The modern market of mobile browsers offers users much more than the standard one Google Chrome, which is pre-installed on most devices. You may prefer Mozilla Firefox for privacy, Opera for built-in VPN or Brave for ad blocking. However, after installing a new application, the system often continues to open links in the old browser by default.
Changing this setting is not always an obvious process, since the menu interface Android may vary depending on the manufacturer of your smartphone. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to force the desired application for surfing the Internet to be the main one, as well as what to do if the desired item in the menu is missing or behaves incorrectly.
Understanding the logic of the operating system will help you not only change the browser, but also competently manage other applications by default. This gives you complete control over which software responds to your actions, be it opening links, making calls or playing videos.
Why change the default browser and what options are there
A standard browser is often only a basic solution that does not reveal all the capabilities of your device. Change default browser allows you to integrate specific functions that are critical for you into everyday use. For example, some users value synchronizing bookmarks with the desktop version, others are looking for maximum page loading speed.
The market offers many alternatives, each of which has its own unique advantages. The choice depends on your personal priorities: speed, security, saving traffic or customizing the interface. It is important to understand that installing an application does not make it the main one; you need to explicitly indicate this choice to the system.
- 🚀 Speed and performance: browsers such as Puffin or Dolphinuse cloud technologies to speed up the loading of heavy pages.
- 🛡️ Privacy and protection: DuckDuckGo and Firefox Focus block trackers and do not save browsing history.
- 🎨 Customization: Vivaldi and Opera allow you to change themes, panel layout and control gestures.
⚠️ Attention: When changing browsers, make sure you are logged into your account to synchronize passwords and bookmarks, otherwise data may be lost during the transition.
Universal method through Android settings
In the “clean” version Android (used on smartphones Pixel, Moto, Nokia), the procedure for changing the application is as standardized as possible. You will need to go to the general system settings and find the section responsible for managing installed apps. The algorithm of actions is intuitive, but requires care when choosing categories.
First open the menu Settings of your device. Scroll down the list to item Applications or Applications and notifications. Inside this section you need to find a subsection Default applications. This is where the settings are stored that determine which application opens when you click on a link, phone number or file of a certain type.
In the list that opens, find item Browser. Opposite it, most likely, the current application will be indicated (for example, Chrome). Click on this item and the system will offer you a list of all installed browsers. Just select the one you want to make your main one. Changes take effect instantly.
☑️ Checking Android settings
If you do not see the desired browser in the list, check whether it is installed correctly and whether it has all the necessary permissions. Sometimes, after updating the system, the settings may be reset, so the procedure will have to be repeated.
Features of the Samsung One UI interface
Smartphone owners Samsung are faced with a shell One UI, which has its own unique menu structure. Here, the path to the default application settings is slightly different from the stock one Android. The company Samsung has placed these options in a separate subsection to make it easier to access frequently used functions.
First, go to Settings. At the very bottom of the list or at the top (depending on the firmware version), find the section Applications. Inside it, select the item Select default applications. This title may look like a simple line with an arrow to the right.
Click on the line Browser application. A list of available web browsers will open in front of you. Select the one you need, for example Samsung Internet or third-party Edge. After selection, the checkbox will move to the new application, and all links from instant messengers and mail will begin to open in it.
| Samsung model | Android version | Path to settings | Interface nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21-S24 | 13-14 | Settings → Applications → Selecting default applications | Menu grouped by category |
| Galaxy A series | 12-13 | Settings → Applications → Select default applications | Identical to flagships |
| Old models (S8-S10) | 9-11 | Settings → Applications → Three dots → Default applications | Requires opening additional menu |
What to do if the item is not in the Samsung menu?
Sometimes this item may be hidden in stripped-down firmware versions for budget models. Try using the search inside the settings menu by entering the query "default". If the search does not help, use the preference reset method described below.
Setting specifics on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO
Shell MIUI and its successor HyperOS from the company Xiaomi are known for their deep customization, which sometimes makes it difficult to find standard functions. The settings menu here is overloaded with many options, and the section with applications is hidden in a non-obvious way by default. Users often have to look for it through search or carefully study the “Applications” section.
Go to Settings and scroll down to the section Applications. Next, select item All applications. At the top of the screen you will see three dots (action menu) that you need to click on. In the drop-down list, select Default applications. This is a classic navigation pattern in MIUI.
In the menu that opens, find the line Browser. Tap on it and select the installed browser from the list, for example UC Browser or Firefox. The system may ask you to confirm the action or warn you that the current application will be replaced. Confirm your choice to complete the setup.
⚠️ Attention: On some versions of MIUI, when you first launch a new browser, the system may aggressively offer to return to the standard Mi Browser. Be careful and select the "Use as default" or "Always" option rather than "Only once".
Use search in settings: MIUI and One UI have a search bar at the top of the settings screen. Enter the phrase “default” there to instantly go to the desired section, bypassing complex menus.
Method of resetting application settings (if the choice is not available)
Sometimes it happens that the browser selection item is inactive (grayed out) or only one application is displayed in the list, although others are installed. This happens when the system has hard-coded preferences for the current browser and does not allow them to be changed in the usual way. In such a situation, a complete reset of preferences helps.
This operation will not delete your data, photos or contacts. It will only reset the settings for which applications open which types of files, and also reset permissions and background restrictions. After the reset, the system will ask you how to open it the first time you click on the link, allowing you to select a new browser and remember this choice.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → Applications. Find in the menu (often in three dots on the top right) the item Reset application settings or Reset preferences. Confirm the action. Now, when you follow a link from any messenger, you will see a pop-up window with the question “What to open?”.
Settings → Applications → [Menu] → Reset preferencesAfter the selection window appears, check the box Set as default for your new browser and click "OK". Now this choice will become permanent until you decide to change it again or uninstall the application.
Troubleshooting and common errors
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users may encounter situations where links continue to open in the old browser. Often the reason lies in the system cache or in the specific settings of the competing application itself. For example, some browsers have an internal "Intercept links" setting that needs to be activated.
It is also worth checking whether the application you want to make the main one is disabled in the battery settings. Aggressive power saving modes can block background browser processes, causing the system to consider it unavailable and redirect the request to a backup option.
- 🔄 Clearing the cache: Go to the application settings of the old browser and click
Clear cache, then restart the device. - 🔋 Energy saving mode: make sure that the new browser is set to allow it to run in the background without restrictions.
- 📲 Software update: an outdated version of Android may have bugs in the application manager; check for system updates.
If resetting preferences did not help, try temporarily uninstalling the old browser. The system will be forced to use the only available application to open links.
⚠️ Attention: Smartphone manufacturer interfaces are regularly updated. The location of menu items may change in new firmware versions. If you do not find the described path, use the built-in search in the phone settings.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to remove the standard Chrome browser?
Complete removal Google Chrome with superuser rights is only possible on rooted devices. On a regular smartphone, it can only be disable in the application settings. After disabling it will disappear from the list of available browsers, and the system will no longer offer it for opening links.
Why do links open in the social network application after changing the browser?
Many applications, such as Telegram, VK or Instagram, have built-in browsers for previewing links. This is a setting for the messenger itself, not the Android system. In order for the link to open in your external browser, you need to go to the settings of a specific messenger and disable the “Open links in the built-in browser” option.
Does changing the browser affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, it can. Some browsers consume more RAM or use more CPU to render pages. If your smartphone has limited resources (for example, 2-3 GB of RAM), choosing a lightweight browser can have a positive impact on overall system performance.
How to return all the settings as they were if you don’t like the new browser?
Simply repeat the procedure for selecting the default application and specify the old browser (for example, Chrome) in the list. If you reset your preferences, the system will ask you again the first time you click on the link, allowing you to re-select the original app.