Modern smartphones based on Android often come with pre-installed browsers, which manufacturers consider basic. However, many users prefer Google Chrome for its speed, convenient synchronization with the account and advanced features. Changing the main tool for surfing the Internet may require performing a few simple steps in the system settings.
The process of assigning a default application does not require obtaining root access or installing third-party software. All necessary functions are already built into the operating system of any version, from old Android 6.0 to the latest Android 14. Differences may only concern the location of menu items depending on the manufacturer's shell, for example One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi.
If you are faced with a situation where links from instant messengers or mail are opened in an unwanted application, this is easy to fix. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will help secure Chrome the status of the main explorer on the World Wide Web, and also consider the nuances that arise when there is no selection button in the menu.
Checking availability and updating the application
Before changing system settings, you need to make sure that the browser itself is installed correctly on the device. On many smartphones Google Chrome it is a system application that cannot be completely removed, but it can be disabled. In this case, the default installation function will not be available.
Go to the store Google Play and enter the name of the browser in the search. If you see a button Update, be sure to complete this action. Outdated versions of the software may contain errors that prevent correct operation of link opening protocols. The current version guarantees compatibility with the latest security standards.
If the button is called Install, this means that the application was previously uninstalled or disabled. After downloading and installation, reboot your smartphone. This action is necessary for the system to register the new component and add it to the list of available for processing web requests.
If the install button is inactive (gray), check whether the application is disabled in the settings. Go to Settings → Applications, find Chrome and click “Enable”.
Standard algorithm through system settings
The main way to change the browser is through the global settings of the operating system. The interface may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same for all devices based on Android. You will need to find the section responsible for managing installed apps and their rights.
Open the settings menu and find the item Applications or Applications and notifications. In some firmware, this section may be hidden under the name Application Manager. Inside this menu, we look for a subsection that directly controls the behavior of the system when performing certain actions.
The key item is called Default applications. By clicking on it, you will see a list of categories for which you can set a priority application. We are interested in category Browser or Web browser. When you click on it, a list of all installed apps that can open links will open.
- 📱 On a clean Android the path looks like this: Settings → Applications → Default applications → Browser.
- 🔧 In the shell One UI (Samsung): Settings → Applications → Select default applications → Browser application.
- ⚙️ In MIUI (Xiaomi): Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots at the top right → Default applications → Browser.
Select from the list that appears Chrome. The system will instantly remember this choice, and now all hyperlinks will open in this application. If the list is empty or Chrome is not in it, it means that the system does not see the browser as a valid tool for processing links, which requires additional intervention.
☑️ Algorithm for changing the browser
Configuration through the interface of the browser itself
The developers Google have provided the possibility change settings directly from within the application. This is often more convenient, since it does not require a deep dive into the phone’s system menus. This method works on most modern versions Android.
Run Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu, select Settings. Scroll down the list to the block Additional settings or immediately find the item Default browser application.
Clicking on this item, the system will automatically redirect you to the corresponding settings menu Androiddescribed in the previous section. However, if you have previously selected a different browser, Chrome may offer a Edit or Set as default button directly in its interface. This speeds up the switching process.
⚠️ Attention: If, when you go from Chrome settings, you get to a menu where you cannot select a browser (the list is inactive), then another application has a hard-coded priority. You will need to reset your competitor's settings first.
Sometimes settings may be reset after a firmware update. Checking this regularly within the browser itself will help ensure that your preferences are saved. This is especially true after major system security updates.
Eliminating conflicts with other browsers
A frequent problem is when the system does not allow you to select a new browser because it has “remembered” the old one. This happens when another application, for example Samsung Internet or Yandex.Browser, has the "Always Open" flag set without a choice.
To fix this, you need to clear the default settings for the current main browser. Go to Settings → Applications and find in the list the browser that is currently opening instead of Chrome. This can be any pre-installed or previously downloaded client.
Enter the card of this application and find the section Open by default or Run by default. There will be a button Delete default settings or Reset values. After clicking, the system will “forget” preferences for this application.
| Action | Where to look | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Search for an application | Settings → Applications | List of all apps on the phone |
| Reset priority | Application card → Open by default | The "Delete settings" button becomes active |
| Re-select | When you click on the link | The application selection window appears |
Now, when you click on any link in the messenger, the system will ask you how to open this address. Select Chrome and be sure to press Always. This will finalize the choice.
What to do if the reset button is inactive?
If the "Remove default settings" button is gray and cannot be pressed, try to force stop the application before entering the settings menu. Click "Stop" in the competitor application card, then try resetting the settings again.
Features of working on different versions of Android
The ecosystem Android is extremely fragmented, and phone manufacturers often change the menu logic. Owners of devices with clean Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia) have the simplest and most intuitive interface.
Users Samsung may encounter the fact that the company is promoting its browser Samsung Internet. In some regions or on certain models, it may be hard-wired into the system. However, the policy Google prohibits blocking changing the default browser at the code level, so workarounds always exist.
On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco with a shell MIUI or HyperOS settings can be hidden deeper. Sometimes the "Default Applications" section is placed in a separate security menu or requires confirmation through your Mi account. Be careful when navigating.
- 📉 On older versions Android 6-8 the item may be called simply “Applications” without the word “default”.
- 🚀 On Android 10-12 a function “Open supported links” has appeared, which duplicates the settings browser.
- 🛡️ Security controls have been strengthened, and the system may more often request confirmation when changing the main application. Android 13-14 Security controls have been strengthened and the system may prompt for confirmation more frequently when changing the primary application.
Regardless of the version, the main principle remains the same: you need to find the place where the system stores the binding of actions to applications, and change this binding manually. Patience and attentiveness when reading the names of menu items is the key to success.
Problems with opening links from specific applications
Sometimes a global change of browser does not affect the behavior of individual apps. For example, you set Chrome to the main one, but links from Telegram or Viber still open in the built-in browser of the messenger. This is not a system error, but a setting of the messenger itself.
Many social networks and instant messengers use their own built-in browser to quickly preview links. In order for links to open in external Chrome, you need to go to the settings of a specific messenger. Usually this item is located in the section Data and memory or Privacy.
Find the option Open links externally or Open in the system browser and activate it. After this, when you click on the URL, the system will use the browser that you designated as the main browser in the global phone settings.
⚠️ Attention: In some corporate versions of applications or on Android work profiles, the function of changing the external browser may be blocked by the device administrator. In this case, it is impossible to change the behavior without removing the restrictions.
It is also worth checking your accessibility settings. Some apps can intercept your Internet connection to save bandwidth or improve security. Make sure that you do not have "Data Saving" modes enabled from your telecom operator that use their proxy browsers.
Global browser settings in the system do not override the internal settings of individual applications (messengers, social networks). To completely change your surfing experience, you need to check the settings in the applications themselves.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the browser reset to the old one after rebooting the phone?
This may occur due to aggressive operation of the memory cleaning system or viruses. Also check if you have any optimizer applications that reset settings “for performance.” In rare cases, this is a firmware bug that can be fixed by updating the software.
Is it possible to install Chrome as the default if it is not installed?
No, the system cannot assign a missing application as the main one. First you need to download and install Google Chrome from the Play Market store or a reliable source, and only then proceed to the settings.
Does changing the browser affect the operation of widgets on the desktop?
Usually no. News or search widgets often use their own engines or the system's WebView. However, Quick Launch widgets will open the application you set as your primary one if they are programmed to use the default browser.
What is Android System WebView and should I change it?
Android System WebView is a component that allows you to open web pages inside other applications. It does not need to be changed manually to change browsers. It is updated automatically via the Play Market and ensures the correct display of content in applications.