How to force links to open in Chrome on Android (4 ways)

Many people dislike the fact that Android 12 makes you choose the default browser, be that Chrome, a built-in browser, or any other browser of your choice. However, some users like Chrome and prefer all links to open in a single app for various reasons. If you want to force links to open in Chrome on Android, check the instructions below.

Table of contents:

1. Make Chrome your default browser
2. Tweak in-app settings
3. Clear default link settings for apps
4. Use third-party tools

How to force Android apps to open in Chrome?

You can force Android to open Apps in Chrome by changing the default browser, clearing associated links, or tweaking settings in third-party apps to force them to open links externally.

That should make it work. If not, consider using some third-party tools to fix this or simply uninstall apps that force open links.

1. Make Chrome your default browser

The first thing to do is to make Chrome your default browser. That way, the majority of links opened from third-party apps will open in Chrome. Of course, this is just a start since there are a few more things to meddle with in order to make this fully work.

Here’s how to make Chrome your default browser on Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Tap Default apps. On some devices, you’ll need to expand all apps, tap on the 3-dots menu, and select Default apps there.
4. Set Chrome as the default browser app.

2. Tweak in-app settings

Many apps come with a built-in browser and tend to even force links to open there. Most social media apps will use it by default and users often don’t want that. Some will even limit the functionality if you prefer external links opening in other apps. Have in mind that this isn’t possible in certain apps that force you to use their own browsers. Yes, some of them don’t even give you a choice.

Luckily, once the link opens, you can tap on the 3-dots menu and choose Open in Chrome.

So, make sure to check the in-app settings and look for an option that will allow you to open links externally, with an app of your choice.

3. Clear default link settings for apps

For some apps, you can try clearing their associated links to force the system to prompt a dialog box asking where you want to open certain links. As an example, if you clear the default link opening settings (link association) for Twitter and open a Twitter link while browsing any other app, you’ll be given a choice to open the link in the Twitter app or in any of the available browsers.

This doesn’t work at all times and the Android system will still force certain links to open in apps, mainly built-in apps like Gmail or Google Maps.

Here’s how to clear default link settings for apps on your Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Open Default apps again. Once again, you might need to expand all apps, tap on the 3-dots menu, and open Default apps from there on some Android skins.
4. Tap Opening links.
5. Locate and open the app that you don’t want to auto-open related links.
6. Tap Clear defaults.
7. In the same menu, you can disable Instant apps. This feature will open links in apps even if they are not installed.

The next time you open the link that is usually associated with that app, you’ll get a prompt to choose. Select Chrome and tap Always and you’re good.

After that, if the app continues opening links without a dialog box asking you to choose, we can only recommend using some third-party tools to mitigate this. Or you can always uninstall or disable the app and force a link to open in Chrome. That’s the definitive way to force a link to open in Chrome on Android.

4. Use third-party tools

There are some third-party apps that can pose a good workaround. If you definitely can’t open links in Chrome no matter how much you try, you can share the link to an app like “Open Link With…” and you’ll be met with a choice. You can download it from Play Store. We’re not affiliated with the developer, it’s just a recommendation.

That should do it. Thank you for reading and make sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. We always welcome your feedback.

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in February 2022. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.