Android: set default browsers based on connection type

Android users have quite a few choices when it comes to web browsers on their phone or tablet. They can use the stock browser, or install a third party browser of which there are plenty available. They can use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for example, Opera Mini or Mobile, or web browsers such as Dolphin, UC Browser or Boat.

Depending on how you are using your Android device, you may have noticed that your favorite browser may not be that suited depending on the connection type. It may be blazing fast if you are connected to a wireless network, but once the connection changes to mobile, it may slow down to a crawl.

Even if you do not notice that, you may want to test other browsers that work better in low bandwidth environments.

Android default browsers

You can set one default web browser on your Android device, but that is about it.  To find out how to change default apps on Android, check out the linked guide.

While you can start web browsers manually depending on the connection type, Opera for mobile connections for example and Chrome or Firefox when you are connected to WiFi connections, it is not really that comfortable.

The Android application Browser Toggle takes care of the switching automatically for you, provided that you have already picked two browsers that you want to use. If you have not already, you may want to experiment around with different types of browsers until you find the one that you want to use for each connection type.

The application displays an easy to use interface on start. Just tap on the bar underneath mobile connection and wireless connection to select a browser that you want launched depending on your type of Internet connection. It displays all installed browsers by default, so that you can select one easily for each connection type.

You can now launch the "right" browser manually by tapping on the Browser Toggle icon on your Android device. The app will check the connection type and launch the selected browser according to it automatically.

Note: While you can use Browser Toggle for Android to launch web browsers based on connection type, you will notice that it won't have an effect on in-app browser launches, for instance when you tap on a link in an application. This displays the browser selection menu instead or launch the default system browser automatically.

Verdict

Browser Toggle automates the process of selecting the right browser for your connection type for you. While you could as easily place the icons of the browsers that you want to use next to each other, to start them manually depending on connection type, it speeds up that process for you as you do not have to check your connection each time you start the web browser.

Now Read: Optimize your Android wireless connection

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