Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Pokemon Random uses cookies and similar technologies (like localStorage) to operate and improve our website.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember your actions and preferences over time. We use cookies sparingly and rely primarily on localStorage for user preferences.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

A. Essential (First-Party) localStorage

We use localStorage (not cookies) to remember your preferences. Unlike cookies, localStorage data is never sent to our servers — it lives only in your browser.

• pokegen-theme — Remembers your dark/light mode preference
• pokegen-favorites — Stores Pokemon you've starred as favorites (max 50)
• pokegen-history — Stores recently viewed Pokemon (max 30)
• pokegen-stats — Stores anonymous usage statistics (tool usage, top Pokemon)
• pokegen-admin-auth — Session-only flag for admin login (cleared when browser closes)

B. Google Analytics Cookies

Google Analytics 4 uses the following cookies to gather anonymous usage data:

• _ga — Distinguishes unique users (2 years)
• _ga_<container-id> — Maintains session state (2 years)

These cookies help us understand which pages are popular and how visitors find our site. The data is anonymous and aggregated.

C. Google AdSense Cookies

If we display ads via Google AdSense, the following cookies may be set:

• __gads — Tracks ad interactions (2 years)
• __gpi — Persists ad preferences (2 years)
• IDE — Used by Google for personalized ads (Doubleclick)
• NID — Remembers preferences for personalized ads

3. Third-Party Cookies

The following third parties may set cookies when you use our site:

• Google Analytics — Usage analytics (anonymous)
• Google AdSense — Advertising
• PokeAPI — May set cookies if you visit their site directly (we don't control this)
• GitHub (raw.githubusercontent.com) — For Pokemon sprite delivery

4. How to Control Cookies

You have several options for managing cookies:

• Browser settings — Most browsers let you block or delete cookies in their privacy settings
• Incognito/Private mode — Browse without saving any data
• Google Ads Settings — Opt out of personalized ads
• Google Analytics opt-out — Install the opt-out browser add-on
• Clear our localStorage — Visit our admin dashboard at /admin or clear your browser data

5. Do Not Track

If your browser sends a Do Not Track signal, we respect it by not loading Google Analytics. However, essential functionality (Pokemon generation, tools) still works.

6. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy as we add new features or as third-party services change their practices. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

7. More Information

For more about our privacy practices, see our Privacy Policy. For questions about cookies, contact us at privacy@pokemonrandom.com.

Additional Information

Types of Cookies We Use

We use several categories of cookies on our website. Essential cookies are required for basic site functionality, including saving your Pokémon teams, remembering your theme preference, and maintaining your session. These cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the site to function properly. Analytics cookies, such as Google Analytics, collect anonymous information about how visitors use our site, including which pages are visited most frequently, how long visitors stay on each page, and what types of devices and browsers are used. This data helps us understand user behavior and improve our content and tools accordingly.

Third-Party Advertising Cookies

Our website displays advertisements served by third-party advertising networks, including Google AdSense. These networks may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website and other websites. Google AdSense uses cookies to personalize ads based on your interests and to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings at google.com/settings/ads. You can also opt out of third-party vendors use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting aboutads.info/optout. Please note that even if you opt out of personalized ads, you may still see non-personalized ads based on the content of the page you are visiting.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have several options for managing cookies on our website. When you first visit our site, a cookie consent banner will appear, allowing you to choose which categories of cookies you want to allow. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the Cookie Settings link in the footer of any page. Additionally, most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically choose to accept all cookies, reject all cookies, or accept only certain types of cookies. You can also set your browser to notify you when a cookie is being sent, allowing you to decide whether to accept it on a case-by-case basis. Clearing your browser cookies will also reset any saved preferences on our site, including your saved Pokémon teams.