How do I stop web links opening in an app I do not want to use?
Quick answer
Set the browser you want as your device’s default. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App and choose an available browser. On Pixel devices, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and select one. [S1][S3] If only links from one app still behave unexpectedly, check that app’s own settings; the system browser choice may not control every app’s link behavior. Menu names and options can vary.
The question, the details, the next step.
Links keep opening in a browser or app I don’t want. What should I check first?
Start with your device’s default browser setting. This controls which browser handles web-page links covered by that setting; it may not control every link that an individual app chooses to open in its own view or handle another way.
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Browser App, then choose an available browser. Apple notes that available categories and choices can depend on region, and the browser app needs to support the feature. [S1]
On a Pixel phone or tablet, open Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and choose your preferred browser. The route may be labeled “Choose default apps” on some devices. [S3]
If your device is not a Pixel, search Settings for “default apps” or “browser.” The cited Android steps are Pixel-specific, so menus and controls may differ on other devices. [S2][S3]
I changed the browser, but links from one particular app still open somewhere unexpected. Does that mean the setting didn’t work?
Not necessarily. First test a web link from a different app, such as a message or note. If that opens in your chosen browser, the default browser may be working while the first app handles its links differently.
Next, open the app that behaves differently and look in its settings for wording such as “links,” “open links,” or “browser.” If you find a relevant control, note its current value before changing it, then test one ordinary link. These are places to check, not a guarantee that the app offers such a setting.
The supplied Pixel guidance covers setting the default browser and clearing default preferences, but does not establish how to change link handling for every individual app. [S2][S3] If you cannot find a relevant choice, consult help for that exact device or app rather than assuming another device’s instructions apply.
I’m on a Pixel. Can I make the phone ask me again instead of keeping the current choice?
Pixel guidance says you can clear an app’s default preferences; the next time that action occurs, the device asks again. [S2] Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps to find the default-app controls. Available options and wording can depend on your Android version; Google notes that some steps apply only to Android 14 and later. [S2]
Before clearing anything, read the confirmation screen and check that it applies to the app or default you intend to change. Then try the link again and select your preferred option if prompted. Clearing default preferences resets a saved choice; changing the default browser directly selects which browser handles browser links. [S2][S3]
What’s a simple way to troubleshoot this without changing a bunch of settings?
Change one thing at a time and test the same link again. For example, if a link from a chat app opens the wrong browser, first check the device’s browser default. Test a link from the chat app and one from another app. If only the chat link behaves differently, inspect that app’s settings next rather than repeatedly changing system defaults.
Keep a short note like this:
Device: [model and software version]
Preferred browser: [browser name]
Link source: [app where I tapped the link]
What happened: [app that opened]
Setting changed: [setting, or none]
Next test: [one link from another app]
This record can help you distinguish a system-wide browser choice from behavior limited to one app. The cited guidance covers Apple’s browser default and Pixel browser/default preferences; it does not establish the exact controls or behavior of every app, region, or Android device. [S1][S2][S3]
A practical checklist
Identify the device and, if known, its software version.
Set the preferred browser in the device’s default-app settings.
Test one link from the app that caused the problem and one from another app.
If only one app behaves differently, check that app’s link or browser settings.
On a Pixel, consider clearing the relevant default preference only after reading the confirmation and checking what it applies to.
A few more useful answers
Will changing the default browser make every link open in that browser?
Not necessarily. The setting chooses the browser for links covered by the system default, while individual apps may handle links differently. Apple’s guidance addresses the system browser choice, not every app’s own link-opening setting. [S1]
Are the Pixel instructions the same on every Android phone?
What if my preferred browser is not listed?
Available choices depend on the device and whether an app supports the default-browser feature. Check the browser’s setup options and help for your exact device; the cited guidance does not establish why a particular browser is missing. [S1]
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Change your default apps for features on iPhone and iPad support.apple.com · Checked
- [S2] Set or clear default apps on your Pixel phone or Pixel Tablet support.google.com · Checked
- [S3] Learn how to change your default browser support.google.com · Checked