Hot topics

Facebook: how to disable the in-app browser

facebook teaser new format
© nextpit

Facebook is testing out a new built-in browser to a limited subset of people using the app and not everyone is super about it.  The app has been forcing users to use their in-app browser when clicking on links that your friends and family have shared. If you’re looking for a way to disable this so that links open in your default web browser, read on and we’ll show you how.

facebook teaser new format
Get back to using your old default browser when opening links in Facebook. / © ANDROIDPIT

Right now, Facebook has only rolled this out to a limited amount of people and it hasn’t pushed to all versions of the apps. If you’re part of this subset, you’ll notice that external links will now open within the app itself instead of opening up the link in your default browser. Is this really a bad thing? Not everyone is on the same page, but if you’re a stickler to your default browser and the extra options that it brings with it, here’s how you can disable it.

  • Head to Settings from within the app.
  • Scroll down until you get to App Settings.
  • Click on the “Always open links with external browser”
original
Head into App Settings and click on the "Always open links with external browser". / © ANDROIDPIT / Android Police

Once you’ve done this, links will go back to opening in external browsers like they have in the past. As to whether this will be rolled out to everybody or if it’s just a test to see how it goes, there hasn’t been any confirmation yet. 

Source: Android Police

Comparison: The best foldable phones

  Best large foldable Best clamshell flip Best foldable alternative Best passport foldable Best flip alternative Price pick
Product
Image OnePlus Open product image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Product Image Google Pixel Fold Product Image Motorola Razr+ (2023) Product Image Motorola Razr (2023) Product Image
Rating
Rating: OnePlus Open
Rating: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Rating: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Rating: Google Pixel Fold
Rating: Motorola Razr+ (2023)
Rating: Motorola Razr (2023)
Price Comparison
Go to comment (1)
Sterling Keys

Sterling Keys
Freelance Editor

From all the way over on Vancouver Island, Sterling Keys started off his smartphone adventure with an HTC S710 equipped with Windows Mobile and knew there had to be something better. Over the next few years, and countless different operating systems, he has finally found his home on Android.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
1 Comment
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • 1
    Jeffrey Chang Nov 13, 2014 Link to comment

    Thanks for this. The in-app browser was driving me nuts!