Have you ever encountered situation when the link opens in an inconvenient browser? For example, Chrome automatically intercepts all web addresses, although you prefer Firefox for its extensions or Opera for its built-in VPN. Or do you need to test how the site is displayed in different browsers, but Android stubbornly ignores your preferences?

The problem is that Android by default binds links to the "default browser" is the one you selected in the system settings. But this binding can be bypassed! In this article we will examine all current methods of opening links in a non-standard browserincluding hidden OS functions, third-party utilities and even commands for developers. No root access or complex manipulations - only working solutions for Android 8.0 and newer.

The culprit of the problem is the mechanism Android App Links (not to be confused with regular “links to applications”). This is a system that allows the OS to automatically determine which application should handle which type of content. For web links, the logic is simple:

  • 🔹 If installed default browser (for example, Chrome), all links from instant messengers, mail or other applications will open in it.
  • 🔹 If a default browser is not selected, Android will prompt you to select an application once and remember the choice.
  • 🔹 Some applications (for example Telegram or Gmail) have their own built-in browsers and can ignore system settings.

In addition, smartphone manufacturers (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) often preinstall their browsers and impose them as standard. This creates additional difficulties: even if you have installed Firefox, the system may persistently open links in Samsung Internet.

📊 Which browser do you use by default on Android?
Chrome
Firefox
Opera
Samsung Internet
Yandex.Browser
Other

Another trap - Deep Links. Some sites (for example, YouTube or Twitter) when opened through a browser, automatically redirect to their application. This behavior is set at the site code level and does not depend on your settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with shells MIUI (Xiaomi), One UI (Samsung) or EMUI (Huawei), additional restrictions. For example, MIUI blocks changing the default browser for some system applications.

The most universal, but manual method is to copy the link and paste it into the address bar of the target browser. Powered by any version of Android and does not require additional settings.

  1. Find the link in the application (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp).
  2. Tap on it and hold your finger until the context menu appears.
  3. Select Copy link (or a similar item).
  4. Open the desired browser (for example, Firefox).
  5. Paste the link in the address bar and click Enter.

Advantages method:

  • ✅ Works without exception on all devices.
  • ✅ Does not require administrator or root access.
  • ✅ Suitable for links that are blocked by built-in browsers (for example, in Instagram).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Additional actions - inconvenient for frequent transitions.
  • ❌ Does not save the history of transitions in the original application.
💡

If you often copy links, add a browser widget to the main screen. For example, in Firefox you can create a shortcut to quickly open a new tab: click on the browser icon. → "Add to Home Screen".

Method 2: Using the "Open with..." function

Android allows you to manually select an application to open the link, but this option does not always work. Here's how to use it:

  1. Tap on the link and hold it until the context menu appears.
  2. Select Open with... (or Open with... on English firmware).
  3. In the list of applications, find the desired browser (for example, Opera).
  4. Tick the box Always (if you want to make this browser the default for such links) or just click once.

Method limitations:

  • 🚫 Not all applications support this feature. Gmail may ignore browser selection.
  • 🚫 On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo), the item Open with... may be missing.
  • 🚫 If you selected Always, you can reset the settings in Settings → Applications → Default applications.
Application Supports "Open with..."? Notes
Telegram ✅ Yes Works for links in chats and channels.
WhatsApp ✅ Yes Maybe require a long press on the link.
Gmail ❌ No Opens links in the built-in browser or by default.
VK ⚠️ Partial Works only for external links, not for internal pages.
Twitter/X ✅ Yes Can redirect to your application.
💡

If the "Open with..." option is missing, try first copying the link and then pasting it into the browser manually. This is more reliable than relying on the context menu.

Method 3: Setting the default browser to bypass restrictions

If you want all links open in one browserbut Android ignores your choice, try this method:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications.
  2. Click on Browser (or Browser app).
  3. Select the desired browser (for example, Brave or Edge).
  4. Confirm your choice.

If after this the links still open in another browser:

  • 🔧 Check the settings a specific application, from which you open links. For example, in Telegram there is an option Open links in the default browser (you can find it in Settings → Data and memory).
  • 🔧 Delete the default browser cache: Settings → Applications → [Browser] → Memory → Clear cache.
  • 🔧 Reboot your device - sometimes this resets stuck settings.
⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei c EMUI 10+ you may need to disable the function App Twin (application cloning) if it interferes with changing the default browser.

For advanced users, there is another trick - resetting preferences applications:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Three dots (menu) → Reset application preferences.
  2. Confirm the action.
  3. After the reset, the next time you open the link, Android will again ask which browser use.

Install the desired browser (for example, Firefox)|Clear the cache of the current default browser|Select a new browser in the "Default" settings|Reboot the device|Check whether the link is opened from the messenger-->

If built-in methods do not work, you can use third-party utilities. They intercept links and allow you to select a browser to open. Consider the top 3 applications:

1. Better Open With

The application adds an item to the context menu for selecting a browser. Supports:

  • 🌐 Any browsers, including Kiwi Browser or DuckDuckGo.
  • 🔗 Redirects links from Facebook, Reddit and other social networks.
  • 📱 Works on Android 5.0 and later.

Disadvantage: requires permission to Display on top of others applications.

2. Open Link With

A simpler solution with a minimalistic interface. Allows you to:

  • 🔄 Quickly switch between browsers through the notification panel.
  • 📋 Save the history of redirected links.
  • 🛠️ Set up exceptions for certain domains.

3. Link Bubble Browser (outdated, but works)

This is both a browser and a tool for managing links. Features:

  • 🌐 Opens links in a floating window (without switching the application).
  • 🔧 Allows you to select the target browser for each link.
  • ⚠️ Not updated since 2018, but compatible with new versions of Android.

How to set up Better Open With:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and grant all requested permissions.
  3. Enable the option Show in context menu.
  4. Next by clicking on the link, select Better Open With → specify a browser.
⚠️ Attention: Some antivirus apps (for example, Dr.Web) may block the operation of such utilities, considering them “potentially dangerous” due to interception of links. Add the application to exceptions.

Method 5: ADB commands for advanced users

If you are ready to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can manually reset the link processing settings. This method is suitable for:

  • 🔧 Devices with limited firmware (for example, MIUI or Flyme OS).
  • 🔧 Situations when Android "forgets" the choice of browser.
  • 🔧 Bulk redirection of links from specific applications.

Instructions:

  1. Install ADB on your computer (instructions are on the website Android Developers).
  2. Connect your smartphone via USB and enable debugging (Settings → For developers → USB debugging).
  3. Run the command to reset preferences:
adb shell pm clear-package-preferred-activities

This command will reset all "remembered" application choices for opening links. After completing it:

  1. Android will again ask which browser to use.
  2. You can select the desired application again.

For more precise settings, you can specify a specific application. For example, to reset the browser selection for Telegram:

adb shell pm clear-package-preferred-activities org.telegram.messenger

If you need to bind all links to a specific browser (for example, com.android.chrome → org.mozilla.firefox), use:

adb shell cmd package set-home-activity org.mozilla.firefox
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of ADB may disrupt the system. Before experiments, create a backup copy of your data.
What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

Make sure that USB debugging mode is enabled in the developer settings. Install drivers for your device (for example, for Samsung need Samsung USB Drivers). Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one). Restart your computer and smartphone.

Method 6: Bypass via clipboard and automation

For those who do not want to copy links manually every time, there are semi-automatic solutions:

1. "Quick Settings" widget

Some browsers (for example, Firefox or Opera) allow you to add a widget to the home screen to quickly open links:

  1. Long press on the home screen → Widgets.
  2. Find a browser widget (for example, Firefox: Quick Action).
  3. Drag it to the screen.
  4. Now you can copy the link and click on the widget to open it.

2. Automation with Tasker or MacroDroid

Using these applications you can create a rule:

  • 📋 Trigger: copying text (link) to the clipboard.
  • 🔄 Action: open the target browser with paste the copied text.

Example setting in MacroDroid:

  1. Create a new macro.
  2. Add a trigger: Clipboard → Text copied.
  3. Indicate the condition: text contains http:// or https://.
  4. Add an action: Open application → [Your browser].
  5. Add a delay of 1 second (so that the browser has time to open).
  6. Add an action: Text → Paste from clipboard (to the address bar).

Advantages automation:

  • ✅ Works for any links, even from applications without a context menu.
  • ✅ You can set exceptions (for example, do not redirect links to YouTube).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Requires configuration and testing.
  • ❌ May conflict with other automations.

Problem solving: what to do if nothing works

If none of the methods helped, check these points:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Links open in the application's built-in browser The application ignores system settings (for example, Facebook or Instagram) Use the copy method or install Better Open With
There is no "Open with..." item Firmware or application limitations Try long pressing on the link or use ADB
The default browser resets itself Application conflict or reset settings Clear the cache Google Play Services and restart the device
ADB does not help Manufacturer has blocked commands Use third-party utilities or root access

If the problem is related to device manufacturer:

  • 📱 Samsung: disable Samsung Internet in application settings (do not delete, but only Disable).
  • 📱 Xiaomi: in Settings → Accessibility → Simplified mode disable the option Open links in Mi Browser.
  • 📱 Huawei: install Google Mobile Services (if they are not there) via Huawei AppGallery.

For corporate devices (with Android Enterprise) administrator policies may apply that block the change browser. In this case, contact your company's IT service.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I open a link in another browser without installing additional applications?

Yes, use copying a link (Method 1) or context menu (Method 2). These methods work without third-party software, but require manual actions.

Why do links open again after resetting the settings? Chrome?

Android remembers the last used application for a certain type of link. To fix this:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Browser.
  2. Select the one you need browser.
  3. Clear the cache Google Play Services.
How to open a link in the browser if it redirects to an application (for example, YouTube)?

Use one of these methods:

  • 🔗 Add to the link ?web_view=true (for example, https://youtube.com/watch?v=...&web_view=true).
  • 🔗 Open the link in Desktop mode (select Three dots → PC version).
  • 🔗 Install the extension Open With for your browser.
Is it safe to use ADB to change browser?

Yes, if you follow the instructions and do not execute other commands. ADB will not damage the data, but:

  • 🔧 Use only commands from trusted sources.
  • 🔧 Do not change system applications (for example, com.android.systemui).
  • 🔧 After changes, restart the device.
Is there a way to open all links from a specific applications in one browser?

Yes, using Tasker or MacroDroid you can create a rule:

  1. Trigger: opening a link in Telegram (or another application).
  2. Action: redirect to Firefox.

This will require root access or ADB.