What is the ig_nrcb cookie?
ig_nrcb is an HTTP cookie set by Instagram, a service owned by Meta Platforms Inc. It appears whenever a page loads Instagram resources — directly on instagram.com, or through embedded posts, follow buttons, or feed widgets integrated on third-party websites.
The name suggests a link to interface navigation/behaviour functions ("nrcb" being an internal identifier used by Instagram), and the cookie is scoped to .instagram.com, meaning it applies across the platform's subdomains.
What data it stores
Instagram does not publish detailed documentation on the value format of this cookie. Cookies of this kind typically store an identifier or flag related to interface preferences or session behaviour, rather than direct identifying data such as a name or email address.
Data collected through Instagram's cookies is sent to Meta's servers and may be correlated with other information about the user's account or device within the Meta ecosystem.
What it is used for
The cookie helps the Instagram interface function by remembering certain settings or navigation-related behaviour across sessions. For Meta, cookies like this support a consistent user experience on the platform and may feed internal interaction-analysis processes.
For the administrator of a third-party site displaying Instagram content (embeds, feed widgets), this cookie serves no direct purpose but is set automatically by the Instagram resources loaded on the page.
Does it require consent?
CookieFix classifies ig_nrcb as a preferences (functional) cookie. Under Romania's Law 506/2004 (transposing the ePrivacy Directive) and the GDPR, cookies in this category are not strictly necessary for the technical operation of a website and generally require the visitor's prior consent before being set.
- The site administrator must disclose this cookie in the cookie policy, including provider, purpose, and duration.
- If the site displays Instagram content before consent, the cookie may be set without a valid legal basis.
- It is recommended to block Instagram resources from loading until explicit consent is obtained.
How to block or delete ig_nrcb
A visitor can delete or block ig_nrcb through browser settings (cookies and site data section), either individually for instagram.com or globally by blocking third-party cookies. Privacy extensions can also prevent Instagram resources from loading in the first place.
For site administrators, the recommended approach is using a consent management platform (CMP) such as CookieFix, which automatically blocks Instagram scripts and embeds until the visitor grants consent for the preferences category, preventing the cookie from being set prematurely.
Frequently asked questions
It's an HTTP cookie set by Instagram (Meta) on the .instagram.com domain, used internally for navigation/interface-related functions.
Yes, since it is classified as a preferences cookie, it generally requires the visitor's prior consent before being set.
Its typical duration is 1 year from the moment it's set, after which it expires automatically.
The simplest way is to block Instagram resources (embeds, widgets) from loading until consent is given, using a CMP like CookieFix.