Puppeteer: How can I ensure Chrome cookies are preserved after closing and reopening the browser?

Other Questions Puppeteer
1

I am developing a script using Puppeteer where it’s crucial for the browser to maintain cookies between sessions. Unfortunately, I’ve observed that the cookies disappear after I close and reopen the browser.

Here’s a simplified version of my implementation:

import puppeteer from 'puppeteer';

(async () => {
    const dataDirectory = 'C:\temp\user_data'; 

    const launchOptions = [
        ...puppeteer.defaultArgs({ headless: false }).map(opt => {
            if (opt.startsWith('--disable-features')) {
                return opt.replace('Translate,', '').replace(',Translate', '');
            }
            return opt;
        }),
        '--start-maximized',
        '--disable-sync',
        '--no-sandbox',
        '--ignore-certificate-errors'
    ].filter(opt => !['--enable-automation', '--disable-extensions'].includes(opt));

    const browserInstance = await puppeteer.launch({
        args: launchOptions,
        acceptInsecureCerts: true,
        headless: false,
        ignoreHTTPSErrors: true,
        defaultViewport: null,
        ignoreDefaultArgs: true,
        userDataDir: dataDirectory,
        pipe: true
    });

    // Create a new page
    const newPage = await browserInstance.newPage();

})();

Can anyone offer guidance on this issue?

2

To preserve cookies in Puppeteer, ensure you're setting the userDataDir correctly, as you've already done. Here's a concise check:

const browserInstance = await puppeteer.launch({ userDataDir: 'C:/temp/user_data', // Ensure path is accessible and correct headless: false, // ... other options });

Ensure there are no permission issues with C:/temp/user_data. The directory you specify in userDataDir is where all browser session data, including cookies, is stored. This should keep cookies across sessions.

3

To ensure Chrome cookies are preserved between sessions in Puppeteer, the core requirement is the correct use of the userDataDir option. This option points Puppeteer to a directory where the browser's session data, including cookies, is stored. You've already implemented this correctly in your setup:

const dataDirectory = 'C:\temp\user_data';  // Ensure this path is correct and has write permissions

const browserInstance = await puppeteer.launch({
    userDataDir: dataDirectory,
    headless: false,  // Running in headless mode might behave differently
    // ... other options
});

However, if cookies are still not being preserved, here are a few additional considerations:

  • Check Directory Permissions: Ensure that the specified C:\temp\user_data directory exists and that your script has permission to read from and write to this directory. Permissions issues can lead to session data not being stored correctly.
  • Environment Consistency: Ensure that you are launching the same version of the browser every session; any discrepancies might reset session data.
  • Test with a Clean Environment: Sometimes existing data might cause conflicts. Try starting with a clean slate by deleting the contents of your userDataDir and rerunning your script to observe any changes.
  • Version Compatibility: Ensure that your Puppeteer version is up to date with the Chromium version being used. Updates sometimes fix cookie handling issues.

Implement these checks to troubleshoot and resolve the persistence issue. Happy coding!

4

Hello HappyDancer99,

To ensure your Chrome cookies are preserved between sessions in Puppeteer, you need to focus on a few key aspects, primarily revolving around the userDataDir option, which you're already utilizing correctly:

const dataDirectory = 'C:/temp/user_data';

const browserInstance = await puppeteer.launch({
    userDataDir: dataDirectory, // ensure this is accessible
    headless: false,
    // ... other options
});

Here are some additional steps to ensure cookies persist:

  • Verify Directory Permissions: Confirm that the C:/temp/user_data directory exists, and your script has full read-write permissions. This ensures all session data, including cookies, are properly saved.
  • Consistency Across Sessions: Always launch the browser using the same version. Mismatched versions between sessions can lead to asset clearance, including cookies.
  • Clean Setup Approach: Remove existing data in userDataDir and start fresh. This can clear any conflicts arising from outdated or corrupted session data.
  • Stay Updated: Keep your Puppeteer package updated. Often, fixes in new versions address issues related to session data preservation.

Implementing these strategies should help maintain cookies across sessions, optimizing your automations effectively. Let me know if need further assistance!