The Facebook app opens links in its built-in browser by default. That is so because it's convenient and just works without burdening you with extra configuration steps.

However, not everyone wishes to use Facebook's mobile browser. If you want to open Facebook links in your browser of choice, you've come to the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to disable the Facebook mobile browser.

The Pros and Cons of the In-App Browser

Facebook in-app browser showing makeuseof.com

As much as you don't want to use Facebook's in-app browser, it has its upsides as well. One of the major pros of the browser is the convenience. Unlike using a third-party browser like Google Chrome or Firefox, you don't have to wait for it to load.

Once you tap on the link, you're good to go. It doesn't have to switch screens, and you'll have your content soon as you click the link. While other browsers might be faster in practice, you benefit by using the built-in browser by not switching between apps.

The downside of all this convenience is the limited sharing options Facebook mobile browser offers. You can't share an interesting article with your Twitter followers or any other platform straight off the bat. The only way to do it is by copying the link, exiting the app, opening the platform you wish to share the link, and pasting it.

Related: How to Change the Default Web Browser on Android

You also cannot use the built-in Facebook browser if you want to open multiple links in different tabs for later consumption. That's because as soon as you tap on the x button to return to your feed, there's no way for you to return to the webpage unless you find the link you want to view and open it again.

That's not as convenient as using a third-party browser which will instantly open your platform of choice in an instant with the link already on the input window.

Now that you understand the upsides and trade-offs of using Facebook's mobile browser, let's show you how to turn it off.

How to Turn Off Facebook's Mobile Browser

Opening Facebook link externally with different browser options

Disabling Facebook's browser is simple, but it has its limitation. The biggest downside is that on iOS, the latest version of the app does not have the required setting. Unfortunately, you can't download old versions of apps via Apple's App Store. So if you're on iOS, you'll have to stick to Facebook's built-in browser.

But if you're on Android, download the latest Facebook app from Google Play Store and follow these steps to disable the in-app browser:

  1. Tap the hamburger menu in the top right.
  2. Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy.
  3. Tap Settings and scroll down to the Media and contacts section.
  4. Tap Media and contacts.
  5. Toggle the Links open externally option to the On position.

With that set, Facebook will now ask you to select a browser of choice when you tap on any link to an external website. But, if you have a default browser set, links will automatically open in it.

The Facebook in-app browser has convenience, but it doesn't lack downsides. The good thing is, you can actually opt to use your third-party browser of choice to read articles that you've stumbled across on Facebook.

The only caveat is the latest version of the app on iOS has no such option, but don't let that bog you down. You can still access Facebook via your mobile browser of choice, which will force all external links to open in that browser.

Now that you know how to disable Facebook's mobile browser, we've handpicked the best browser alternatives you can use.