Would you like to open Facebook links in a different browser instead of the app? Here’s how. Facebook normally opens links in its browser. But if you prefer to use your own browser, here’s how to turn off Facebook’s in-app browser.
Can You Turn Off Facebook’s In-App Browser?
In the past, Facebook allowed users more control over opening links, letting them open most links in an external browser. However, when tested in 2024, we found this isn’t the case anymore on Android and iOS apps.
Now, the option to open links in an external browser only applies to links in Facebook messages. Links from Facebook pages or posts will still open in Facebook’s in-app browser. You’ll have to manually open them in an external browser.
So, while you can disable Facebook’s in-app browser for message links, other links will still open in the app’s browser.
How to Disable Facebook’s Mobile Browser
It’s easy to turn off Facebook’s in-app browser, but the privacy setting to open links externally only works for links in messages.
When you click a link on Facebook, like on a Facebook page, it automatically uses the app’s built-in browser.
To open these links in your preferred browser, tap the three dots at the top and choose “Open in external browser”. This will open the link in your default mobile browser.
Depending on your browser and privacy settings, using an external browser might mean less tracking as you browse the website on your phone.
If you want Facebook to open message links in an external browser:
- Tap the hamburger menu (with your profile icon) on the home page (or bottom right on iOS).
- Select “Settings & privacy,” then “Settings.”
- Scroll to “Media” under “Preferences.”
- Check “Open links in external browser.” On iOS, toggle the feature.
- The first time you open a link in a message after changing this setting, Facebook will warn you that you’re leaving messaging. Tap “Continue” to open the link.
Using in-app browser has its perks, but if you’re concerned about privacy, switching to an external browser might be better. To amp up privacy, turn off Facebook’s link history feature.
For less data tracking outside the app, try the off-Facebook activity tool.
Sadly, the option to totally turn off Facebook’s in-app browser isn’t available anymore. However, you can tweak your privacy settings to disable the built-in browser for message links.