If you’ve ever clicked on a link while browsing through your Facebook feed on your Android device, you might have noticed that the link opens up within the Facebook app itself. This integrated browser, referred to as the Facebook In-App Browser, is designed to provide a smooth browsing experience to users. However, some users prefer opening these links in their preferred browser for various reasons.
In this comprehensive and search engine optimized (SEO-friendly) guide, we will discuss the Facebook In-App Browser, why you might want to disable it, and how to turn it off on your Android device. Additionally, we will also explore alternative browsers that you can use instead of the Facebook In-App Browser.
What is the Facebook In-App Browser?
The Facebook In-App Browser is a built-in web browser within the Facebook app that allows users to open and view external links from within the app itself. This feature is available on both Android and iOS devices and aims to provide a seamless browsing experience without the need to switch between different apps.
The in-app browser provides basic functionalities such as back and forward navigation, refresh, and sharing options. However, it lacks many advanced features present in dedicated web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
Why Should You Disable the Facebook In-App Browser?
There are several reasons why you might want to disable the Facebook In-App Browser and open links in your preferred browser instead. Some of the main reasons include:
- Privacy concerns: The Facebook In-App Browser tracks your browsing activity and collects data on the websites you visit. This information is then used to show you targeted ads. By using an external browser, you can limit the amount of data Facebook collects about your browsing habits.
- Limited functionality: The in-app browser lacks advanced features such as extensions, ad-blockers, and password managers, which are available in dedicated web browsers. Disabling the in-app browser allows you to use these features and customize your browsing experience.
- Performance issues: Some users have reported that the Facebook In-App Browser is slower and less responsive compared to other browsers. If you’re experiencing performance issues, switching to an external browser might help.
- Easier access to bookmarks and browsing history: If you frequently use bookmarks or need to access your browsing history, using an external browser makes this process more convenient as all your browsing data will be stored in one place.
How to Disable the Facebook In-App Browser on Android?
Disabling Facebook’s in-app browser on Android is a simple process, although the available options might be limited. For iOS users, the option to disable the in-app browser is not available in the most recent version of the Facebook app, and it’s not possible to download older versions. Unfortunately, iOS users are required to use Facebook’s native mobile browser. However, if you are using an Android device, follow the steps below to disable the in-app browser:
- Tap the hamburger menu located in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down until you reach the “Settings & Privacy” option.
- Tap the “Settings” button, then scroll down to the “Media and contacts” section.
- Select both the “Media” and “Contacts” options.
- Set the “Links to open in a new window” option to “On”.
After making these changes, whenever you tap on a link on Facebook that takes you to a website not hosted by Facebook, you will be prompted to choose a browser to use. If you have a default browser selected, links will open in that browser whenever you click on them.
Alternative Browsers to Use
Now that you’ve disabled the Facebook In-App Browser, you can use any web browser installed on your Android device to open links from the Facebook app. Some popular browsers that you might consider using include:
- Google Chrome: A widely-used browser with a clean interface and robust features, including syncing across devices, password management, and support for Chrome extensions.
- Mozilla Firefox: A fast and privacy-focused browser that offers features such as tracking protection, a large library of add-ons, and a customizable interface.
- Microsoft Edge: Another popular browser with a clean design, Microsoft Edge offers features such as vertical tabs, collections, and integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Brave: A privacy-centric browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, Brave also offers a built-in cryptocurrency wallet and rewards users with its native Basic Attention Token (BAT) for viewing privacy-respecting ads.
- Opera: With a sleek and modern interface, Opera offers features such as a free built-in VPN, ad-blocker, and a personalized news feed.
Remember, you can set any of these browsers as your default web browser on your Android device. To do so, follow these steps:
- Open your device’s settings: Locate the “Settings” app on your Android device and tap on it.
- Navigate to ‘Apps & notifications’: Scroll down the settings menu until you find the “Apps & notifications” section. Tap on it to access its settings.
- Access ‘Default apps’: In the “Apps & notifications” settings, you will find an option called “Default apps.” Tap on it to see the list of default apps for various functions.
- Change the default browser: In the “Default apps” list, tap on the “Browser app” option. You will see a list of installed web browsers on your device. Select the browser you want to set as your default browser.
- Now, when you tap on a link within the Facebook app, it will open in your chosen default web browser.
FAQ
Can I disable the Facebook In-App browser on iOS?
Unfortunately, the option to disable the Facebook In-App Browser is not available in the latest version of the Facebook app for iOS. iOS users are required to use the native mobile browser within the Facebook app.
Will disabling the Facebook In-App Browser affect my Facebook browsing experience?
Disabling the in-app browser will not affect your overall Facebook browsing experience. When you click on external links, you will be prompted to choose a browser to open the link.
Can I enable the Facebook In-App Browser after disabling it?
Yes, you can enable the Facebook In-App Browser by following the same steps mentioned earlier and setting the “Links to open in a new window” option to “Off.”
Are there any other alternative browsers I can use on Android?
Yes, apart from the browsers mentioned in this guide, there are several other browsers available on the Google Play Store that you can explore and use as alternatives.
Conclusion
Disabling the Facebook In-App Browser on your Android device offers several benefits, including increased privacy, better performance, and access to advanced browser features. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily turn off the in-app browser and choose an alternative browser that best suits your preferences.
With a wide range of browsers available on the market, you have plenty of options to enhance your browsing experience while using Facebook. Don’t hesitate to explore different browsers and find the one that best meets your needs. Happy browsing!
