How to Disable Universal Links on iOS and Open Articles in Your Browser
By Anders Olsen Sandvik on
Why I Prefer Opening Articles in the Browser
When I come across interesting articles on my iPhone, I usually prefer opening them in the browser rather than in news apps. For me, using the browser has several advantages: it’s easier to copy the URL, share links, or even save them for later (that I do). But iOS’s universal links can be a bit frustrating since they automatically redirect certain links to their corresponding apps, whether you want them to or not.
What Are Universal Links?
Universal Links are a feature on iOS that allow links to open directly in apps instead of the browser. For example, if you click a New York Times article link, it might automatically open in the NYT app if you have it installed. While convenient for some, this behavior can be annoying if you prefer the simplicity and control of using your browser.
The Solution: A simple way to open links in your browser instead of installed apps
After some searching, I found a solution on Reddit that allows you to disable universal links for specific websites and make sure they open in your browser. Here’s how you can do it:
Step-by-Step Guide: Disabling Universal Links on iOS
- Copy the Link to Notes: Start by copying the link you want to open in your browser. You can do this by long-pressing the link and selecting “Copy.”
- Paste the Link into the Notes App: Open the Notes app and paste the link into a new note.
- Long-Press the URL in Notes: In the Notes app, long-press on the pasted link. This will bring up a menu with several options.
- Choose “Open in Safari”: In the options that appear, select “Open in Safari” instead of “Open in [App Name].” Once you do this, the link will open in your browser, bypassing the app.
- Set Your Preference for Future Links: iOS remembers your preference. After doing this once, future links from that website should default to opening in your browser instead of the app.
How to Switch Back to Opening in the App
If you ever want to reverse this behavior and open the links back in the app, simply repeat the process. But this time, when you long-press the link in Notes, choose “Open in [App Name]” instead of your browser.
Why This Method Works
This trick works because it effectively sets your preference at the OS level, telling iOS that you want your browser to handle those links moving forward. It’s a simple yet effective workaround for those who value browser-based reading over app-based experiences.
Conclusion
Disabling universal links in iOS might seem like a minor tweak, but it can make a big difference if you prefer using your browser for your reading and sharing needs. With this simple trick, you can take control of how links behave and ensure a smoother, more consistent browsing experience.