Clicking on an active link in a messenger or social network on an Android phone may not lead to a transition to a web page: the system ignores the action, displays an error, or prompts you to select a non-existent application. This reaction is most often caused by a failure in file associations or corruption of the browser's system cache, which requires an immediate check of your link opening settings.
This malfunction can manifest itself in different ways. In one case, the link is silent, in the other, a message appears stating that the action cannot be performed. Sometimes the problem occurs suddenly after updating the operating system or installing a new application that has taken over control of the protocols. Do not panic, since in 90% of cases this is a software failure that can be fixed independently without a visit to the service center. http And https. Don’t panic, because in 90% of cases this is a software glitch that you can fix yourself without visiting a service center.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for restoring the functionality of hyperlinks. We'll cover both basic reboot methods and more in-depth system tweaks, including resetting application preferences. You will learn how to correctly diagnose conflicting software and return your smartphone to surfing the Internet.
Primary diagnostics and quick reboot
Before delving into complex settings, it is necessary to eliminate temporary system failures. The device's RAM may be overloaded with background processes, causing the task manager to be unable to launch the browser correctly. First of all, try simply rebooting your device. This action clears temporary files and restarts all system services.
If a normal reboot does not help, check if you have access to the Internet. Try opening any website manually through the browser icon on your desktop. If the pages load, then the problem is in the mechanism for opening links from other applications, and not in the communication module. If there is no Internet, check the settings of the access point or mobile traffic.
It is also worth paying attention to which application the transition does not work in. If links do not open in only one messenger, for example, in Telegram or Viber, the problem may be localized in the cache of that particular application. In this case, clearing the data of the problematic app often solves the problem faster than global system settings.
Before starting complex manipulations, perform a “soft” reboot: hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes dark and the device vibrates. This is more effective than a regular shutdown through the menu.
Clearing the cache and data of the default browser
The main reason why links stop opening is corruption of the application data assigned by the default browser. Android stores temporary files to speed things up, but over time they can conflict with new versions of web pages or security protocols. It is necessary to forcibly clear these accumulations.
Go to the smartphone settings and find the section Applications or Application Manager. Find your main browser in the list (most often it is Google Chrome, Samsung Internet or Yandex). Click on it and select Storage. Here you need to sequentially press the buttons Clear cache and Clear data.
It is important to understand the difference between these actions. Clearing the cache removes temporary images and scripts without affecting your bookmarks and passwords. Clearing data returns the browser to its post-installation state, deleting history, saves, and settings. After completing this procedure, try clicking on the link again in any chat.
- 📱 Go to
Settings → Applications → All applications. - 🗑️ Select a browser and click
Storage → Clear data. - 🔄 Restart the device to apply the changes.
- 🌐 Check that the link opens in the messenger.
☑️ Cleaning the browser correctly
Reset opening settings to default
Sometimes the system “forgets” which application should be responsible for opening web pages, or some third-party software is imposed as a link handler. Android has a feature to reset all preferences to default. This will not delete your data or applications, but will return the original settings for selecting apps for various actions.
To perform this operation, open the settings menu and go to the Applicationssection. In the upper right corner of the screen (or in the “three dots” menu), find the item Reset application settings or Reset preferences. Confirm the action. After that, the next time you click on the link, the system will again ask you which browser you want to open the page through.
This method is especially effective if you have recently installed new launchers, antiviruses or optimizers that could intercept control of links. A factory reset will undo these changes and return control to the system. If the application selection list is empty after a reset, make sure you have at least one browser installed.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting application preferences will also reset notification and permission settings for all apps. You will have to re-allow access to the camera or microphone for those applications where you previously selected the “Always Deny” option.
Checking for malware and third-party launchers
Malware often disguises itself as useful utilities, but intercepts network traffic in the background or block transitions to external resources. If links do not open, and advertisements appear even on the desktop, there is a high probability of infection. The virus can spoof DNS addresses or block browsers from launching.
Check the list of installed applications for suspicious names without icons or with system names that you did not install (for example, System Update, Wi-Fi Service). Go to Settings → Applications and carefully study the list. If you find something strange, delete it immediately.
Also, the problem can be caused by third-party launchers that incorrectly process intents (system intentions). Try temporarily switching to the manufacturer's standard launcher. To do this, go to the settings, find the section Home screen or Default applications and select the standard interface.
| Threat type | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising virus | Pop-up advertising, transitions to fraudulent sites | Removing suspicious applications |
| Substitution DNS | Sites do not load or fake ones open | Reset network and DNS settings |
| Launcher conflict | Links do not respond to clicks | Return to stock launcher |
| Spyware | Rapid battery drain, heating | Antivirus scanner, factory reset |
Updating system components and WebView
The key component for displaying web content inside applications in Android is Android System WebView. This is a system service that allows applications to open links without launching a full browser. If this component is outdated or does not work correctly, links will no longer open within instant messengers and social networks.
Go to the application store Google Play Market, find Android System WebView and check for updates. If the Update button is active, be sure to update. In some cases, disabling and re-enabling this component in application settings also helps, but this must be done carefully.
Do not forget to update both the browser itself and the problematic application in which the links do not work. Developers regularly release security patches that improve compatibility with new versions of Android. An outdated version WhatsApp or VK may simply not understand the new security protocols used by modern sites.
What to do if the WebView does not update?
If the update button is inactive or gives an error, try uninstalling component updates through the app menu (three dots in corner of the application card in the Play Market), and then run the update again. As a last resort, you can remove the updates completely - the system itself will download the current version upon reboot.
Radical measures: Reset network and factory settings
If none of the above methods helped, the problem may lie in deep errors in the network configuration or system files. In this case, you should try resetting your network settings. This action will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth and mobile network settings, but will return the network protocols to the factory state.
Find the section System or General settingsin the settings, then select Resetting settings and press Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. Confirm the action and restart your phone. This often solves problems with routing requests within the system.
The last resort is a complete reset to factory settings (Hard Reset). This will delete all data from the phone, so be sure to back up your contacts and photos. This step is guaranteed to eliminate any software conflicts, but requires time to set up the device later.
⚠️ Attention: Before performing a hard reset, make sure you remember the password for your Google account. After the reset, the system will require you to enter it to confirm ownership of the device (FRP protection).
If the problem persists even after resetting to factory settings, there is a high probability of a hardware malfunction of the communication module or damage to the system memory partition, which requires intervention from a service center.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why do links open only through one specific browser?
Most likely, the application settings for other browsers are set to prohibit opening links by default, or they are damaged. Go to the settings of each browser separately and check the “Open supported links” item by setting the value to “Always ask” or “Open in this application”.
Can an antivirus block following links?
Yes, some aggressive antivirus settings or built-in protection (for example, Google Play Protect or Knox) can block transitions to sites that the system considers suspicious. Check the threat log in your security application.
What should you do if, when you click on a link, you get the “Application not installed” error?
This means that the system is trying to open the link through an application that has been removed from the phone, but the file association remains. You need to reset application preferences as described in the second section of the article.
Does traffic saving mode affect the opening of links?
Yes, in traffic saving mode, some browsers or system services may block the loading of heavy pages or redirects. Try disabling the economy mode in the network or specific browser settings.