Documentation
Using Cookies for Logins & Private Content
Sometimes you need to be logged in to a website to download certain things, like:
- Private videos (e.g., on YouTube or Vimeo)
- Age-restricted content
- Subscriber-only posts (e.g., on Patreon)
Social Saver can use your browser's login information (saved in cookies) to access and download this type of content.
Important Security Note
Your cookies file contains your login session data. If someone else gets this file, they might be able to access your account.
- Keep the exported cookie file safe, like a password.
- Delete the file from your computer when you're done using it.
- Never share this file with anyone.
How it Works
It's a two-step process:
- Get your cookies from your web browser and save them as a text file.
- Tell Social Saver where to find that file in its settings.
Getting Your Cookies (Recommended Way)
The easiest method is to use a browser extension. We suggest using "Get cookies.txt LOCALLY" because it's simple and works offline (it doesn't send your data anywhere).
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1. Install the Extension: Add the "Get cookies.txt LOCALLY" extension to your browser using one of the links above.
- 2. Log In to the Website: Open the website (like YouTube, Patreon, etc.) in your browser and log in to your account as usual.
- 3. Export Cookies:
- Make sure you are on a page of the website you logged into.
- Click the extension's icon (🍪) in your browser toolbar.
- Click the button labeled "Export As cookies.txt".
- Save the `cookies.txt` file somewhere you can easily find it (like your Desktop or Downloads folder).
Exporting cookies using the browser extension. - 4. Set it in Social Saver:
- Open the Social Saver app.
- Click Settings (⚙️ icon).
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Find the field labeled "Cookies File Path".
- Click the "Browse" button next to it.
- Select the `cookies.txt` file you saved in the previous step.
Selecting the cookies file in Social Saver's Advanced Settings. - 5. Save & Download: Scroll to the bottom of the Settings page and click "Save Settings". Now try pasting the link for the private/login-required content into Social Saver and search again. It should work now!
Things to Remember
- Cookies Expire: Your login sessions don't last forever. If downloads stop working, you probably need to log in to the website again and export a new `cookies.txt` file (repeat steps 3-5).
- One File Only: Social Saver uses only one cookie file at a time. If you need to download from YouTube and then from Patreon, you'll need to export cookies for Patreon and select that *new* file in Settings before downloading from Patreon.
- Download Limits: Some websites don't like excessive downloading. Doing too much might get your account flagged or your IP address temporarily blocked by that site. Be reasonable.
- Security Reminder: Delete the `cookies.txt` file when you are done!