Cookie Policy
Last updated:
This Cookie Policy explains the cookies and similar storage technologies (such as the browser's localStorage) that NameWheels and its analytics provider use, what they do, and the choices available to you. It supplements our Privacy Policy.
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small text file that a website places on your device so it can remember things between page loads — such as a preference, a session ID, or whether you've already seen a particular ad. Cookies are read by the website that set them, or — in the case of third-party cookies — by an embedded service such as Google Analytics.
NameWheels also uses your browser's localStorage for some functions. localStorage is similar to a cookie in spirit (it stores small amounts of data in your browser) but, unlike cookies, it is never automatically transmitted with web requests. We use it only to remember your name lists and preferences on your own device.
Cookies and storage we use directly
NameWheels itself sets no first-party cookies. The wheel and your saved name lists run entirely in your browser using localStorage. The values below stay on your device until you clear them.
| Storage key | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
namewheels_* |
localStorage | Saves each wheel's name list (and any removed entries) so they persist between visits. | Until you clear it |
namewheels_theme |
localStorage | Remembers whether you chose dark or light mode. | Until you clear it |
namewheels_sound, namewheels_duration |
localStorage | Remembers your sound on/off and spin-length choices. | Until you clear it |
namewheels-v* |
Cache storage (service worker) | Keeps copies of pages, styles and scripts you've loaded so the site opens faster and keeps working if your connection drops. | Until replaced by a newer version or you clear site data |
Third-party cookies
NameWheels uses one third-party service that sets its own cookies: Google Analytics, operated independently by Google. We do not control the cookies it sets; the description below summarises their stated purpose at the time of writing. The site does not currently show advertising and loads no advertising cookies.
Google Analytics (measurement)
We use Google Analytics 4 (measurement ID G-MN80K5SEQ2) to understand which pages get traffic, how visitors arrive, and which devices and browsers they use. We use this only in aggregate to plan content and improve the site. We do not run remarketing, advertising features, or user-id stitching in Analytics.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga |
google.com | Distinguishes unique users. | ~2 years |
_ga_<id> |
google.com | Maintains GA4 session state for the property. | ~2 years |
_gid |
google.com | Distinguishes users (legacy/GA fallback). | 24 hours |
How to control cookies
You have several independent ways to control what is stored.
- In your browser: all major browsers let you block, restrict, or clear cookies and site data. Look for "Privacy", "Site settings" or "Cookies" in your browser's preferences.
- Google Analytics opt-out: install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. Browser "Do Not Track" signals are not necessarily honoured by Google Analytics, so use the add-on or a blocker if you want to opt out.
- localStorage: clear the
namewheels_*keys via your browser's developer tools or by clearing site data for namewheels.com.
Blocking analytics cookies will not break the wheel — it runs entirely client-side.
Children
NameWheels is suitable for use in classrooms. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. The names typed into a wheel stay in the browser. Teachers and parents who want to stop analytics measurement can use the opt-out steps above.
Changes to this policy
If we add, remove, or replace a cookie or analytics provider, we will update this page and the "Last updated" date above. Material changes will also be reflected in our Privacy Policy.
Contact
Questions about cookies or any other privacy topic? Email [email protected], or visit our contact page.