How to Set Google As Default Browser on Android

Google Chrome, the most popular web browser among internet users, is not only trendy but also loaded with amazing features. Despite its popularity, some Android device owners still experience difficulty setting Google Chrome as their default browser. All internet links open up in a different browser, making the device user experience frustrating.

In today’s guide, we will be showing you three methods to set up Google as the default browser on Android. You can use these methods on any Android device to save you from the hassle of having to switch between browsers. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of setting Google as the default browser on Android.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Set Google as Default Browser on Android

The choice of browsers varies widely among Android device owners. Some prefer Google Chrome because it offers fast and highly responsive web browsing. Others choose Firefox or UC Browser because of the customization options that come with it. However, using different browsers can cause annoyance because you have to switch between multiple browsers.

Setting up Google Chrome as the default browser on Android helps avoid navigating through different browsers whenever you want to browse the internet. Additionally, with Google Chrome as your default browser, you can enjoy its vast features, such as personalized search results, syncing data across different devices, and customizing your browsing experience to suit your preferences.

Method 1: Via Android Settings

If you are looking for a simple and straightforward method to set up Google as your default browser, the Android settings method is for you. Follow the steps below to get started:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and select the Apps section.
3. In the Apps menu, select the app you wish to set as your default app (in this case, Google Chrome).
4. Select the Set as default option.
5. From there, select the option to Open Supported Links.
6. Choose Open in this app to make Google Chrome your default app.

Pros:
– No additional software is needed to complete the process.
– It is a quick and straightforward method.

Cons:
– The method could be confusing, especially for people who are not familiar with their device’s settings.

Method 2: Via Google Chrome Settings

If you are a frequent Google Chrome user, this method is perfect for you. It involves setting up Google Chrome as your default browser directly from its settings as follows:

1. Open the Google Chrome app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the three-vertical-dot icon located in the top right corner of the screen.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Settings.
4. Scroll down and choose the Default apps option.
5. From there, select the option to Open by default.
6. Tap on the Supported Links option.
7. Choose Open in this app to make Google Chrome your default browser.

Pros:
– It is a simple and familiar process for Google Chrome lovers.
– It takes a short time to complete.

Cons:
– It only works for Google Chrome users.

Method 3: Via Chrome Custom Tabs

Chrome Custom Tabs provide users with a more personalized browsing experience within an Android app. By setting up Google Chrome as your default browser, links from other apps like Facebook, Twitter, or Google News will automatically open in Chrome Custom Tabs.

Here’s how to set up Google Chrome as your default browser via Chrome Custom Tabs:

1. Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
2. Tap on the three-vertical-dot icon located in the top right corner of the screen.
3. From the drop-down menu, select Settings.
4. Scroll down and click on the Privacy option.
5. From there, tap on the Clear Browsing Data option.
Note: This step is optional but is recommendable to ensure a clean cache and reduce the probability of errors in the next step.
6. After clearing the cache, return to the Settings Page and choose the Default apps option.
7. Click on the Open by default option.
8. Tap the button labeled "Clear Defaults."
9. Return to the Google Chrome app and open any URL from an external app.
10. Choose Chrome Custom Tabs to make it the default browser.

Pros:
– The method provides users with a personalized browsing experience within apps.
– It’s the best option for users who frequently open URLs from external apps.

Cons:
– It only works for Google Chrome users.
– It might take a relatively longer time to complete compared to other methods.

What to Do If You Can’t Set Google as Default Browser

If, for some reason, you cannot set Google as your default browser on your Android device, try the following fixes:

– Ensure you have the latest version of Google Chrome installed on your device.
– Clear cache and cookies from Google Chrome.
– Check your device’s restrictions for default apps.

If none of these fixes works, consider reaching out to the device manufacturer or Google support for further assistance.

Bonus Tip

For users who want to get more out of their Google Chrome experience, try enabling Google Chrome Flags. Chrome Flags are experimental features that allow users to customize their browsing experience further. To do so, enter the following as a URL in the Chrome browser: chrome://flags/

5 FAQs

Q1: Why is it essential to set up Google Chrome as my default browser?

A: Setting up Google Chrome as your default browser enhances your browsing experience and saves time that you would otherwise spend switching between different browsers.

Q2: What are Custom Chrome Tabs?

A: Custom Chrome Tabs are launched in response to an external request and run within a user’s Android app assembly, providing a personalized browsing experience.

Q3: Why can’t I set up Google Chrome as my default browser?

A: You may experience trouble setting up Google Chrome as your default browser if you have a policy policy_set_external_ app. However, this considerably varies depending on the device manufacturer.

Q4: How can I open links without a specified browser?

A: You can open links without a specified browser by copying the link, opening Google Chrome manually, and pasting the link into the URL bar.

Q5: Can I use another browser and set it as my default browser?

A: Yes, Android users can set any browser as their default browser the same way they would set Google Chrome as their default browser.

Final Thoughts

Setting up Google Chrome as your default browser on Android takes just a few steps, depending on the method you choose. However, having a default browser saves you a lot of time, and you get to enjoy your preferred features! Remember to follow the pros and cons for each method to make the best choice for your preferences. We hope you found our guide useful and informative!