Legal
Cookie Policy
Effective date: June 8, 2026
HelpMe Notes uses a handful of first-party cookies that keep you signed in and make forms work, plus Google Analytics cookies that help us understand how the site is used. We set no advertising cookies, and we never sell the data any cookie produces.
1. Overview
Cookies are small text files a website stores in your browser. This policy lists every cookie HelpMe Notes uses, what each one does, and how long it lasts. We use functional first-party cookies and Google Analytics; we don't use advertising cookies or cross-site trackers.
2. Cookies we set
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
__session | Keeps you signed in. Set when you log in; verified by our servers on each request. Strictly necessary for accounts. | 5 days |
__action_result | Carries the result of a form submission across the redirect that follows it (for example, during onboarding). Deleted as soon as it's read. | 60 seconds |
3. Analytics cookies
Google Analytics is on by default. We use Google Analytics to understand which pages and downloads are used so we can improve the site. Google processes the data on its own servers under its own privacy terms. We do not link this data to your account and we do not use it for advertising. If you are signed in, we also send your school and field of study to Google Analytics as a demographic segment so we can understand which schools drive traffic — they are still not linked to your account. You can opt out at any time using the in-product privacy preferences dialog (link in the site footer) or the "Disable Google Analytics" link below.
| Cookie | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
_ga | Distinguishes visitors with a random identifier. | 2 years |
_ga_<id> | Keeps track of a visit's session state. | 2 years |
You can disable Google Analytics for this browser at any time. The in-product control is the primary path: Clearing your browser's storage for helpmenotes.com will also remove the consent record and re-show the consent banner on your next visit. The site works fully without analytics.
4. Browser storage we use
Besides cookies, we keep two small values in your browser's local storage:
| Key | Purpose |
|---|---|
notes:theme | Remembers your light/dark/system theme choice. |
hm-affiliate-session | A random identifier used to count views and clicks on affiliate product links. It is deliberately not linked to your account or any personal information. |
Local storage never leaves your browser except as described above and is yours to clear at any time.
5. Managing cookies
You can clear or block cookies and local storage in your browser's privacy
settings. Blocking the analytics cookies (or using the opt-out add-on
above) doesn't affect the site at all. Keep in mind that blocking
__session means you can't stay signed in, and clearing local
storage resets your theme choice.
6. Contact
Questions about cookies or this policy: email support@helpmebrands.com. For how we handle personal information generally, see our Privacy Policy.