Modern smartphones based on Android often come with a pre-installed search engine and browser from Google, which is standard practice for most manufacturers. However, many users in Russia and the CIS countries prefer the Yandex ecosystem due to its convenient integration with mail, maps and voice assistant Alice. There is a logical desire to make this service the main tool for surfing the Internet.
The process of replacing the default browser does not require obtaining root access or complex flashing of the device. The operating system allows you to flexibly manage application priorities by simply changing a few options in the settings menu. This action will force the system to automatically open all web links from instant messengers and social networks in the application you have chosen.
In some cases, users are faced with the fact that the system does not allow them to change the application immediately. This is due to the fact that the current browser is already set to “use as default”. To fix the situation, you must first reset these settings and then select your preferred application again. Below we will analyze in detail all the nuances of this procedure.
Preparing the device for changing the main application
Before you start changing system settings, make sure that you have the latest one installed version Yandex Browser. The developers regularly release updates that contain security fixes and new features necessary for it to work correctly as a main tool. Go to Google Play Market or Galaxy Store and check for updates.
It is also important to understand the difference between a simply installed application and an assigned application default. Installation only adds an icon to the desktop, while designation as the main browser redirects all system requests for opening links (protocol http i https) to this app. Without this step, the links will open in a chaotic order or in the old browser.
Before changing the browser, it is recommended to log into your Yandex account and synchronize bookmarks and passwords so as not to lose important data during the transition.
Check whether changing settings is blocked in Guest mode or in the profile with limited rights. If you're using a corporate device or phone with parental controls, permissions to edit apps may be blocked by your administrator by default. In this case, you will need to enter a special code or change the device security policy.
Step-by-step guide for pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)
On devices with a “pure” operating system, the settings interface looks the most concise and intuitive. The path to the desired menu is usually standard and does not depend on the specific version Android, be it version 11, 12 or 13. You will need to find the section responsible for managing all installed apps.
Go to the phone settings and select Applications or Applications and notifications. In the list that opens, find the line Default applications. This is where information is stored about which app is responsible for calls, SMS and, what is important for us, for working on the Internet. Click on the item Browser.
☑️ Action algorithm for pure Android
The system will offer you a list of all installed browsers. Select Yandex from the proposed list. After this, a check mark or marker will appear next to the name, confirming that all links will now be opened through it. The process takes no more than a minute and does not require restarting the device.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Browser" item is missing or inactive in the list of default applications, your manufacturer may have hidden this setting elsewhere in the menu or uses its own shell.
Setting features on Samsung, Xiaomi and Realme shells
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the interface by adding their own shells, such as Samsung or Xiaomi. This leads to the fact that the paths to the settings may differ from the standard ones. For example, on Samsung, settings are often hidden deeper in the application menu, and on Xiaomi you need to be careful with permissions. Androidby adding your own wrappers such as One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi. This leads to the fact that the paths to the settings may differ from the standard ones. For example, on Samsung, settings are often hidden deeper in the application menu, while on Xiaomi you need to be careful with permissions.
For owners Samsung the path usually looks like this: Settings → Applications → Select default applications → Browser application. In some firmware versions, this item may be called simply “Opening links”. If you cannot find this section through a general search for settings, try going directly to the settings of the Yandex browser itself.
Users Xiaomi and Realme may encounter additional protection. The system may ask you to confirm the action or show a pop-up window warning you about changing the default application. It is normal security practice for accidental modifications by malware. Just confirm the action by clicking OK or Change.
| Smartphone brand | Path to settings | Nuance interface |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Settings → Applications → Default | The menu can be in the "General" category |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Settings → Applications → Application management → Default | Confirmation required shifts |
| Realme / Oppo | Settings → Application management → Default applications | Sometimes hidden in advanced settings |
| Honor | Settings → Applications → Default applications | The interface is close to pure Android |
What to do if the item is not found?
Use the search bar at the very top of the settings menu. Enter the word “browser” or “default”, and the system itself will highlight the desired menu section, regardless of the shell version.
Problem: the button for changing browser is inactive or hidden
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where in the settings menu the browser selection field is grayed out or completely absent. Most often, this happens because another application (for example, Chrome) has already been hard-coded to open all types of links, and the system does not see an alternative until the reset.
In this case, you need to force clear the default settings for the current main browser. Go to Settings → Applications, find Chrome in the list (or the browser that is currently running) and open its information page. Find the section Open by default and press the button Delete default settings.
After completing this operation, the next time you try to open any link from the messenger, the system will ask you: “How to open it?” In this window, be sure to select Yandex and press the button Always. If you click "Only now", the system will remember the choice for only one session, and the question will appear again.
⚠️ Attention: Do not click the "Always" button if you are not sure of the choice. The error will lead to links opening in an unnecessary application, and the reset procedure will have to be repeated.
Setting up a search engine inside the Yandex Browser
After you have made the application the main one, you should make sure that the desired search engine is also configured inside it. Although Yandex Browser uses Yandex search by default, sometimes when importing data from another browser, the settings may change to Google or Bing. Open the browser and click on the three dots in the lower or upper corner of the screen (depending on the orientation) to enter. Go to section
Open your browser and click on the three dots at the bottom or top corner of the screen (depending on orientation) to enter Menu. Go to section Settings. Find item Search engine or Search. Make sure that row Yandexis selected there. This ensures that requests from the address bar will be processed by the desired service.
The main browser and the search engine are different settings. You can make the Yandex browser the main one, but search through Google if this is specifically indicated in its internal settings.
In the same menu, it is recommended to enable synchronization with your account Yandex ID. This will allow you to transfer your history, bookmarks, and open tabs from your computer or other device. The Turbo mode function can also be useful for saving traffic if you often use mobile data in areas with poor coverage.
Additional features and widgets on the desktop
By making the Yandex browser the main one, you can greatly simplify access to it by adding special widgets to the home screen. This not only speeds up startup, but also gives quick access to frequently visited sites or news feed Zen without having to open the application itself.
Hold your finger on an empty space on the desktop and select Widgets. Find Yandex Browserin the list. You will be given several options: quick link, search bar or news feed. Drag the widget you like onto the screen and adjust its size.
In addition, in the settings of the phone itself, you can change the behavior of the Home button or navigation gestures, if your smartphone model supports such customization. Some launchers allow you to assign a long press on the home button to launch the voice assistant Alice, which makes using the ecosystem even more convenient.
Place the Yandex Smart Line widget on the home screen - this will allow you to enter search queries and website addresses directly from your desktop, without launching the browser completely.
⚠️ Attention: Widgets consume additional battery power and RAM. If your smartphone has less than 4 GB of RAM, do not abuse the number of active widgets on the screen.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving (FAQ)
Why do links still open in Google Chrome?
Most likely, Chrome has the "Open by default" settings saved. Go to the application settings, find Chrome, the "Open by default" section and click "Delete settings". After that, when you click on the link, the system will ask you to select again.
Is it possible to completely remove Google Chrome from your phone?
On most smartphones, Google Chrome is a system application, so you cannot completely remove it without root access. However, you can disable it in the application settings by clicking the "Disable" button. This will hide the icon and prevent the application from running in the background.
Is it safe to make the Yandex browser the main one?
Yes, it is absolutely safe. Changing the default browser is a standard feature of the Android operating system, provided for user convenience. This does not affect the warranty or stability of the phone.
How can I get everything back if I don’t like the Yandex browser?
The procedure is reversible. Just go to the "Default Applications" settings and select any other option in the "Browser" item, for example, Chrome or Samsung Internet. The system will instantly switch to the selected application.
Does the choice of browser affect the speed of loading pages?
The choice of the “main” browser itself does not affect the speed. The speed depends on the rendering engine (Chromium for both), the quality of the Internet connection and optimization of a specific application for your phone model.