Cookie Policy
Last updated:
This Cookie Policy explains the cookies and similar storage technologies (such as the browser's localStorage) that NameWheels and its third-party advertising and analytics partners 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 or Google AdSense.
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 theme preference 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 your current name list so it persists between visits. | Until you clear it |
namewheels_theme |
localStorage | Remembers whether you chose dark or light mode. | Until you clear it |
Third-party cookies
NameWheels uses two third-party services that set their own cookies. These services are operated independently by Google. We do not control the cookies they set; the descriptions below summarise their stated purpose at the time of writing.
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 |
Google AdSense (advertising)
NameWheels carries a single Google AdSense placement to fund free hosting. Google and its partner ad-tech vendors may set cookies on your device to serve, measure, and (where permitted) personalise ads. The exact cookies vary by region and your consent status.
| Cookie (examples) | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
__gads, __gpi |
doubleclick.net / google.com | Measures ad impressions, controls frequency capping, and supports basic personalisation. | ~13 months |
IDE, NID |
doubleclick.net / google.com | Used by Google for ad selection, measurement, and (where permitted) personalisation across sites. | 13–24 months |
| EU/UK consent cookies | google.com | Records your choice in the Google consent banner where the GDPR or UK GDPR applies. | Up to 13 months |
For the authoritative, current list of cookies that Google may set in connection with advertising, see Google's Cookies and similar technologies page and Google's Advertising policies.
How to control cookies
You have several independent ways to control what is stored.
- In Google's ad settings: visit google.com/settings/ads to turn off ad personalisation across Google services.
- Industry opt-outs: in the EEA/UK use youronlinechoices.eu; in the US/Canada use optout.aboutads.info or optout.networkadvertising.org.
- 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.
- Browser-level signals: NameWheels respects "Do Not Track" / Global Privacy Control to the extent our advertising and analytics vendors honour them.
- localStorage: clear the
namewheels_*keys via your browser's developer tools or by clearing site data for namewheels.com.
Blocking advertising cookies will not break the wheel — it runs entirely client-side. It may, however, mean that the ad you see is less relevant to you, and that we earn less from your visit.
Children
NameWheels is suitable for use in classrooms. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Where the site is used by minors, ad personalisation is governed by Google's child-directed treatment rules. Teachers and parents who want to remove personalisation entirely should follow 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.