How to Remove Samsung Internet Browser

Samsung Internet is the default browser on most Galaxy phones, but you can uninstall it, hide it, or switch your default browser to Chrome, Firefox, or another app. This guide covers all three options, including what to do if Samsung Internet came pre-installed and won’t uninstall normally.

What You’ll Need

• A Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet (Android 9 or newer recommended)
• Another browser installed if you plan to switch defaults (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• About 5 minutes of time

Step-by-Step

Option 1: Uninstall Samsung Internet (if possible)

1. Open the Apps screen by swiping up from the bottom of your home screen.
2. Find the Samsung Internet icon (blue globe with a white “S”).
3. Press and hold the icon until a menu appears.
4. Tap Uninstall (or drag it to the “Uninstall” option at the top of the screen).
5. Confirm by tapping OK or Uninstall in the pop-up.

If you see Disable instead of Uninstall, Samsung Internet is a system app on your device. Skip to Option 2.

Option 2: Disable Samsung Internet (when it can’t be uninstalled)

1. Open Settings (gear icon).
2. Tap Apps (or Applications).
3. Scroll down and tap Samsung Internet.
4. Tap Disable (this may be under a “More” menu if not visible).
5. Confirm by tapping Disable app.

Disabling stops the app from running, removes it from your app drawer, and prevents it from opening links. You can re-enable it later from the same menu.

Option 3: Hide Samsung Internet (without disabling)

1. Press and hold an empty area on your home screen.
2. Tap Settings (or the gear icon) in the menu that appears.
3. Tap Hide apps (this may be under “Home screen settings” on some models).
4. Select Samsung Internet from the list.
5. Tap Done (or the checkmark). The app icon will disappear from your home screen and app drawer.

Hiding does not stop the app from working — it just removes the icon. Links may still open in Samsung Internet unless you change the default browser (next step).

Option 4: Change your default browser (so links open elsewhere)

1. Install your preferred browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Brave) from the Google Play Store if you haven’t already.
2. Open Settings.
3. Tap Apps.
4. Tap Choose default apps (or Default apps).
5. Tap Browser app (or Browser).
6. Select your preferred browser from the list.

Alternatively, when you tap a link and Samsung Internet opens, a pop-up may ask “Open with” — choose your preferred browser and tap Always.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming “Disable” deletes the app: Disabling only stops it from running; it doesn’t free up much storage and can be undone.
• Hiding the icon but not changing the default: Links will still open in Samsung Internet if it’s still the default browser.
• Forgetting to confirm: Android often shows a confirmation dialog after tapping Disable or Uninstall — if you don’t tap OK, nothing happens.
• Looking for “Uninstall” on a carrier-locked phone: Some carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) block uninstalling system apps, so you’ll only see Disable.

Tips

• If you want to keep Samsung Internet but stop it from opening links, just change the default browser (Option 4) and leave the app installed.
• Clearing Samsung Internet’s data (Settings > Apps > Samsung Internet > Storage > Clear data) can fix issues if it keeps opening unexpectedly.
• Use Disable instead of hiding if you want to save battery and prevent background activity.
• After disabling, check that your preferred browser is set as default — otherwise links may show an error.

Troubleshooting

“Disable” is greyed out: This means Samsung Internet is a core system app. Try updating your phone’s software first, then check again. If it’s still greyed out, use the Hide method instead.

Links still open in Samsung Internet after changing default: Go back to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app and confirm your choice. Some apps (like Gmail) have their own “Open links in” setting — check that too.

Samsung Internet reappears after a software update: Samsung may re-enable disabled apps during major OS updates. Simply repeat the disable steps.

Can’t find “Hide apps” in home screen settings: This feature is only available on Samsung’s One UI home screen. If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova), use that launcher’s app-hiding feature instead.

Error “App isn’t installed” when opening a link: You disabled Samsung Internet but didn’t set another default. Install a browser and set it as default (Option 4).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely remove Samsung Internet from my phone?
On most Galaxy phones, no — it’s a system app. You can disable it, which effectively removes it from your app drawer and stops it running, but it stays in storage.

Will disabling Samsung Internet break other apps?
Generally no. Some Samsung apps (like Samsung Pay or Bixby) may link to it, but they’ll simply open your default browser instead. If something stops working, re-enable it.

Does hiding Samsung Internet save battery?
No. Hiding only removes the icon. Disabling is what stops background activity and saves battery.

How do I re-enable Samsung Internet after disabling it?
Go to Settings > Apps > tap the three-dot menu (top right) > Show system apps > find Samsung Internet > tap Enable.

Is Samsung Internet safe to use if I keep it?
Yes, it’s a secure browser with built-in ad blocking and privacy features. Many people prefer it over Chrome. The choice is personal.

Will my bookmarks and passwords be deleted if I disable it?
No. Disabling preserves your data. Uninstalling (if available) may delete them, so back up via Samsung Cloud or export bookmarks first.

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