How to set the default browser on Honor smartphones: all methods

Changing the default browser on smartphones Honor is a task that many users face after installing alternative applications like Google Chrome, Firefox or Yandex Browser. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process may differ depending on the firmware version (EMUI, MagicOS) and device model. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden settings and bypassing manufacturer restrictions.

The peculiarity of devices Honor is that they often come with a pre-installed browser Huawei Browser or Honor Browserwhich does not always satisfy users in terms of speed or functionality. In addition, after system updates, the default browser reset settings may be “hidden” in unobvious menu sections. We will show you exactly where to look for these options, and what to do if the desired item suddenly disappeared from the interface.

It is important to consider that starting from Android 10 (and corresponding versions EMUI 10+/MagicOS) the default application selection algorithm has been redesigned. Now the system can automatically suggest browsers depending on the context (for example, for links from instant messengers or mail). This makes the task more difficult, but does not make it impossible. Below are step-by-step guide for all current scenarios.

1. Standard method: through Android settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on most devices Honor running EMUI 9.0 and newer (including MagicOS latest models). Here's how to do it:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to section Applications → Default applications (or Manage applications → Default on some firmware).
3. Click on the item Browser (may be called Opening web links).
4. Select the desired one from the list of available browsers (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

If the desired browser is not in the list, make sure it is installed and updated to the latest version. Sometimes, after installing a new browser, a reboot is required device so that it appears in the selection menu.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Honor (for example, Honor 9X or Honor 20 Lite) after selecting browser by default, the system may request confirmation through a pop-up window. If you ignore it, the settings will not be saved.

2. Alternative method: through the settings of a specific browser

Many browsers (for example, Google Chrome or Yandex Browser) offer their own tools for setting themselves as the default application. This method is useful if the standard path does not work or the menu item is hidden. Instructions:

• 📱 Open the browser that you want to make the main one (for example, Chrome).
• 🔧 Go to its settings (usually through three dots in the upper right corner → Settings).
• 🔍 Find the section Default, Default application or Set as default browser (the wording depends on the application).
• 🖱️ Follow the prompts on the screen - system will redirect you to the Android settings, where all you have to do is confirm your choice.

This method is especially relevant for Honor 50, Honor Magic 4 and other models with MagicOS, where the settings interface has been significantly redesigned. For example, in Chrome the path looks like this: ⋮ → Settings → Default application.

Make sure that the browser is installed|Update the browser to the latest version|Close all background applications|Restart your smartphone if the browser is not shown in the list-->

3. For advanced: resetting application settings

If the default browser does not change or the system ignores your choice, the problem may be hiding in the Android settings cache. In this case, resetting application preferences will help. This method does not delete application data, but will reset all default settings to factory settings. How to do it:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset application preferences (or Reset application settings).
3. Confirm the action. After this, all “default” settings (including browser, SMS, phone) will be reset.
4. Repeat steps from section 1to reassign the browser.

This method often helps on devices with EMUI 8.0–9.1, where there were bugs with saving default settings. For example, Honor 8X or Honor 10 Lite after a reset, the browser begins to appear correctly in the selection list.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting application preferences will also reset the settings for SMS, phone calls and other default actions. They will have to be configured again.

4. Features for MagicOS (Honor 50, 60, 70 and newer)

Firmware MagicOSused in the latest flagships Honor (starting from Honor 50), has a unique interface and logic for working with default applications. Here the standard path through Settings → Applications may not work. Instead:

• 🔄 Open Settings → Applications and services → Manage applications.
• 📊 Select the tab Default (may be called Default settings).
• 🌐 Find the section Browser and click on it. If the section is missing, use search settings (magnifying glass icon).
• 📱 Select the desired browser in the list. If it is not there, install it again from AppGallery or Google Play.

On MagicOS 7.0+ (for example, on Honor 70 or Honor Magic Vs), the system may offer to select a default browser only for specific types of links (for example, separately for http and https). In this case, you will have to assign an application for each protocol manually.

Why does MagicOS hide browser settings?

Starting with MagicOS 7.0, Honor is actively promoting its own browser as part of the ecosystem. Therefore, default settings may be hidden deeper or require additional confirmation. This is not a bug, but a firmware feature aimed at retaining users in branded services.

5. Solving problems: the browser is not saved or is reset

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the default browser spontaneously resets to the standard one Huawei/Honor Browser. This can happen for several reasons:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Browser resets after reboot	Conflict with the system optimizer (Phone Manager)	Disable auto-cleaning in Settings → Battery → Closing applications
Cannot select a browser in settings	Firmware restrictions (for example, EMUI 10.1)	Use the ADB command (see section 6) or update the firmware
The browser disappears from the selection list	The application is disabled or frozen	Check in Settings → Applications → [Browser] → Enable
System ignores browser selection	Cache bug Package Installer	Clear cache and data Settings → Applications → ⋮ → Show system → Package Installer

If the problem persists, check if there are any "speedup" or "optimization" applications installed on your device (for example, Huawei Mobile Services or Honor Assistant). They can reset settings to default in the background. Disable auto-cleaning in their settings.

6. Advanced method: using ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Honor View 20 c EMUI 9.1), you can resort to commands ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling developer mode. Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can disrupt the system.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer mode: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times).
2. Activate USB debugging in Settings → System → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command in the terminal:

   adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

   (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, for example, for Firefox). To return everything back, run the command org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).

List of popular browser packages:

• Google Chrome: com.android.chrome
• Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• Yandex Browser: com.yandex.browser
• Microsoft Edge: com.microsoft.emmx

⚠️ Attention: After using ADB, some system applications (for example, Huawei Browser) may stop updating after AppGallery. To get everything back, run the command adb shell cmd package reset-home-activity.

7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When changing the default browser, users often make common mistakes that lead to incorrect operation of the system. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🚫 Ignoring the confirmation request: After selecting a browser in the settings, a pop-up window appears asking you to confirm the action. If you close it, the settings will not be saved. Solution: Always confirm the selection, even if the window seems unnecessary.
• 🔄 Incomplete reset: When resetting application preferences (section 3), users sometimes forget that this does not affect only the browser, but also other default applications. Solution: Write down in advance the current settings for SMS, calls, etc.
• 📱 Using incompatible browsers: Some browsers (for example, Kiwi Browser or Brave) may not work correctly with firmware EMUI/MagicOS. Solution: Before installation, check reviews about compatibility with your model Honor.
• 🔒 Blocking by system optimizers: Applications like Phone Manager or Battery Optimizer can reset browser settings. Solution: Add your browser to optimization exceptions in battery settings.

Another common mistake is trying to change the default browser via Google Play Store. Clicking on the "Open by default" button in the browser description does not always work on Honoras this function depends on the manufacturer's implementation. It is better to use methods from Google Play Market data-i="222">Technically yes, but there are nuances. sections 1–2.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to make it the default browser? Samsung Internet on Honor?

Technically yes, but there are nuances. Samsung Internet optimized for devices Samsung and may work unstable on Honor (for example, do not open some links). If you still want to use it:

1. Install the browser from Google Play (not all versions are compatible with EMUI/MagicOS).
2. Follow the instructions from section 2 (through the settings of the browser itself).
3. If the browser does not appear in the selection list, try resetting application settings (section 3).

On MagicOS 7.0+ Samsung Internet may not process some protocols correctly (for example, intent: links). In this case, we recommend use Chrome or Firefox.

After updating the firmware, the browser was reset to default. How to return the previous settings?

Updating EMUI or MagicOS often resets application settings to default. browser:

1. Check whether the browser is disabled in Settings → Applications. If so, turn it on.
2. Update the browser to the latest version (sometimes reinstallation is required after updating the firmware).
3. Repeat steps from section 1 or section 2.
4. If the browser does not appear in the list, reset application preferences (section 3).

On Honor 30 and later after major updates (for example, from EMUI 10 to MagicOS 7), you may need to re-register the browser through ADB (section 6).

Is it possible to assign different browsers for different types of links?

Starting with Android 10 (and corresponding versions EMUI 10+/MagicOS), the system supports default context settings. This means that you can assign:

• One browser for links from messengers (for example, Chrome).
• Another browser for links from mail (for example, Firefox).
• Third browser for QR codes (if supported).

To set this up:

1. Open the link in the desired application (for example, in Telegram).
2. When the browser selection window appears, click Always or Only once.
3. For fine tuning, go to Settings → Applications → Open by default → Advanced settings (⚙️).

On MagicOS this function is implemented better than on EMUI, but may require manual configuration for each type of content.

Why, after changing the browser, some links still open in Huawei Browser?

This problem is typical for devices Honor with preinstalled Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). data-i="284">or Huawei AppGallery or Honor Club) are strictly tied to Huawei Browser and ignore the default settings. There are several solutions:

• Disable Huawei Browser: Go to Settings → Applications → Huawei Browser → DisableThis can lead to errors in system applications.
• Use "Open with": When opening a link from AppGallery hold it and select Open with → Your browser.
• Install HMS Core: Update Huawei Mobile Services to the latest version - sometimes this fixes conflicts with the default settings.

On Honor 50 and newer with MagicOS the problem is less pronounced, but not completely solved. If it is critical for you to open all links in one browser, consider using Chrome with the function Open supported links (in its settings).

How to make the default browser Tor Browser or another anonymous browser?

Tor Browser and similar applications (for example, DuckDuckGo Browser) often do not appear in the default browser selection list on Honor. This is due to their operating features (for example, using their own engine or VPN). To assign them:

1. Install the browser from Google Play or from the official website ( Tor Browser you will need to download the APK from torproject.org).
2. Open the browser and try to manually open any link (for example, from the clipboard). The system should prompt you to select it as the default application.
3. If the browser does not appear in the settings, use ADB (section 6) with the command:

   adb shell cmd package set-home-activity org.torproject.android/.MainActivity

   (for Tor Browser).

Keep in mind that anonymous browsers may conflict with Huawei Mobile Services, especially on devices without Google Play (for example, Honor 30 Pro+ for the Chinese market). In this case, we recommend using Orbot (VPN for Tor) paired with a regular browser.