Using cookies to prevent re-entry in surveys
Adding a cookie script to prevent participants from different sources re-entering the survey.
A step-by-step interactive tutorial on using cookies to prevent re-entry in surveys in SurveyEngine. Preview the live tutorial, then download and upload it to your account to examine the construction.
Ben White, 08.07.2026
What this tutorial covers
Adding a cookie script to prevent participants from different sources re-entering the survey.
Each page of the tutorial demonstrates a specific technique. Work through it as a respondent first, then open the editor to see how it was built.
What you will learn
After completing this tutorial you will be able to implement using cookies to prevent re-entry in surveys in your own SurveyEngine surveys.
Download the tutorial ZIP and upload it to your account to use it as a starting point or template for your own work.
TLDR Quick links
Step-by-step walkthrough
Step 1: Understand when cookies are needed. Cookies prevent the same browser from completing a survey more than once, regardless of the access link used.
Step 2: Add the cookie script. Insert the cookie detection JavaScript on the first page of the survey.
Step 3: Set the cookie on completion. Add a script to the final page that sets a cookie marking the survey as completed.
Step 4: Redirect repeat visitors. Configure the entry page to redirect to a 'survey already completed' message if the cookie is detected.
Step 5: Understand limitations. Cookies can be cleared by users - they are a deterrent not a guarantee against re-entry.
Try the live tutorial
The live tutorial is a working SurveyEngine survey. Click through it as a respondent to see the finished result.
Then download the tutorial ZIP file and upload it to your SurveyEngine account to examine how it was built.
Preview the live tutorial or download the ZIP file to load it into your account.
References
Ready to try it? Open a free SurveyEngine account, download the tutorial ZIP and upload it to your account.
Or Contact us at support@surveyengine.com — we're glad to help.