and listings, Cloudflare Turnstile for contact-form security, and, where enabled, Google reCAPTCHA Enterprise for App Check. The owner location editor loads OpenStreetMap tiles. Optional Google Analytics is loaded only after you accept analytics.

4. How long is your choice remembered?

Your accept-or-reject choice is stored in your browser's local storage under the key pg_cookie_consent. The choice persists until:

  • You clear your browser's storage for this site, or
  • You click the "Cookie preferences" link in the footer to reopen the banner, or
  • We update the consent options and re-ask everyone (this would be flagged in a banner update).

5. How to change your preferences

You can change your preferences at any time:

  • On this site — click Cookie preferences to reopen the banner.
  • In your browser — every modern browser lets you block, delete, or be warned about cookies from specific sites. The location of the setting depends on your browser; search "manage cookies" in your browser's help.
  • Opt out of Google Analytics globally — Google provides a browser add-on at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout that blocks GA on every site that uses it.

Rejecting analytics cookies does not affect your ability to use any part of the Website.

6. Legal basis

The legal basis for setting non-essential cookies is your consent, given by clicking "Accept" on the banner. You can withdraw consent at any time using the methods above.

This Cookie Policy is published in line with the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). For more on how we handle the personal data Google Analytics collects, see section 3c of our Privacy Policy.

7. Questions

If you have any questions about cookies on this site, email us at hello@pocket-guide.co.uk.