Tired of Google automatically opening apps on your phone when you click on a link? You’re not alone. Many users find this feature intrusive and want to keep browsing the web without being redirected to an app. Luckily, there’s a way to stop Google from doing this, and it’s easier than you might think. By tweaking a few settings, you can take back control of your browsing experience.
Step by Step Tutorial: Stopping Google from Opening Apps
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get a clear picture of what we’re trying to achieve. These steps will guide you through disabling the default setting that opens links in apps instead of your web browser. This means that links will open in your browser, giving you a more consistent and controlled browsing experience.
Step 1: Open your device’s settings
The first step is to open the settings on your device. This is usually an app with a gear icon, or you can pull down the notification shade and tap the gear icon there.
Once you’re in the settings, you’re going to look for the ‘Apps’ section. This is where you can manage all the apps installed on your device, including setting default preferences.
Step 2: Find the ‘Default Apps’ setting
Inside the ‘Apps’ section, you’ll need to locate the ‘Default Apps’ setting. This is where you can control which apps open by default when you perform certain actions on your device.
The ‘Default Apps’ setting varies depending on your device and operating system version, so you might need to do a bit of poking around or use the search function within settings to find it.
Step 3: Change the setting for opening links
Within ‘Default Apps’, look for a setting that handles opening links. It might be called ‘Opening links’, ‘App links’, ‘Default link handling’, or something similar.
Once you find this setting, you’ll see a list of apps and their link preferences. You can then go through and adjust these settings, so links open in your web browser instead of an app.
After completing the action, you’ll notice that when you click on a link, it will open in your web browser by default, rather than automatically launching an app. This gives you more control over your browsing experience and can save you from unwanted app switches.
Tips: Optimizing Your Link Browsing Experience
- If you can’t find the ‘Default Apps’ setting, try looking under ‘Advanced’ in the ‘Apps’ section.
- Keep in mind that some links might still open in apps if they’re designed exclusively for that app.
- You can always change these settings back if you decide you prefer links opening in apps.
- Remember to update your web browser to the latest version for the best browsing experience.
- If you have multiple browsers installed, make sure to set your preferred one as the default.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I change my mind and want links to open in apps again?
No problem! Just follow the steps again and change the setting back to allow links to open in apps.
Will this setting affect all the links I click on?
For the most part, yes. However, some specialized links might still open in the corresponding app, especially if the website or link is designed that way.
What happens if I click on a link that requires an app to work?
If a link requires a specific app to function, it will usually prompt you to open the app. If you don’t have the app, it might direct you to the app store to download it.
Can I set specific links to open in apps while others open in the browser?
Yes, depending on your device, you might have the option to set preferences for specific apps or types of links.
Will this affect how links open on my computer or only on my mobile device?
This setting will only affect how links open on your mobile device. Your computer has separate settings for handling links.
Summary
- Open your device’s settings.
- Find the ‘Default Apps’ setting.
- Change the setting for opening links.
Conclusion
Taking control of how Google opens links on your device can greatly enhance your browsing experience. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that links open in your web browser, avoiding the frustration of being bounced between apps. It’s a quick and easy way to customize your device to work in a way that suits you best. Plus, with the additional tips and FAQs provided, you should now feel confident in managing your link preferences. Remember, technology is here to serve us, not the other way around. So go ahead, make the change and enjoy browsing the web on your own terms!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.