Cookies and browser storage
Last updated: 22 October 2026
Houndtool only uses cookies it needs to work: to keep you signed in and to protect sign-in. There are no analytics or advertising cookies.
Sign-in cookies – keep you signed in for up to 30 days, or until you log out.
hound_session
Says who is signed in: your Google email and an expiry date, signed so it can't be changed.
Only readable by Houndtool's server (httpOnly) · Lasts: 30 days · Removed when you log out
hound_refresh
Your encrypted Google key, so Houndtool can keep working with Google after you reload the page. This is not your saved login – that is stored separately and managed on the Connections page.
Only readable by Houndtool's server (httpOnly) · Lasts: 30 days · Removed when you log out
hound_picture
The link to your Google profile picture, so the sidebar can show it.
Only readable by Houndtool's server (httpOnly) · Lasts: 30 days · Removed when you log out
Short-lived cookies – only set while you are on Google's sign-in page, then removed.
hound_oauth_state
A random value that proves the sign-in was started in this browser, not by another website.
Only readable by Houndtool's server (httpOnly) · Lasts: 10 minutes · Removed when sign-in finishes
hound_oauth_return
The Houndtool page to return to after you give Google Drive access.
Only readable by Houndtool's server (httpOnly) · Lasts: 10 minutes · Removed when sign-in finishes
hound_connect_state
Same protection as hound_oauth_state, for "Create new connection".
Only readable by Houndtool's server (httpOnly) · Lasts: 10 minutes · Removed when connecting finishes
hound_connect_reconnect
Which connection you are reconnecting, if any.
Only readable by Houndtool's server (httpOnly) · Lasts: 10 minutes · Removed when connecting finishes
Cookies from Vercel – the website host sets these for its own services. Houndtool doesn't read them.
__vercel_jwt
Only set on test versions of the site that are protected, so only approved people can open them.
vercel-feature-flags
Used by Vercel's toolbar and feature flags.
Saved in this browser (local storage) – your preferences. Stays when you log out; gone if you clear site data.
Nothing saved in this browser.
Saved for this tab (session storage) – speeds up pages while the tab is open. Gone when you close the tab or log out.
Nothing saved for this tab.