Cookies being set with the wrong domain or path

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 147 views

Introduction

When working with React and Node.js, handling cookies can be a crucial aspect of your application. In this article, we will explore a common issue that arises when using Axios to make requests to a Node.js backend that utilizes the cookie-parser middleware. Specifically, we will delve into the problem of Axios not being able to access cookies, even when the cookie-parser middleware is properly configured.

Understanding the Issue

When you make a request to a Node.js backend using Axios, the cookie-parser middleware is responsible for parsing cookies and making them available to your application. However, in some cases, Axios may not be able to access these cookies, resulting in an undefined value.

The Problem with Axios and cookie-parser

The issue arises when Axios makes a request to the Node.js backend. The cookie-parser middleware is responsible for parsing cookies, but Axios does not automatically include the cookies in the request headers. This means that even if the cookie-parser middleware is properly configured, the cookies will not be available to your application.

Why is this a Problem?

When working with cookies, it's essential to ensure that they are properly set and accessed. Cookies can be used to store user preferences, session information, or other data that needs to be persisted across requests. If Axios is not able to access cookies, it can lead to issues such as:

Session loss: If cookies are not properly set or accessed, the user's session may be lost, resulting in an inconsistent user experience.
Data loss: Cookies can be used to store sensitive data, such as user preferences or session information. If Axios is not able to access these cookies, the data may be lost, leading to security vulnerabilities.

Solutions to the Problem

To resolve the issue of Axios not being able to access cookies, you can try the following solutions:

1. Use the `withCredentials` Option

When making a request with Axios, you can use the withCredentials option to include cookies in the request headers. This option is enabled by default, but you can explicitly set it to true to ensure that cookies are included.

await axios.post('http://localhost:8080/submit-survey', formDataToSend, {
  withCredentials: true,
});

2. Use the `axios.create` Method

You can create a new instance of Axios using the axios.create method and configure it to include cookies in the request headers.

const axiosInstance = axios.create({
  withCredentials: true,
});
await axiosInstance.post('http://localhost:8080/submit-survey&#39;, formDataToSend);

3. Configure the `cookie-parser` Middleware

Make sure that the cookie-parser middleware is properly configured to parse cookies. You can do this by adding the following code to your Node.js backend:

const cookieParser = require('cookie-parser');
app.use(cookieParser());

4. Use a Cookie Manager

You can use a cookie manager library such as js-cookie to manage cookies in your application. This library provides a simple way to set and access cookies.

const Cookies = require('js-cookie');
Cookies.set('myCookie', 'myValue');

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of Axios not being able to access cookies is a common problem that arises when working with React and Node.js. By using the withCredentials option, creating a new instance of Axios, configuring the cookie-parser middleware, or using a cookie manager library, you can resolve this issue and ensure that cookies are properly set and accessed in your application.

Best Practices

To avoid this issue in the future, follow these best practices:

Use the withCredentials Option: When making requests with Axios, use the withCredentials option to include cookies in the request headers.
Configure the cookie-parser Middleware: Make sure that the cookie-parser middleware is properly configured to parse cookies.
Use a Cookie Manager: Consider using a cookie manager library such as js-cookie to manage cookies in your application.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of Axios not being able to access cookies, even when the cookie-parser middleware is properly configured. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address some of the most common questions related to this issue.

Q: What is the `withCredentials` option in Axios?

A: The withCredentials option in Axios is used to include cookies in the request headers. When set to true, Axios will include the cookies in the request headers, allowing the server to access them.

Q: Why do I need to use the `withCredentials` option?

A: You need to use the withCredentials option because Axios does not automatically include cookies in the request headers. By setting this option to true, you ensure that cookies are included in the request headers, allowing the server to access them.

Q: How do I configure the `cookie-parser` middleware?

A: To configure the cookie-parser middleware, you need to add the following code to your Node.js backend:

const cookieParser = require('cookie-parser');
app.use(cookieParser());

Q: What is the difference between `withCredentials` and `credentials` options in Axios?

A: The withCredentials option is used to include cookies in the request headers, while the credentials option is used to specify the type of credentials to include in the request headers. The credentials option can be set to include, same-origin, or omit.

Q: How do I use the `credentials` option in Axios?

A: To use the credentials option in Axios, you can set it to include or same-origin when making a request:

await axios.post('http://localhost:8080/submit-survey', formDataToSend, {
  withCredentials: true,
  credentials: 'include',
});

Q: What is the difference between `js-cookie` and `cookie-parser`?

A: js-cookie is a library that provides a simple way to set and access cookies, while cookie-parser is a middleware that parses cookies and makes them available to your application.

Q: How do I use `js-cookie` to set and access cookies?

A: To use js-cookie to set and access cookies, you can use the following code:

const Cookies = require('js-cookie');
Cookies.set('myCookie', 'myValue');
Cookies.get('myCookie');

Q: What are some common issues that can cause Axios to not access cookies?

A: Some common issues that can cause Axios to not access cookies include:

Incorrect configuration of the cookie-parser middleware
Incorrect use of the withCredentials option
Incorrect use of the credentials option
Cookies being set with the wrong domain or path

Conclusion

In this Q&A article, we have addressed some of the most common questions related to the issue of Axios not being able to access cookies. By understanding the withCredentials option, configuring the cookie-parser middleware, and using a cookie manager library such as js-cookie, you can resolve this issue and ensure that cookies are properly set and accessed in your application.

Best Practices

To avoid this issue in the future, follow these best practices:

Use the withCredentials Option: When making requests with Axios, use the withCredentials option to include cookies in the request headers.
Configure the cookie-parser Middleware: Make sure that the cookie-parser middleware is properly configured to parse cookies.
Use a Cookie Manager: Consider using a cookie manager library such as js-cookie to manage cookies in your application.

By following these best practices and using the solutions outlined in this article, you can ensure that cookies are properly set and accessed in your React and Node.js application.