Modern smartphones based on Android often come with a pre-installed Google Chromethat automatically opens when you click on any link in instant messengers or social networks. Many users prefer alternative solutions, such as Mozilla Firefox, Opera or specialized browsers with built-in ad blockers. The system allows you to flexibly manage this parameter, but the settings menu may differ depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell.
Incorrect settings may result in links opening in the wrong application or not responding to clicks at all. Understanding the mechanism of operation intents (system requests to launch applications) will help you avoid confusion. In this article, we will look in detail at how to designate the desired browser as the main one, how to reset the choice if it was made accidentally, and what nuances exist for different versions Android.
Why change the default browser
The choice of the main web browser affects page loading speed, RAM consumption and the level of data privacy. A standard browser does not always meet the needs of advanced users who require advanced functionality. For example, some applications work better with the engine WebKitwhile others are optimized for Gecko.
Changing the default browser also allows for a unified user experience. If you use bookmarks and history synchronization between your phone and computer, it is logical to install the same application as on the desktop. This eliminates the need to manually copy links or export data.
In addition, alternative browsers often offer unique features not available in stock solutions. Only browsers with their own engine can guarantee complete independence from system security updates Google. This is important for those who monitor the digital sovereignty of their data.
- 🚀 Speed up work due to built-in ad blockers and trackers.
- 🔒 Increased privacy thanks to incognito modes and fingerprint protection.
- 🎨 Flexible customization of the interface to suit your own preferences.
Instructions for Android 10 and later
Starting with the tenth version, Google has standardized the settings menu, making the process of changing applications more intuitive. However, smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei, can modify the shell interface One UI, MIUI or EMUI. The general algorithm of actions remains similar, but the names of the items may differ.
First, you need to go to the main settings of the device. Find the section responsible for applications and go to manage default apps. The system will offer a list of categories from which you need to select a web browser. Here you will see the currently assigned application and a list of available alternatives.
If the browser you need is not listed, make sure it is installed correctly and has all the necessary permissions. Sometimes, after updating the system, the settings are reset, and re-authorization in the browser account is required for full operation.
☑️ Algorithm for changing the browser
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with a shell MIUI the “Default applications” item is hidden in the “Advanced settings” submenu. If you do not find it right away, use the search inside the settings menu.
After selecting a new application, the system will remember this decision. Now all links from other apps will open in the browser of your choice. This change takes effect instantly and does not require rebooting the device.
Setting on older versions of Android
On devices with versions Android below 10 (for example, 7, 8 or 9), the operating logic is slightly different. This often uses a mechanism to “clear default settings” for a specific application, so that the system will ask the user about the choice again the next time the link is clicked.
You need to find the “Applications” or “Application Manager” section in the settings. In the list, find the current browser that opens automatically (most often it is Chrome). Go into it and find the “Start as default” or “Default settings” button.
Click the “Clear default settings” button. After this, the action will not assign a new browser immediately, but will reset the binding. The next time you click on a link in any messenger, the system will display a pop-up window with the question “How to open it?” In this window, select the desired browser and click “Always” to confirm the selection.
What to do if the button is inactive?
If the “Clear settings” button is gray and not clickable, then this application does not have a default action set. Try this procedure for another browser installed on the system, or restart the device.
This method is universal and works on most devices released before 2019. It is also useful if you want to temporarily use a different browser for a specific task without changing global system settings.
Resetting application preferences
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where links are opened in unpredictable applications, for example, in a social network client instead of a browser, or the choice is confused after a software update. In such cases, a complete reset of application preferences helps. This action does not delete app data, but returns all startup settings to factory values.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → Applications → Advanced → Reset application preferences. Confirm the action in the pop-up window. After this procedure, the first time you click on a web link, the system will again ask you which application to use.
| Action | Impact on data | Necessity reboot |
|---|---|---|
| Change to the settings menu | Data is saved | No |
| Clearing settings for a specific application | Data is saved | No |
| Full reset of preferences | Data is saved | Recommended |
Using this function is recommended if you have installed a new browser, but the system ignores it when you try to make it the main one. This forces the registry of link handlers in the operating system to be updated.
Before resetting preferences, make sure that all necessary browsers are installed and updated to the latest version so that they appear correctly in the selection list.
Features of Samsung and Xiaomi shells
Electronics manufacturers often make their own changes to the logic work Android. Device owners Samsung should pay attention to the application Default Apps in the settings, which can be placed in a separate item in the main settings menu. In the shell One UI the path usually looks like Settings → Applications → Select default applications.
Users Xiaomi and Redmi may encounter aggressive memory optimization, which closes background browser processes. To ensure that the new browser works stably, go to the application settings, select “Battery” and set the “No restrictions” mode. This will prevent the process from being forced to stop.
On devices Huawei and Honor with a shell EMUI or Magic UI the settings may be located in the "Advanced settings" section. If you cannot find the item you need, use the built-in search for settings by entering the query “default.”
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces are updated with each firmware version. If the described path does not match your screen, be guided by the semantic meaning of the points, and not by their exact location.
Solving problems with opening links
There are cases when, after all the settings, links continue to open in the wrong application or do not open at all. Often the problem lies in the fact that a specific application (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) has its own internal settings for opening links, which take precedence over system ones.
Check the settings of the messenger itself. In some cases there is an option “Open links in an external browser”. If it is disabled, the application will use its built-in web view, ignoring your choice of the default browser on the system.
It is also worth checking whether the permissions for the selected browser are disabled. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your browser] → Permissions and make sure that access to the storage and network is allowed. Without access to the network, the browser will not be able to load the page, creating the illusion of a failure.
If the link does not open, the problem is most often not in the system, but in the settings of the specific application that is the source of the link or in the lack of Internet access in the browser.
Security and updating of browsers
Regular updating of the browser is critical for the security of your data. Developers are constantly closing vulnerabilities through which attackers can gain access to passwords or banking information. Make sure that the browser you choose is updated automatically via Google Play or AppGallery.
Using outdated versions of browsers on Android may lead to incorrect display of modern sites that use new standards HTML5 and CSS3. In addition, older versions may not support modern encryption protocols, which makes the connection insecure.
When choosing a browser, pay attention to the privacy policy of the developer. Some free browsers may collect telemetry and browsing history to sell to advertisers. Using proven open source solutions is often a safer choice.
Is it possible to remove the default Chrome browser?
It is impossible to completely remove the system browser Chrome without root access, since it is part of Google services. However, you can disable it in the application settings so that it does not appear in the list or run in the background. To do this, click “Disable” in the application card.
Why are settings reset after a reboot?
If the browser selection is reset after each reboot, there may be a cleaner application installed on the system that clears the default settings. This could also be a sign of malware trying to hijack links.
How to make two default browsers?
The system Android technically does not allow having two default browsers active at the same time. However, you can use widgets on the desktop to quickly launch a second browser, or set up profiles in one application to separate streams.
Does the choice of browser affect the Internet speed?
The choice of application itself does not affect the speed of the connection with the provider, but it does affect the speed of page rendering. Browsers with lightweight engines and built-in traffic compression can load sites faster on slow connections.