Why Topcashback and Quidco Aren't Tracking (And How To Fix It)

Missing cashback from Topcashback, Quidco, or Rakuten? Learn the common reasons why cashback fails to track and step-by-step fixes to ensure you get paid for every purchase.

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Why Topcashback and Quidco Aren't Tracking (And How To Fix It)

Complete setup guide for desktop, Android, and iPhone devices

Plus troubleshooting steps when cashback doesn't appear in your account

Scrimpr

Updated September 29, 2025

Choose Your Device

Select your device type below to jump to the relevant setup instructions:

Desktop/Laptop

Windows or Mac

Android

Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.

iPhone/iPad

iOS devices

Key Cashback Tracking Takeaways

Use Google Chrome - Chrome enables tracking by default. Many other browsers do not
Always click through the cashback site - Never navigate directly to the retailer or use bookmarks
Clear cookies before starting - Then make sure you accept all cookies on both the cashback site and retailer
Enable third-party cookies - Check your browser settings to ensure third-party cookies are allowed
Complete purchases in one session - Don't leave the site and return later; finish your entire shopping journey without interruption
Avoid unapproved voucher codes - They can break the referral chain and invalidate your cashback
Disable ad-blockers and VPNs - These interfere with tracking cookies
Use mobile web, not retailer apps - When shopping on phones, use the browser instead of apps like Amazon or ASOS
Android devices track better than iOS - iPhones require additional privacy settings to be disabled

The Best Way to Avoid Tracking Problems

Want to skip tracking issues entirely? Use JamDoughnut (£3 bonus with code GMN2). You get instant cashback on gift cards - no cookies, no waiting, no tracking failures. Buy a gift card for the retailer you're shopping at, then use it immediately.

For traditional click-through cashback sites (Topcashback, Quidco, Rakuten, NX Rewards), you need to ensure proper tracking. Use the cashback comparison tool to find which site pays the most for any purchase.

How Cashback Tracking Works (And Why It Fails)

Cashback websites rely on tracking cookies to link your click to your purchase. Here's the simple version:

You click through a cashback site to a retailer
The cashback site places a tracking cookie in your browser
You make a purchase
The retailer sees the cookie and credits the cashback site
The cashback site pays you a portion of their commission

If any step in this chain breaks, you don't get paid.

Common Reasons Cashback Fails

Cookies disabled or blocked - The tracking cookie can't be set
Not clicking through the cashback site - No cookie is placed
Browser extensions like Honey active - They steal the referral credit
Ad blockers or VPNs active - They interfere with tracking
Using unapproved voucher codes - Another site gets credit as the referrer
Shopping via retailer apps - Apps don't support cashback tracking
iOS privacy features blocking tracking - iCloud Private Relay, Prevent Cross-Site Tracking, etc.
Cart abandonment - Leaving and returning later breaks the session
Returns or cancellations - Invalidates the original cashback

The good news? Most of these are fixable with proper setup. For additional guidance, see the official help pages from Quidco and Topcashback.

Desktop/Laptop Setup for Cashback Tracking

Follow these steps every time you shop through a cashback site:

Use Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the best browser for cashback because it has tracking enabled by default. If you don't have Chrome, get it. If you already have Chrome, set up a dedicated profile for cashback shopping.

Why a separate profile? It keeps your cashback tracking isolated from other browsing activity and extensions.

Alternatively, use Chrome Guest Mode for each cashback session.

When you set up your Chrome profile, click Accept All on any cookie pop-ups.

Warning: Browser Extensions Can Steal Your Cashback

Extensions like PayPal Honey and the HotUKDeals extension can intercept your clicks and claim credit instead of your chosen cashback site. If you use a dedicated Chrome profile for cashback, don't install any other cashback or coupon extensions. If you're using your regular browser, disable all other cashback extensions before shopping.

For Mac Users: Chrome on Mac works exactly the same as Chrome on Windows for cashback tracking. However, if you prefer Safari, you must disable "Prevent cross-site tracking" and "Hide IP address from trackers" in Safari Settings → Privacy. Also ensure iCloud Private Relay is turned off in System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud. Chrome is still recommended for the most reliable tracking.

Clear Cookies Before Shopping

Before starting any cashback shopping session, clear your browser's tracking cookies:

Open Google Chrome
Click the three dots in the top right corner
Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Delete Browsing Data
Select Cookies and Site Data and Cached Images and Files
Choose All Time from the dropdown
Click Delete Data

Optional: Set Chrome to Clear Cookies Automatically

If you use a dedicated Chrome profile for cashback, you can set it to automatically clear cookies when you close the browser. Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data and enable Clear cookies and site data when you close all windows. This means you'll need to accept cookies every time you shop, but it guarantees a clean slate for each session.

For iPhone/iPad Users: To clear Safari history and cookies, go to Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data. Or for more control: Settings → Safari → Advanced → Website Data → Remove All Website Data.

For help with cookie settings for other browsers, see Quidco's cookie guide.

Visit the Cashback Site and Accept Cookies

Go to your chosen cashback site (Topcashback, Quidco, etc.) and make sure to accept cookies when prompted. You must do this for the site to track your purchase.

Every cashback site will show a cookie consent pop-up - click Accept All or Accept Cookies.

For iPhone/iPad Users: Make sure Safari is set to allow cookies. Go to Settings → Safari and ensure "Block All Cookies" is turned OFF. Also disable "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" in Safari privacy settings.

Click Through to the Retailer

This is critical: Find the retailer on the cashback site and click the "Get Cashback" or "Shop Now" button.

Never navigate directly to the retailer's website. If you do, there's no tracking cookie, and you won't get cashback.

Common mistakes to avoid: Typing the retailer's URL directly into your browser, using a bookmark for the retailer, clicking a Google search result instead of the cashback site link, going through a comparison site first, or having browser extensions like Honey active that can steal the referral credit.

For iPhone/iPad Users: If Safari tries to open the retailer's app automatically (via Universal Links), stay in Safari by tapping "Open in Safari" at the top of the screen. Shopping in retailer apps will NOT track cashback - you must complete the purchase in Safari browser.

Accept Cookies on the Retailer's Site

When you land on the retailer's website, another cookie pop-up will appear. Click Accept All here too.

If you don't accept cookies on the retailer's site, they can't confirm your purchase came from the cashback platform.

Complete Your Purchase in One Session

Don't leave the site and come back later. Don't open the retailer in a different tab or window. Complete your entire shopping journey in one sitting:

Browse products
Add to cart
Checkout
Complete payment

                What breaks the session: Closing the browser tab, leaving the site for several hours, opening the retailer in a new tab or window, or switching to a different device mid-purchase.
            

For iPhone/iPad Users: Avoid using Split View or Slide Over on iPad during checkout, as multitasking can break the tracking session. Also consider disabling Low Power Mode while shopping as it can affect background processes.

Wait for Tracking Confirmation

After your purchase, check your cashback account within 24-48 hours. Your purchase should appear as:

Tracked (some sites)
Pending (most sites)

If it doesn't appear after a few days, you may need to submit a missing cashback claim (see troubleshooting section below).

Android Phone Setup for Cashback Tracking

Android devices are generally better for cashback tracking than iPhones, but you still need to configure settings properly. Follow these steps:

Use Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the best browser for Android cashback because tracking is enabled by default. If you don't have Chrome, download it from the Play Store.

Set up a new Chrome profile specifically for cashback, or use Chrome Guest Mode for each session.

When prompted, click Accept All on cookie pop-ups.

Warning: Disable Cashback Extensions and Apps

Apps like Honey, browser extensions, and other cashback apps can intercept your clicks. If you use a dedicated Chrome profile for cashback, don't install competing cashback extensions. Disable any other cashback apps before shopping.

Reset Browser Settings and Clear Cookies

Before shopping, clear all previous tracking data:

Open Google Chrome
Tap the three dots in the top right corner
Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Delete Browsing Data
Select Cookies and Site Data and Cached Images and Files
Choose All Time
Tap Delete Data

For a completely clean slate, reset Chrome through your phone's system settings:

Open Settings on your phone
Tap Apps and select Google Chrome
Go to Storage and Cache
Select Clear Storage and Clear All Data
Tap Clear Cache for good measure

Enable Ad Personalization

Configure Chrome's privacy settings to allow tracking:

Open Google Chrome
Tap the three dots → Settings
Go to Privacy and Security → Ads Privacy
Ensure Ad Topics are OFF
Ensure Site-suggested ads are ON
Ensure Ads measurement is ON

Enable Third-Party Cookies

Allow cashback sites to place tracking cookies:

Open Google Chrome
Tap the three dots → Settings
Go to Privacy and Security → Third Party Cookies
Tap Allow third-party cookies

Then disable "Do Not Track" requests:

Go back to Privacy and Security
Tap Send a 'Do Not Track' Request
Ensure Do Not Track is OFF

Always Accept Cookies

When shopping, you must accept cookies at multiple points:

Accept cookies on the cashback site (Topcashback, Quidco, etc.)
Accept cookies on the retailer's website
Accept cookies on offerwall pages (scroll down if needed)

If you don't accept cookies, the tracking chain breaks and you won't get paid.

Disable "Open Supported Links" for Retailer Apps

This is critical: If you have retailer apps installed (Amazon, ASOS, eBay, etc.), Android will automatically open those apps instead of loading the website in Chrome. This breaks cashback tracking.

You need to disable this behavior for every retailer app you have installed:

Open Settings on your phone
Go to Apps
Select a retailer app (e.g., Amazon)
Tap Open by default (or "Set as default" on some phones)
Tap Open supported links
Select Don't open in this app

Repeat this for every shopping app you have installed: Amazon, eBay, ASOS, Argos, Tesco, etc.

Why this matters: When you click through a cashback site to Amazon, if the Amazon app opens automatically, the cashback tracking cookie stays in Chrome and never makes it to the app. The cashback site can't track your purchase and you don't get paid. You must shop in the mobile website, not the app.

Disable VPNs, Ad-Blockers, and Private DNS

These tools interfere with cashback tracking. Before shopping, disable:

VPN apps (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.)
Ad-blocking apps (Blokada, AdGuard, etc.)
Private DNS (Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS → set to "Off")
Browser ad-blockers (any extensions in Chrome)

Complete Your Purchase in One Session

Just like on desktop, you must complete your entire shopping journey without interruption:

Click through the cashback site
Browse and add to cart
Checkout immediately
Don't close Chrome or switch apps
Don't leave and come back later

What breaks mobile sessions: Closing Chrome, switching to another app mid-purchase, leaving the retailer's site, or clicking links that open in other apps.

iPhone/iPad Setup for Cashback Tracking

iOS devices have aggressive privacy features that block cashback tracking by default. You must disable several settings to allow tracking. Follow these steps:

Allow Apps to Request to Track

This setting allows apps and websites to track your activity across other apps and websites, which is necessary for cashback tracking.

Open Settings
Go to Privacy & Security
Tap Tracking
Enable Allow Apps to Request to Track by toggling it on

Whenever you see a prompt asking "Allow [App Name] to track your activity across other companies' apps and websites", choose Allow.

Disable Cross-Site Tracking Prevention in Safari

Even if you use Chrome, Safari's system-wide settings affect all browsers on iOS. You must configure Safari correctly:

Open Settings
Scroll down and tap Safari
Ensure the following settings are turned OFF:

Prevent Cross-Site Tracking
Block All Cookies
Hide IP Address

Scroll to the bottom and tap Advanced
Ensure Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement is ON

Configure WiFi Privacy Settings

iOS WiFi settings can hide your IP address, which breaks cashback tracking:

Open Settings
Tap WiFi
Tap the (i) icon next to your connected network
Turn OFF the following:

Private WiFi Address (or "Private IP Address")
Limit IP Address Tracking

Turn Off iCloud Private Relay

This is critical. iCloud Private Relay encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, which completely breaks cashback tracking.

Open Settings
Tap your name at the top
Tap iCloud
Scroll down to iCloud+ features
Select Private Relay
Toggle Private Relay OFF

Why this matters: Both Topcashback and Freecash explicitly state that iCloud Private Relay must be disabled for cashback tracking to work. This feature makes it impossible for cashback sites to track your purchases.

Use Google Chrome as Your Default Browser

Download Google Chrome from the App Store and set it as your default browser:

Download and install Google Chrome
Open Settings
Scroll down and tap Chrome
Set Default Browser App to Chrome
Enable Allow Cross-Website Tracking

When setting up Chrome, click Accept All on any cookie pop-ups.

Warning: Disable Competing Cashback Extensions

Browser extensions like Honey and other cashback tools can intercept your clicks and steal the referral credit. Don't install competing cashback extensions in Chrome.

Clear Cookies Before Shopping

Before each cashback shopping session, clear your browser's cookies:

Open Chrome
Tap the three dots in the bottom right
Go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data
Select Cookies and Site Data and Cached Images and Files
Choose All Time
Tap Clear Browsing Data

Always Accept Cookies

When shopping, you must accept cookies at multiple points:

Accept cookies on the cashback site (Topcashback, Quidco, etc.)
Accept cookies on the retailer's website
Accept cookies on offerwall pages (scroll down if needed)

If you don't accept cookies, the tracking chain breaks and you won't get paid.

Use Mobile Web, Not Retailer Apps

This is critical: Retailer apps (Amazon, ASOS, Argos, etc.) do not support cashback tracking.

Always shop through Chrome's mobile web browser, even if you have the retailer's app installed.

                Why apps don't work: Cashback tracking relies on browser cookies. Apps don't use browser cookies, so the cashback site can't track your purchase. Always use the mobile website in Chrome, never the retailer's app.
            

Disable VPNs and Ad-Blockers

VPNs and ad-blocking apps interfere with cashback tracking. Before shopping, disable:

VPN apps (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.)
Ad-blocking apps (AdGuard, 1Blocker, etc.)
Content blockers in Safari (Settings → Safari → Extensions)

Complete Your Purchase in One Session

Just like on desktop and Android, you must complete your entire shopping journey without interruption:

Click through the cashback site
Browse and add to cart
Checkout immediately
Don't close Chrome or switch apps
Don't leave and come back later

What breaks mobile sessions: Closing Chrome, switching to another app mid-purchase, leaving the retailer's site, answering a phone call, or clicking links that open in other apps.