Open Facebook Links in Default Browser on Android

Facebook Link Handling on Android: Reverting to Your Default Browser

Many Facebook users on Android devices have recently experienced a shift in how links are handled. Previously, clicking a link would launch it within your chosen default browser. Now, links are opened directly within the Facebook app itself.

This alteration has proven frustrating for numerous users. Fortunately, it's possible to restore the previous functionality and have links open in your preferred browser once more.

Facebook's Rationale and Performance Concerns

Facebook has stated that this change was implemented to improve link loading speeds. They suggest that keeping the link within the Facebook environment results in a faster experience.

However, this claim doesn't consistently hold true. While a perceived speed increase might be noticeable on less powerful devices by avoiding app switching, complex webpages often load more slowly within Facebook.

Webpages, especially those rich in images and advertisements, frequently exhibit significantly longer loading times inside the Facebook app compared to a dedicated browser like Chrome.

Empirical Evidence of Slower Loading Times

Independent testing, using a simple stopwatch, was conducted to compare loading times between Facebook and Chrome. The results indicated a consistent difference in performance.

Websites were observed to take between three and eight seconds longer to fully render within the Facebook app than when accessed through Chrome. This suggests that the change isn't merely a matter of subjective perception.

The slower loading times within Facebook can detract from the user experience, particularly when accessing content-heavy websites. Reverting to your default browser can therefore provide a more efficient browsing experience.

Reverting to Your Preferred Browser on Facebook

While Facebook does provide a notification regarding link handling, it’s easily overlooked. The alert’s transient nature – disappearing immediately upon scrolling – means acknowledgement isn't actively required.