Samsung Internet is the built-in web browser on most Samsung devices, and you can remove it if you prefer a different browser
Samsung Internet comes pre-installed on Samsung phones and tablets as the default browser. Unlike some other pre-loaded apps, Samsung Internet can be uninstalled or disabled through your device settings. The method depends on whether you want to remove it completely or just turn it off so it stops running in the background.
If you have never used Samsung Internet and want to free up space or simplify your home screen, removing it takes about two minutes. If you use it occasionally but want to switch to Chrome, Firefox, or another browser as your default, you can disable it instead of removing it entirely.
Key Takeaways
- You can uninstall Samsung Internet through Settings > Apps, or disable it if you want to keep it but stop it from running.
- Disabling Samsung Internet prevents it from opening automatically and removes it from your app drawer, but keeps it on your device.
- Uninstalling removes the app entirely, though some Samsung devices may not allow full removal of pre-installed apps.
- After removing Samsung Internet, set a different browser as your default so links open in your chosen app instead.
- If you change your mind later, you can re-enable or reinstall Samsung Internet from the same settings menu or the Galaxy Store.
How to disable Samsung Internet (keeps it on your device)
Disabling Samsung Internet is the gentler option. It stops the app from running, removes it from your app drawer, and prevents it from opening when you tap links—but you can turn it back on anytime without reinstalling.
Open Settings and go to Apps (sometimes labeled Applications). Scroll down and tap Samsung Internet. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and select Disable. Confirm the prompt. The app will disappear from your home screen and app drawer, but the files remain on your device.
This method works on all Samsung devices. If you do not see a Disable button, your device may only allow you to uninstall instead, which is covered in the next section.
How to uninstall Samsung Internet (removes it completely)
Uninstalling removes Samsung Internet entirely from your device. Not all Samsung models allow this—some devices treat it as a system app that cannot be removed. If uninstall is available, the process is straightforward.
Go to Settings > Apps and find Samsung Internet. Tap it, then tap the three-dot menu and select Uninstall. A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you want to remove the app. Tap Uninstall again. The app will be removed from your device.
If you do not see an Uninstall option, your device does not allow removal of Samsung Internet. In that case, disabling it (see the section above) is your best option.
Set a different browser as your default
After removing or disabling Samsung Internet, you need to tell your device which browser to use when you tap a link in an email, text message, or social media app. Without a default browser set, your device may ask you to choose one each time.
Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps (or Default applications). Look for Browser app and tap it. Select the browser you want to use—Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another option you have installed. Your choice is now the default.
If you do not see a Default apps option, go to Settings > Advanced features > Default apps instead. The exact path varies by Samsung model and Android version.
What to do if you cannot uninstall Samsung Internet
Some Samsung devices, especially older models or those sold through certain carriers, lock Samsung Internet as a system app that cannot be removed. If you see only a Disable button or no removal option at all, your device falls into this category.
Disabling the app is the practical solution—it removes Samsung Internet from your app drawer and stops it from running, which achieves the same result as uninstalling for most users. You can also hide it from your home screen by long-pressing the app icon and selecting Hide or Remove from home screen.
If you want to remove it completely and your device does not allow it, you would need to use a computer and specialized tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires technical knowledge and carries the risk of damaging your device. For most people, disabling is the safer and simpler choice.
How to reinstall Samsung Internet if you change your mind
If you disabled Samsung Internet, you can turn it back on by going to Settings > Apps, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting Show system apps. Find Samsung Internet, tap it, and select Enable.
If you uninstalled it, you can reinstall it from the Galaxy Store (Samsung's app store) or the Google Play Store. Open either store, search for "Samsung Internet," and tap Install. The app will read and install in a few seconds.
Your browsing history and saved passwords will not return if you reinstall—they were deleted when you uninstalled. If you only disabled the app, all your data remains intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing Samsung Internet break my phone?
No. Samsung Internet is just one app among many on your device. Removing or disabling it will not affect your phone's core functions, calls, texts, or other apps. Your device will work normally with a different browser set as the default.
Can I remove Samsung Internet from a Samsung tablet?
Yes, the same steps work on Samsung tablets. Go to Settings > Apps, find Samsung Internet, and either disable or uninstall it. Some older tablet models may not allow uninstall, in which case disabling is your option.
What browser should I use instead of Samsung Internet?
Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are all free and widely used. Chrome syncs with your Google account, Firefox prioritizes privacy, and Edge integrates with Microsoft services. Install whichever you prefer, then set it as your default in Settings > Default apps.
If I disable Samsung Internet, will it use less battery?
Possibly, but only slightly. A disabled app does not run in the background, so it cannot drain battery. The difference is usually small unless you were actively using Samsung Internet before. Your choice of default browser matters more for battery life.
Can I hide Samsung Internet without disabling it?
Yes. Long-press the Samsung Internet icon on your home screen and select Remove from home screen or Hide. The app stays on your device and can still open links, but it will not appear in your app drawer or home screen. You can still find it in Settings > Apps if you need it later.