Switching to a new browser: why is it necessary
A modern smartphone user is often faced with a situation where all links from instant messengers and social networks are opened in an unwanted application. This can be annoying, especially if you are used to the convenient interface Yandex Browser with its built-in translator and Turbo mode. Changing the default browser solves this problem once and for all, redirecting all web traffic to the app of your choice.
The setup process takes only a few minutes, but the menu interface may differ depending on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell. On devices Samsung, Xiaomi or pure Android paths to settings may look different. We will look at universal methods that will help you assign default browser on any gadget.
Sometimes the system does not allow you to immediately select a new application due to the saved settings of the old one. In such cases, you will need to perform an additional preference reset procedure. Below we will analyze in detail all the nuances, including working with widgets and solving common errors.
Basic setup through the system menu
The most reliable way to change the priority of applications is to use the global settings of the operating system. This method ensures that all hyperlinks are processed correctly. You need to find the section responsible for managing applications.
On most devices, the path looks like this: go to Settings, then 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 should respond to certain types of actions, including opening web pages.
If you don’t see the item you need right away, try using search inside the settings. Enter the word “browser” or “default”, and the system itself will suggest the desired section. On some smartphones this item is hidden inside the menu Advanced.
In the menu that opens you will see the item Browser. Click on it and the system will offer a list of all installed browsers. Select Yandex from the list. Now, when you click on any link in mail or messenger, it will automatically launch.
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with MIUI shell (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO), the "Default Applications" item may be in the "Advanced" section settings" and not in the main application menu.
Configuration through the settings of the application itself
An alternative and often faster way is to set the priority directly from the browser interface itself. The developers Yandex Browser have provided this feature to make life easier for users. This method is especially convenient if you have just installed the application and want to immediately_activate_ it as the main one.
Open the application and go to the settings menu by clicking on the three dots or the profile icon. Find the section Basic or General settings. There is an item with a name like “Use as default” or “Set as default browser.”
When you click on this button, the system will automatically redirect you to the corresponding Android settings menu, which we talked about above. All you have to do is confirm your choice. This eliminates the need to manually navigate through system menus.
However, if you already have another application installed with primary browser rights, the system may not immediately offer a choice. In this case, it will simply open the application information page. Then you need to find the section Open by default and press the button Open supported links, selecting the option Always or In this application.
If the "Set as default" button in the Yandex Browser settings is inactive, first open any link through it manually so that the system "gets acquainted" with the application.
Working with widgets and the search bar
Many users confuse the purpose of the default browser with the installation search widget on the home screen. A widget Yandex with a ticker or search bar really speeds up access to the network, but in itself does not change the system settings for opening links from other applications.
However, installing a widget is a great way to make the browser visually primary. Press and hold an empty space on your desktop and select Widgets. Find the list Yandex and drag the element you like onto the screen. Now a quick search will be carried out through the selected service.
It is important to understand the difference: a widget launches a search, but if you click on a link in Telegram, it will open in the browser specified in the system settings, and not necessarily in the one whose widget is on the screen. To complete the transition, you need to follow the steps from the previous sections.
Some launchers allow you to assign gestures for quick launch. For example, swiping up from the bottom button can open a search. In the launcher settings, you can bind this action specifically to Yandex Browser, which will create the effect of complete dominance of this application in your interface.
⚠️ Attention: Widgets consume RAM. If your smartphone has less than 4 GB of RAM, do not install too many active widgets with live animation, so as not to slow down the device.
Resetting default settings in case of errors
Sometimes it happens that you have selected the desired browser, but links still open in Google Chrome or another application. This happens if the system has fixed the priority of another application. To fix this, you need to reset the "default" settings for the competing app.
Go to Settings → Applications. Find in the list the browser that you do not want to open (for example, Chrome). Click on it to open the app information page. Click button Open by default or Launch by default.
Click the button Delete default settings or Reset defaults. After this action, the system will “forget” that you need to open links in this application. The next time you click on the link, the smartphone will again ask you how to open the file.
When you click on any link in the messenger, a pop-up window will appear with the choice of application. Select Yandex Browser and be sure to press the button Always. This action will record your choice in the system.
☑️ Checklist for forced browser change
Comparison capabilities of popular browsers on Android
When choosing the main browser, users are often guided not only by habit, but also by functionality. Below is a table comparing key features Yandex Browser with its closest competitors in the Android ecosystem. This will help you understand why it is worth making it the main one.
| Function | Yandex Browser | Google Chrome | Samsung Internet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic saving mode | Turbo mode (strong compression) | Simplified mode | Video assistant |
| Built-in translator | Yes (Yandex.Translator) | Yes (Google Translate) | No (requires installation) |
| Protection against fraudsters | Active (Proactive protection) | Safe browsing | Tracking protection |
| Integration with the ecosystem | Yandex Services, Disk | Google Services | Samsung Services |
| Reading aloud | Yes (Alice) | Limited | Yes |
As can be seen from the table, Yandex Browser offers unique features, such as integration with the Alice voice assistant and a powerful Turbo mode, which is relevant for unstable mobile data. These advantages make it a strong candidate for the role of the main application.
Why can Yandex Browser work faster?
The secret of speed lies in the traffic compression technology on the company's servers. The pages are processed remotely, and already optimized content is transferred to the phone, which is especially noticeable on older smartphone models.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the settings reset after the phone is rebooted?
Usually the settings are not reset by themselves. If this happens, you may have a cleaner app installed that aggressively clears data, or you may be using unstable custom firmware. Also check if the application is disabled in the energy saving settings.
Is it possible to make Yandex Browser the main one on a tablet?
Yes, the procedure is absolutely identical to the setup on a smartphone. The Android interface on tablets may be slightly different visually, but the menu logic Default applications is preserved in all versions of the system from Android 6.0 and higher.
What to do if the required browser is not in the list?
Make sure that the application is complete installed and updated. Try opening it manually at least once. If the browser still does not appear in the selection list, it may not have registered the appropriate intent filters - in this case, reinstalling the application will help.
Does the choice of browser affect the speed of the phone?
The choice of the main browser itself does not affect the overall speed of the system. However, heavy browser background processes can consume resources. If you rarely surf the web, choosing a less resource-intensive application may slightly extend your battery life.
⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces may change with operating system updates. If you do not find the described items, use the search in the settings or refer to the help of the manufacturer of your device.
The main rule: if the system does not allow you to select a browser right away, you need to forcefully reset the default settings of the current main competitor application.