Samsung browser keeps defaulting to be the default browser

[ZunDarkmon]

Samsung internet browser keeps switching back to be my default browser. I want to use Firefox. But Samsung browser constantly switches back to Samsung. No matter how many times a day I make the selection to make Firefox my default browser, Samsung just switches back.

I have gone through all the settings in the Apps section to try and turn off Samsung browser.  I went into default apps section, and Firefox isn't even listed. So I have to use the Firefox settings in the browser to make it the default. Then it shows up, briefly.

I've gone into the Samsung app settings tab and done the same thing. I go into Samsung Internet, I turn off sync with Samsung cloud, I turn off any permissions I can find. I even clicked on the Discontinue use of Samsung Internet, many times, and the app still defaults back to Samsung Internet!

I do not know what to do next other than get another phone, and not from Samsung. I don't know if there is a bug in the code or what, but you would think that you should be able to choose your own browser and be done with it.

It's like its on some sort of timer. It keeps checking in the background, and makes the switch back.

[ZunDarkmon]

Yes. Like I said changing any of the settings doesn't prevent Samsung browser from changing the setting back to it being the default browser.

[starflight74656]

If you want to use another web browser such as Firefox, Duck Duck Go, or Google Chrome as your default browser here's what you need to do:
1. Go to SETTINGS
2. Scroll down APPS.
3. On top there, tap on CHOOSE DEFAULT APPS.
4. There, below DEFAULT APPS, tap on BROWSER APP.
5. Select the browser you want to set as your default browser such as Firefox.
6. Tap the back < on top left to save.
Whenever an app opens a browser it should open the browser you chose as your default browser.

Note: If you're using the primary Google app (Google Search) it will use Google Chrome as its secondary browser.

[ZunDarkmon]

I have done all of this. You would think that by taking all the 'normal' steps, it wouldn't be an issue. I have done all the following repeatedly.

• go to settings
• go to the apps settings
• choose default apps
• selected default browser app. if its there, I'll select Firefox. Sometimes it is NOT in the list to pick from. So I have to select default browser in the Firefox settings within the app. where I'm given the choices screen.
• I'll go back to the apps tab.
• select Samsung app settings.
• scroll to Samsung Internet
• Go through all the possible settings to try and deactivate Samsung browser.
• turn off sync with Samsung Cloud, off.
• I go to address bar search, it always has google selected. I always choose Duck DuckGo.
• I select Duck DuckGo, again. I even delete the other search engines. But they keep coming back.
• I go to Show suggested searches and websites button, I constantly turn it off.
• I go to Privacy Dashboard, uncheck all choices
• I go to Autofill Forms, I uncheck Profiles and Credit and debit cards.
• I go to useful features setting.
• Uncheck everything.

I think that I have covered just about all that I can change. Since you can't uninstall that app, even going into deep sleep to deactivate it, it still changes my default browser settings to Samsung Internet Browser!

It's running some bogus code to always check to make sure its selected!

[starflight74656]

Obviously it sounds like your phone isn't saving the change you made and keeps reverting back to the previous browser.
Did you remember to tap the < at the top left when you exited the DEFAULT BROWSER screen, or did you simply tap the HOME button?
Just like when you select a ringtone or notification sound, you must tap that < button to actually save it, or it automatically assigns the default ringtone.

[ZunDarkmon]

Yes, I use the back arrow when ever possible.

• I've done a clean boot, open Firefox, go to settings, select default browser, select Firefox
• I'll go to the phone settings, apps, default apps, select browser, select Firefox (if it's there)
• I'll make sure all running apps are closed.
• set the phone down for an hour...
• I'll turn on the phone
• Go to Firefox, settings, and make sure it is the default browser, again! Because it was off.
• Do it all again.
• This repeats all day. In one form or another.

[MrGhoul]

If you can't uninstall Samsung internet, you should be able to disable it.
Luckily for me, on the S9 tablet, i was able to fully uninstall Samsung internet.

[Saguaronaut]

Not sure this'll help, but click apps from settings, hit the 3 dots in the top right corner, click 'special access', scroll down to change system settings.
This is what worked for me. (pic)
Also, in almost every special access category, you can select 'show system apps' and find every app in your phone with special permissions. I find hidden apps i never use will keep changing my system settings. Hope this helps 🤝

[ZunDarkmon]

Did that, done that. No changes. It still reverts back to Samsung Browser!

[Saguaronaut]

Dang. That's nuts. There's gotta be a way...
what does this do? (pic) discontinue use? Do u have this option too? At this point im thinking It'll probably just lock you out of samsung internet and permanently make itself your default browser! 🤦 sorry i couldn't help 🙏