Many smartphone users are faced with a situation where, after purchasing a new device or updating the system, Google Chromeautomatically becomes the main browser. This is standard operating system behavior, but it is optional and unchangeable. For residents of the CIS countries, it is often much more convenient to use Yandex Browser, since it is better integrated with local services, has a built-in translator and a "Turbo" mode to save traffic.
The process of changing the main application for viewing web pages takes only a few minutes and does not require availability root access or complex technical manipulations. You just need to go to the system settings, find the appropriate section and reassign the priority. However, depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), the path to these settings may differ slightly.
In this article we will look in detail at how to make Yandex the default browser, and also discuss the nuances of deleting or disabling built-in Chrome, which often takes up space in the device’s memory. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes during setup and where to look for hidden menus if the standard path does not work.
Preparing the device and installing the application
Before changing system settings, you need to make sure that alternative software is already installed on your gadget. If you have just unpacked your phone, it may only have a set of services preinstalled Google. You will need to download the distribution Yandex Browser from the official application store Google Play Market or from a trusted source if the store is not available.
After installation, do not rush to change the settings immediately. It is recommended that you start a new application once so that it can undergo initial initialization and request the necessary permissions. The system should “see” the app as a full-fledged tool for working with the Internet. Without this step, the browser selection item may simply not be in the settings menu.
⚠️ Attention: Download applications only from official stores or from trusted developer sites. Installing APK files from unknown sources may lead to your device becoming infected with malware.
Make sure you have enough free space on your internal memory. Although the browser itself is lightweight, it requires a reserve of space for it to work correctly and cache pages. If the memory is full, the system may be unstable even after changing the main application.
☑️ Ready to change browser
Search for the applications section in Android settings
The settings interface in modern smartphones may look different, but the logic of organizing the menu remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for managing installed apps. It is usually called Applications, Applications and notifications or simply Apps. In some shells, for example in older versions of MIUI, this item may be hidden inside the menu Advanced settings.
Once you are in the general list of apps, do not immediately look for the browser you need. First, find the item Default applications. In pure Android he is often located at the top of the screen or in an additional menu called up through three dots in the upper right corner. This is the central hub where tasks are distributed between installed apps.
If you do not see such an item right away, use the search inside the settings. Enter the word "browser" or "default" into the search bar. The system itself will highlight the desired section, which will save your time and eliminate wandering through the labyrinths of the menu. This method is universal for all versions of the OS, starting from Android 6.0.
Purpose Yandex browser as default
While in the menu Default applications, find the line with the name Browser or Web application. By default, it will indicate Chrome or Internet. Click on this item to open a list of available alternatives. If you installed it correctly Yandex, it should appear in this list.
Select Yandex Browser from the list. As soon as you click on the icon, the system will instantly apply the changes. Now, when you click on any link in instant messengers, mail or other apps, the page will open in Yandex. You do not need to reboot the phone for the changes to take effect.
Please note that some smartphone manufacturers may block the ability to change the browser in basic firmware versions, especially in budget models. In this case, the system may display a message indicating that the change is not possible. This is a rare situation, but it occurs in custom builds for specific markets.
After selecting a new browser, all links from other applications will automatically open in it, without the need for additional confirmation.
Features of changes in different versions of Android
The evolution of the mobile operating system has led to the fact that the paths to settings in different versions can differ significantly. Owners of new devices with Android 13 or Android 14 should take into account the new requirements for privacy and application management. Google has made it more difficult to access some system settings to protect the user from accidental changes.
In older versions, such as Android 8.0 Oreo or Android 9.0 Pie, the menu was flatter and more intuitive. The browser selection option was often located right on the main application settings screen. In new versions it was hidden deeper to relieve the load on the interface. This may confuse an inexperienced user who is accustomed to the old structure.
| Android version | Path to settings | Interface features |
|---|---|---|
| Android 10-11 | Applications → Default applications | Classic menu, quick access |
| Android 12-13 | Applications → Menu (3 dots) → Default applications | The item is hidden in the additional menu |
| Android 14+ | Applications → Selecting default applications | Advanced permission control |
| Android 6-9 | Applications and notifications → Advanced | You may need to go to a submenu |
If you have specific firmware installed from Chinese manufacturers, the item names may not be translated accurately or may differ from Google standards. For example, instead of "Default Applications" the wording "Application Management" or "Standard apps" may be used. Be careful when reading menu items.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may change after updating the operating system. If you do not find the described path, use the settings search or check the current documentation for your phone model.
Disable and remove Google Chrome
Many users want not only to change the browser, but also to completely get rid of Google Chrometo free up space and remove unnecessary icons. It's important to understand the difference between deleting and disabling. System applications that were built into the firmware by the manufacturer cannot be removed using standard means without obtaining root access. However, you can use a browser. This feature is available in the menu of each application. When disabled, the app stops working, disappears from the list of recent tasks, deletes its updates and hides the icon from the desktop. It becomes invisible to the system until you decide to activate it again. This is a safe method of “removal” that does not violate the warranty. root access.
However you can disable browser. This feature is available in the menu of each application. When disabled, the app stops working, disappears from the list of recent tasks, deletes its updates and hides the icon from the desktop. It becomes invisible to the system until you decide to activate it again. This is a safe "removal" method that does not violate your warranty.
To disable Chrome, go to Settings → Applications → Chrome. At the bottom of the screen or in the menu (three dots), find the button Disable. The system will warn you that the application will return to the factory version. Confirm the action. Now the phone will not use resources for the background operation of this browser.
Is it possible to remove Chrome permanently?
Complete removal of a system application is only possible through a computer using ADB commands or by having root access. Normal removal through settings is only available for applications that you installed yourself on top of the system.
If you installed Yandex Browser yourself, and Chrome was preinstalled, then disabling the latter will not affect the operation of the Internet in any way. Your new browser will be your only active surfing tool. This will also help to slightly increase the battery life of the device.
Solving common problems and errors
Sometimes after changing the settings, links still open in the old browser. This occurs due to cached system preferences. Android remembers your choices for specific apps. For example, if you previously specified "Always open in Chrome" for links from Telegram, the system will ignore the general default settings.
To fix this, you need to reset the settings of the specific application that is the source of the links. Go to Settings → Applications → Telegram (or other application). Find the section Open by default and click the button Remove default settings or Reset preferences. After that, the next time you click on the link, the system will ask you how to open it.
- 🔄 Reset preferences: Clears the memory of past elections for all applications at once. This is done in the "Default Applications" menu through three dots.
- 🗑️ Clearing the cache: If the browser is slow, go to its settings and select "Clear cache". This will not delete your bookmarks or passwords.
- 📲 Checking for updates: Make sure both Yandexand the system are updated to the latest versions. Old versions may have compatibility conflicts.
Another common problem is the absence of an icon Yandex Browser in the selection list. This often happens if the application is installed on the memory card and not on the internal memory. Move the browser to the internal storage through the app settings, and the problem should be solved.
If resetting the settings did not help, try rebooting your smartphone in safe mode to eliminate the influence of third-party launchers or viruses that block changing the browser.
Advantages of using Yandex Browser on Android
Switching to Yandex Browser gives a number of advantages for the Russian-speaking user. First of all, this is deep integration with the search engine Yandex, which often produces more relevant results for local queries than global competitors. Built-in voice assistant Alice allows you to control the browser and search for information without taking your hands off.
Technology Turbo allows you to compress traffic on the fly, which is critical when using mobile data with a limited tariff or in areas of poor network coverage. Pages load faster and battery consumption is reduced by reducing the amount of data processed. This is a noticeable advantage over the standard Chrome in conditions of unstable connection.
It is also worth noting the built-in page translator and protection from fraudulent sites Active Protection. The browser automatically scans downloaded files and warns about potential threats. Synchronization with the computer version allows you to instantly access open tabs and bookmarks on the big screen.
Is it safe to store passwords in Yandex Browser?
Yes, the browser uses strong encryption to store data. Passwords are synchronized through a secure Yandex ID account. However, for maximum security, it is recommended to use two-factor authentication and not save bank card data in the browser on other people's devices.
Is it possible to return Google Chrome back?
Of course. The process can be reversed at any time. Just go to your Default Applications settings and select Chrome from the list. If you disabled it, you first need to go to the list of all applications, find Chrome and click the "Enable" button.
Why does Yandex Browser drain the battery?
Like any modern browser, it consumes resources when actively working with heavy websites and videos. If the consumption seems excessive, check to see if there are any extra tabs running in the background, and disable automatic video playback in the application settings.
How to transfer bookmarks from Chrome to Yandex?
When you first launch Yandex Browser, it usually offers to import data from other browsers. If you skipped this step, go to the Yandex settings, select the "Bookmarks" section and click "Import bookmarks".
Does incognito mode work in Yandex Browser?
Yes, incognito mode (Turbo mode with privacy) is fully supported. In this mode, browsing history, cookies and form data are not saved on the device after closing the tab.