Owners of modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy often face the need to change the standard application for Internet access. After the initial setup of the device, the system automatically assigns default browser a proprietary utility Samsung Internet. This decision of the company is justified by deep integration with the shell One UI, but many users prefer the functionality Google Chrome, Yandex or other alternatives.
Changing this parameter is a simple procedure, but the menu location may differ depending on the version of the operating system. Android and interface modifications. Incorrect settings may result in links from instant messengers or email opening in an application other than the one you expect. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to change the priority browser on devices of the South Korean brand.
The process does not require obtaining root access or connecting to a computer. All actions are performed directly in the settings menu of your gadget. The main thing is to carefully follow the steps, since in the latest security updates Android the application selection algorithm has become more strict to protect user data.
Why change the standard browser to Samsung
Branded browser from Samsung has a number of unique features, such as system-level ad blocking and privacy mode. However, for many users, the ecosystem Google is a priority. Synchronization of bookmarks, history and passwords between your computer and phone works more stable in Google Chrome. If you use one account on all devices, changing the browser becomes a necessity for comfortable work.
Another reason may be performance. Some third-party browsers, for example Opera or Brave, have built-in traffic compression mechanisms or enhanced protection against trackers that are not present in the stock solution. In addition, extensions and plugins supported by desktop versions often have their mobile counterparts only in popular alternative applications.
It is also worth considering personal preferences in the interface. The location of the address bar, control gestures and visual style play an important role in daily use. If you are uncomfortable pressing the buttons at the bottom of the screen or you are used to a specific organization of tabs, switching to another web browser will solve this problem instantly.
- 🌐 Full synchronization of data from your PC through a single account.
- 🛡️ Using specific security and privacy functions.
- ⚡ Optimizing battery and RAM consumption.
Preparation for the change default applications
Before making changes to system settings One UI, make sure that the desired application is already installed on your device. The system Android will not allow you to select a app that is not in the smartphone’s memory. Go to Google Play Market or Galaxy Store and download the desired browser if it is not already downloaded.
After installation, it is recommended to launch the new application once and accept the user agreement. This is necessary for the system to register it as a full-fledged component capable of processing URL links. Sometimes, immediately after installation, the system itself prompts you to make the new browser the main one - at this moment you can immediately click the confirm button.
It is important to check for updates for the current phone software. In older versions Android (below 10), the settings menu may have looked different, and in the latest security patches, the default algorithms for working with applications have been changed. The current version of the OS ensures that all the menu items described below will be available.
Before changing your browser, export important bookmarks from the old application if the new one does not provide automatic synchronization via the cloud.
Step-by-step guide through the phone settings
The most reliable way to change the priority application is to use the standard settings menu. The interface is Samsung logical, but requires care when navigating through nested categories. Open the main menu and find the gear icon, which indicates the system configuration section.
In the list that opens, scroll down to the item Applications. This is where information about all installed utilities and their rights is stored. The section we need may be hidden at the top of the screen or in the additional menu (three dots), so be careful. We need to find the category responsible for selecting default apps.
Find the item Selecting default applications. Depending on the firmware version, it may be located directly in the list or inside the application settings submenu. Click on it to see a list of categories: calls, messages, assistant and, of course, the browser application.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Selecting default applications" item is inactive (gray), check whether developer mode is enabled or whether there are restrictions from the device administrator (for example, a corporate profile).
In the list of categories, select the line Browser application. The system will open a pop-up window listing all installed browsers that can handle web links. Tap on the name of the browser that you want to make the main one. Changes take effect instantly; additional confirmation is usually not required.
☑️ Checking default settings
Changing browser by opening a link
There is a faster, but less obvious method that works when you try to open any Internet link. This method is convenient if you do not want to delve into the jungle of system menus. Just find any link in notes, messages or on your desktop and click on it.
If you have not previously selected a default browser or you have reset your settings, the system will display a dialog box asking: “How to open the link?” This window will present a list of available applications. Select the browser you need from the list provided.
A critically important point is the use of the buttons below the list of applications. Do not just click on the browser icon, otherwise the system will open the link only once in this app. You need to select the option Always. It is this command that secures the status of the main application for this type of file forever.
| Action | Result | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Click on the icon | Open once | Use for one-time check |
| Button "Only now" | Open without pinning | If you need to compare two browsers |
| Always button | Default setting | Basic quick setup method |
If you accidentally clicked "Only now" or a specific application, and the system remembered this choice, you will have to reset the binding settings. This is done through the app menu, where you need to clear the default data for a specific package so that the next time you click the question appears again.
Selecting the "Always" option in the link open dialog box is the fastest way to assign a browser, but it is only available if a hard rule has not been previously set.
Resetting application settings to default
Sometimes A situation arises when you need to return everything as it was or fix an error when links open incorrectly. The shell One UI provides a function for mass resetting all assignments. This will return the system state to the factory state, when each time you open a file or link the phone will ask for your opinion.
To perform this operation, go to Settings → Applications. At the top of the screen, click on the three dots icon to open an additional menu. In the list, select the item Default applications, and then at the very bottom of the screen find the button Reset application settings.
The system will ask for confirmation of the action, as this affects the operation of many services. After confirmation, all previously established associations between file types and apps will be deleted. The next time you launch YouTube, mail or browser, you will have to select your preferred application again.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the settings does not delete the applications themselves or your personal data (photos, contacts), but only resets the logic for their automatic launch.
This method is especially useful if you installed a new browser, but it does not appear in the list for selection. A forced reset will force the system to Android re-scan all installed packages and register their capabilities, including processing HTTP requests.
Features of working in multi-user mode
Smartphones Samsung support the creation of multiple profiles or the "Knox Folder" mode. It is important to understand that default application settings are tied to a specific user. If you change the browser in the main profile, this does not mean that it will automatically become the main browser in the guest mode or protected folder.
For each sandbox, the settings are applied individually. This is done for security and personalization purposes. If you use your phone for work and personal purposes, separating them through profiles, you will have to repeat the setup procedure in each of them separately.
In Secure Folder (Secure Folder) mode, you can install your own copies of browsers, isolated from the main system. Links opened inside a protected container will use the browser installed inside the same container, ignoring the main desktop settings.
Why are settings reset after an update?
Sometimes major One UI system updates can reset app preferences due to changes in Android's permission structure. This is normal behavior of the security system.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may encounter a situation where the selected browser does not open or the system ignores the choice. This is often due to the application having its required permissions revoked. Go to Settings → Applications, select your browser and make sure that it has access to the necessary functions, although this is rarely required for basic operation.
Another common problem is a version conflict. If you have two versions of the same browser installed (for example, stable and beta Chrome), the system may be confused about which one to use. In this case, it is recommended to remove one of the versions or explicitly specify the path to the desired executable file through a factory reset.
It is also worth considering that some manufacturers preinstall their browsers as system applications that cannot be removed, but can be replaced. If the select button is grayed out, your device may be restricted by your mobile operator or corporate administrator.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may vary slightly on A, S, and Z series models due to different versions of One UI. If you do not find the item, use the search in the settings.
In rare cases, clearing the cache of the service Android System, which is responsible for processing Intents, helps. However, this is an extreme measure, and should be resorted to only if standard methods have not worked for a long time.
If the browser does not become the main one, check if it is in the "Stopped" mode in the application settings and force it to start once.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove Samsung Internet?
Complete removal of the system browser Samsung Internet without root access is impossible, since it is part of the firmware. However, you can disable it in the application settings so that it does not appear in the list and does not consume resources in the background. To do this, select the application and click "Disable".
Why do links from WhatsApp open in the built-in viewer?
Messengers often use an internal web view (WebView) to quickly preview links without going to the browser. This is the setting of the WhatsApp or Telegram application itself. To open the link in the main browser, you need to click on the three dots in the corner of the preview screen and select “Open in browser.”
Does changing the browser affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, it can. Different browsers use different rendering engines and use RAM differently. For example, Chrome can consume more resources with a large number of tabs, while lightweight versions of browsers work faster on older models. Samsung.
How to return the settings back to Samsung Internet?
The procedure is absolutely identical to that described above. Just go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Browser application and select from the list Samsung Internet. The system will immediately switch to it.