How to Disable In-App Browser for Android Apps

Today, most Android apps automatically open links within the app. This is because they have built-in browsers, also known as In-App Browsers, which publishers use to keep users within the app.

In-app browsers are convenient for quickly viewing web links without leaving the app. However, most in-app browsers have a bland interface and lack the complex functions of standalone browsers.

Some reports have shown that in-app browsers can pose security risks as unethical app publishers exploit them to access sensitive user data.

There are several reasons to disable the in-app browser on popular Android apps. This post will guide you through the steps to disable the in-app browser. Let’s get started.

Disable In-App Browser in Facebook

Let’s start with Facebook, the king of social networking. Disabling Facebook’s built-in browser is straightforward.

Step 1: Tap the menu icon at the top-right corner of the navigation bar.

Step 2: Tap the V-shaped icon to expand the ‘Settings & Privacy’ menu.

Step 3: Select Settings.

Step 4: Go to the bottom of the Settings and tap ‘Media and contacts.’

Step 5: Toggle on ‘Links open externally.’

Disabling Facebook’s in-app allows you to choose your preferred browser when clicking a link. To re-enable the in-app browser, follow the same steps and toggle the ‘Links open externally’ option back on.

Disable In-App Browser in Twitter

Follow the steps below to disable Twitter’s in-app browser on your Android smartphone.

Step 1: Tap the profile picture on the Twitter app homepage or anywhere on the app.

Step 2: Select Settings and Privacy.

Step 3: Tap the ‘Display and sound’ option under General.

Step 4: Uncheck the ‘Use in-app browser option’ by tapping it.

Return to your Twitter feed and try to open a link. Twitter will no longer automatically open the link. Instead, you’d be prompted to choose a browser/app to access the web link.

Disable In-App Browser in Gmail

To disable Gmail’s built-in browser from opening email links, follow these four easy steps:

Step 1: Tap the hamburger menu icon to open the Gmail app’s menu.

Step 2: Select Settings at the bottom of the menu.

Step 3: Tap General Settings.

To customize the Gmail app, open the settings. Then, tap ‘Open web links in Gmail’ to disable the in-app browser.

Disable In-App Browser in Telegram

Telegram is an alternative to WhatsApp and Discord. One thing you might not like about Telegram is that it opens web links within the app’s browser. To turn off the Telegram’s built-in browser, follow these steps:

1. Tap the hamburger menu icon to reveal the options.

Step 2: Select Settings.

Step 3: Select Chat Settings.

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the chat settings menu and turn off the ‘In-App Browser’ option.

This will cause Telegram to open all links in your text outside the app.

Disable In-App Browser in Google App

The Google app opens links within the app by default. To open suggested links in another browser, disable the built-in browser. Here’s how:

Step 1: On the Google app dashboard, tap More.

Step 2: Select Settings.

Step 3: Select General in the app customization options menu.

Step 4: Tap the ‘Open web pages in the app’ option to disable the Google app built-in browser.

Enjoy Full-Fledged Web Browsing

The convenience of in-app browsers is addictive, but standalone browsers offer a more secure and enjoyable experience. In-app browsers lack features like private browsing and complete anonymity. Disable in-app browsers to prevent accidental clicks and to stay within your current app.

Next up: Annoyed by notifications while listening to music on your Android smartphone? This article shows you how to disable those notifications.