Does the hj_visitor cookie need consent?

In the EU and the UK, yes. hj_visitor is an analytics cookie, so it may be set only after the visitor agrees. Under the CCPA, California residents can opt out if the data is sold or shared.

How long does the hj_visitor cookie last?

hj_visitor usually lasts until the browser closes. The exact lifetime depends on the site's settings and the version of the script that sets it.

Who sets the hj_visitor cookie?

hj_visitor is set by Hotjar. It is in the Analytics category.

How do I block or delete the hj_visitor cookie?

Visitors can delete hj_visitor in their browser's cookie settings. On your own website, a consent banner can keep the script that sets it waiting until the visitor accepts analytics cookies. Kukie.io's banner does this for known trackers by default, and for any other script you tag with its category.

Analytics

hj_visitor cookie

Set by Hotjar.

What it does

hotjar uses cookies to enhance the user’s experience on our website, for example to complete forms, navigating the site, and identify returning users and offer related content. Users can control the use of cookies at the individual browser level.

Cookie name: hj_visitor
Category: Analytics
Provider: Hotjar
Duration: Session
Data source: Open Cookie Database (opens in a new tab)

Consent

Needed in the EU and the UK

hj_visitor is in the Analytics category. In the EU and the UK, analytics cookies need the visitor's consent before they are set. California's CCPA works differently: it lets residents opt out of the sale or sharing of their personal information.

GDPR and ePrivacy (EU): Prior consent is needed before setting hj_visitor. Analytics cookies are not covered by the strictly necessary exemption; only a few regulators (for example France's CNIL) allow a narrow exemption for first-party audience measurement under strict conditions.
UK GDPR and PECR: Consent is needed before setting hj_visitor. The ICO treats analytics cookies as non-essential.
CCPA and CPRA (California): Disclose hj_visitor in your privacy policy and honour opt-out requests, including the Global Privacy Control signal, if the analytics data is shared or sold.

Managing hj_visitor with a consent banner

A consent banner can keep the script that sets hj_visitor waiting until the visitor accepts analytics cookies. Kukie.io's cookie scanner finds hj_visitor and sorts it into a category. The banner holds back known trackers by default, and any other script you tag with its category waits too.

Learn more about script blocking

Related cookies