How to change the default browser on Android: a complete guide with nuances

Standard browser on Android - usually Google Chrome or the manufacturer's proprietary application (for example, Samsung Internet or Mi Browser) does not always suit users. Some want more privacy, some lack features, and some simply prefer the interface of alternative browsers like Firefox, Opera or Brave. Fortunately, Android allows flexible customization default browser, but the process is not always obvious - especially on new versions of the system or devices with custom shells.

In this article we will look at all the ways to change the browser: from the standard method through settings to workarounds for devices with limitations (for example, on Huawei without Google services or Xiaomi with aggressive optimization). You will also learn why some links still open in the old browser, how to completely remove an unnecessary application, and what to do if the desired browser does not appear in the list of available ones. The instructions are relevant for Android 10–14 and tested on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Google Pixel and others.

Why you should change the default browser on Android

Even if you have never thought about changing your browser, there are good reasons to do it:

• 🔒 Privacy: Browsers like Brave or Firefox Focus block trackers by default, and DuckDuckGo do not collect search history.
• ⚡ Speed and optimization: Lightweight browsers (Opera Mini, Kiwi Browser) save traffic and battery power.
• 🛠️ Additional functions: Built-in VPN (Opera), adblock (Brave), navigation gestures (Vivaldi).
• 📱 Synchronization: Firefox or Edge allow you to sync bookmarks and passwords between devices better than Chrome.

In addition, some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Oppo) install their browsers with pre-loaded bookmarks, advertising, or limited settings. Replacing with a third-party solution often solves these problems. However, there are also pitfalls:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) the choice of browsers is limited due to optimization for weak hardware.

If you use a browser to work with corporate systems (for example, 1C or banking services), make sure that the new browser supports the necessary protocols. For example, SberBrowser may be required for some operations in SberBank Online.

Preparation: which browser to choose instead of the standard one

Before changing your browser, decide on an alternative. Here is a comparison of popular options:

Browser	Advantages	Disadvantages	Suitable for
Mozilla Firefox	Open source, extensions, synchronization	Consumes more memory than Chrome	Users who value privacy and customization
Opera	Built-in VPN, ad blocker, Turbo mode	Closed source, Chinese origin	Saving traffic and bypassing blocking
Brave	Blocking trackers by default, rewards for viewing ads	Less stable on weak ones devices	Maximum privacy
Microsoft Edge	Integration with Windows, Immersive Reader mode	Telemetry collection (can be disabled)	Microsoft ecosystem users
Kiwi Browser	Support for Chrome extensions, lightweight	Less known, less frequently updated	Chrome lovers, but with extensions

For most users, the optimal choice will be Firefox (if privacy is important) or Opera (if you need a VPN and saving traffic). If you often work with web applications (for example Google Docs or Trello), check your browser's compatibility with PWA (Progressive Web Apps).

Install the selected browser from Google Play or (if the Play Market is not available) download the APK from the official website. For example, for Firefox this https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/mobile/. Avoid third-party sources - they may distribute modified versions with malicious code.

Method 1: Standard change of browser through Android settings

This is the simplest method that works on most devices with Android 10 and newer. The instructions may vary slightly depending on the shell (for example, One UI for Samsung or MIUI for Xiaomi), but the general algorithm is the same:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Default applications (or Defaults).
3. Find the section Browser and tap on it.
4. In the list, select the desired browser (for example, Firefox).

If the section Default applications is missing, try an alternative path:

1. Open Settings → System → Advanced → Defaults.
2. Select Browser application.

On some devices (for example, Huawei without Google services), the path may look like this: Settings → Applications → Defaults → Browser. If the desired browser is not displayed in the list, make sure that it is installed and launched at least once.

Install an alternative browser from an official source|

Open it at least once (sometimes required for activation)|

Close all background processes of the standard browser|

Check that the device has enough free memory (minimum 200–300 MB)-->

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13+ some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) can reset default settings after updating the system. If the browser suddenly changed back to Chrome, repeat the procedure.

Method 2: Changing the browser by opening a link

If the standard method did not work (for example, on devices with custom firmware), try an alternative method:

1. Open any browser (even standard) and go to the web page (for example, google.com).
2. Click on the three dots in the browser menu and select Open in another browser (or Share → Open in...).
3. Select the desired browser in the list and check the box Always (or Use by default).

This method works because Android prompts you to select a default application when you first open the link. If the checkbox Always does not appear, then the system has already remembered your choice earlier. In this case:

1. Return to Settings → Applications.
2. Find the current default browser (for example, Chrome) and tap on it.
3. Select Open by default → Clear defaults.
4. Try to open the link again - a selection window will now appear.

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11) this method may not work due to restrictions MIUI. In this case, the method with will help. using ADB (described below).

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Huawei or devices with corporate policies), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a connection to a computer, but is guaranteed to work on any device.

You will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed drivers for your smartphone.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Platform Tools from Google (you can download from https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools).

Instructions:

1. Turn on on your phone Mode Developer: go to Settings → About phone → tap 7 times on Build number.
2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and turn on USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to the computer and select mode File transfer.
4. Open a command line (or Terminal) on your computer and go to the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Run the command to test the connection:

   adb devices

   If the device is displayed, enter the command to change the browser (replace com.android.chrome with the package of your current browser, and org.mozilla.firefox — to the new package):

   adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome
   adb shell cmd package set-home-activity org.mozilla.firefox

List of packages of popular browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🎭 Opera: com.opera.browser
• 🛡️ Brave: com.brave.browser
• 🅰️ Microsoft Edge: com.microsoft.emmx

⚠️ Attention: ADB commands reset some default settings. After execution, restart the device. If the browser has not changed, check if the changes are blocked by administrator policies (for example, on a work phone).

How to find the package name of the current browser?

Install the application App Inspector from Google Play or use the ADB command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep browser

This will display a list of all installed browsers with their packages.

Problems and solutions: why the browser does not change

Even after following the instructions, some links may open in the old browser. Here are the common reasons and ways to solve them:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Links from some applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) open in the old browser	The application has its own default settings	Open the application settings (for example Telegram → Settings → Open links) and select a new browser
The browser is reset after a system update	The manufacturer forces its browser to be installed	Repeat change defaults or use ADB
The new browser is not displayed in the list of defaults	The browser does not support processing web links	Remove and install the browser again or select another
On Huawei without GMS, the browser does not change	Firmware limitations EMUI	Use Huawei Browser with installed extensions or ADB

If the problem persists, check if it is installed on the device administrator profiles (for example, corporate policies). To do this, go to Settings → Security → Device administrators. Delete unnecessary profiles (if they are not critical for operation).

How to completely remove the default browser (if possible)

Some browsers (for example, Google Chrome or Samsung Internet) are system ones and cannot be removed by standard means. However, they can be disable or uninstall using ADB:

Disable (without root):

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find a browser (for example, Chrome) and tap on it.
3. Select Disable (or Uninstall updates, if this is a system application).

Removal via ADB (requires an unlocked bootloader on some devices):

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.chrome

List of commands for popular browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.chrome
• 📱 Samsung Internet: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.sec.android.app.sbrowser
• 🅿️ Mi Browser (Xiaomi): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications can lead to unstable operation of the device on some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) this may block access to proprietary services. Before deleting, create a backup via adb backup.

On devices with Android 12+, some manufacturers block the removal of system browsers even through ADB. In this case, the only way out is to obtain root access or use it. custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Additional settings for optimal performance of the new browser

After changing the browser, it is recommended to take several steps to improve performance and security:

• 🔄 Import data: Transfer bookmarks and passwords from the old browser In most browsers, this is done via Settings → Import/Export.
• 🔒 Privacy settings: Enable tracker blocking, disable telemetry collection (in Firefox: Settings → Privacy → Enhanced protection).
• 📶 Traffic saving: Enable data compression (in Opera: Settings → Turbo mode).
• 🔄 Synchronization: Connect an account to synchronize data between devices.

For browsers that support extensions (for example, Firefox or Kiwi), install useful addons:

• 🛡️ uBlock Origin —ad blocker.
• 🔐 HTTPS Everywhere —forced encryption of the connection.
• 📌 Dark Reader —dark theme for all sites.

If the new browser starts to slow down, try:

1. Clear cache (Settings → Applications → [browser] → Memory → Clear cache).
2. Disable unnecessary extensions.
3. Enable data saving mode (if available).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing browsers. on Android

Is it possible to change the default browser on Android without a computer?

Yes, in most cases the standard Android settings are sufficient (see Method 1ADB is only needed for devices with restrictions (for example, corporate phones or some models) Huawei).

Why did the browser reset to the standard one after updating Android?

Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) forcefully reset to default after major updates. Repeat the procedure for changing the browser or use ADB to fix the changes.

Is it possible to remove Google Chrome if it is a system one?

On most devices Chrome it cannot be completely uninstalled, but you can disable it or remove updates (return to the factory version) On some firmware (for example, LineageOSit is possible to uninstall via ADB.

How to make links from Telegram/WhatsApp open in a new browser?

Open the messenger settings (for example, in Telegram: Settings → Open links) and select the desired browser. If the option is missing, clear the defaults for the messenger in the Android settings.

Is it safe to use ADB to change browser?

Yes, if you follow official commands and do not remove critical system components, however, on devices with a locked bootloader (for example, most Samsung or Xiaomi) some ADB commands may not work without unlocking.