How to Ditch Samsung Internet: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to evict Samsung Internet from your phone? Let’s get straight to the point: You can’t completely uninstall Samsung Internet from most Samsung devices that come with it pre-installed. It’s typically considered a system app. However, don’t despair! There are effective methods to disable it, remove updates, and make it as invisible as possible. Think of it like giving it a very long vacation. We’ll walk you through the process, providing tips and tricks to reclaim your phone’s digital real estate.

Options for “Removing” Samsung Internet

While a full uninstall might not be on the cards, let’s explore the options to minimize its presence and impact on your phone.

Disabling Samsung Internet

This is the most straightforward and generally recommended approach. Disabling prevents the app from running in the background, using resources, and popping up unexpectedly.

Steps to Disable:

1. Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your Samsung device. This is usually the gear-shaped icon.
2. Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and tap on “Apps” (or “Applications,” depending on your Android version).
3. Find Samsung Internet: Look for “Samsung Internet” in the list of installed apps. You might need to tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Show system apps” to see it.
4. Disable the App: Tap on “Samsung Internet” and then select “Disable.” A warning message will appear. Confirm that you want to disable the app.

What Happens When You Disable?:

• The app icon will disappear from your home screen and app drawer.
• The app will no longer run in the background.
• You won’t receive notifications from Samsung Internet.
• You can easily re-enable the app later if needed.

Removing Updates

Even if you can’t uninstall the app, you can revert it to its factory version by removing updates. This can free up some storage space and potentially resolve issues you might be experiencing with the browser.

Steps to Remove Updates:

1. Follow steps 1-3 above (Access Settings, Navigate to Apps, Find Samsung Internet).
2. Tap the three dots: In the upper right corner of the app’s information page, tap the three vertical dots.
3. Uninstall Updates: Select “Uninstall updates.” Confirm your choice.

Important Considerations:

• This will revert Samsung Internet to the version that was pre-installed on your phone.
• You might still not be able to uninstall the app completely.
• The app might automatically update again in the future unless you disable automatic updates in the Google Play Store settings.

Using Package Disablers (Use with Caution!)

There are third-party apps available called “package disablers” that claim to disable even system apps. While these apps can be effective, they come with potential risks:

• Battery Drain: Some disablers can cause increased battery drain if not configured properly.
• System Instability: Disabling core system components can lead to unexpected errors and app crashes.
• Security Concerns: Some package disablers may request excessive permissions and potentially compromise your privacy.

If you choose to use a package disabler, proceed with extreme caution. Research the app thoroughly, read reviews, and understand the potential consequences.

Setting a Different Default Browser

Even if Samsung Internet is still on your phone, you can ensure it’s not used as your primary browser by setting a different default. This means that when you click on a link, it will open in your preferred browser instead of Samsung Internet.

Steps to Set a Default Browser:

1. Access Settings: Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
2. Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and tap on “Apps” (or “Applications“).
3. Choose Default Apps: Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Default apps.”
4. Select Browser App: Tap on “Browser app” and choose your preferred browser from the list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions users have about removing or managing Samsung Internet on their phones.

1. Why can’t I completely uninstall Samsung Internet?

Because it’s typically considered a system app, deeply integrated into the operating system. Manufacturers often pre-install these apps, making them difficult or impossible to remove without root access (which comes with its own set of risks).

2. Does disabling Samsung Internet free up storage space?

Yes, disabling it stops it from running and updating, preserving some storage and RAM resources. Removing updates will reclaim the storage occupied by those updates, returning the app to its initial, smaller size.

3. Will disabling Samsung Internet affect other apps on my phone?

In most cases, no. Disabling Samsung Internet primarily affects its own functionality. However, if other apps rely on its core components (which is unlikely), you might experience minor issues. Always proceed with caution and monitor your phone’s performance.

4. How do I re-enable Samsung Internet if I change my mind?

Go back to Settings > Apps > Samsung Internet, and you’ll see an “Enable” button. Tap it, and the app will be back in action.

5. Is rooting my phone the only way to truly uninstall Samsung Internet?

Yes, rooting grants you administrative privileges, allowing you to uninstall system apps. However, rooting voids your warranty, increases security risks, and can potentially brick your device if not done correctly. It’s generally not recommended for the average user.

6. What are the security risks of using package disablers?

As mentioned earlier, some package disablers can request unnecessary permissions, potentially accessing your personal data. It’s crucial to choose reputable disablers with good reviews and a transparent privacy policy. Always research before installing.

7. Will disabling Samsung Internet stop it from using my data?

Yes, disabling the app prevents it from accessing the internet in the background, conserving your mobile data.

8. How do I prevent Samsung Internet from automatically updating?

Open the Google Play Store, tap on your profile icon, go to Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps, and choose “Don’t auto-update apps” or “Over Wi-Fi only.” You can also manage auto-updates for individual apps by going to the app’s page in the Play Store (Samsung Internet, in this case) and tapping the three dots in the upper right corner to uncheck “Enable auto update“.

9. I’m seeing ads from Samsung Internet even after disabling it. Why?

This is unlikely if you have successfully disabled the app. However, ensure you haven’t accidentally installed a browser extension or enabled push notifications within the app before disabling it. If the ads persist, investigate other apps on your phone as the source of the problem.

10. Does disabling Samsung Internet affect Samsung Cloud?

No, disabling Samsung Internet will not affect your Samsung Cloud account or the syncing of data for other Samsung apps.

11. I have multiple browsers installed. How do I choose which one opens links from other apps?

As explained earlier, go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Browser app and select your preferred browser.

12. I’m concerned about Samsung Internet tracking my browsing activity. What can I do?

Even if you keep Samsung Internet, consider using a VPN for increased privacy. Also, regularly clear your browsing history, cookies, and cache within the app’s settings. Remember that no browser is completely private, so consider using privacy-focused browsers for sensitive tasks.

By following these steps, you can effectively minimize the presence and impact of Samsung Internet on your phone, ensuring a cleaner and more personalized user experience. Remember to prioritize caution when using third-party apps and always back up your data before making significant changes to your device.