Use a tablet with browser without it defaulting to the app

[atpeace]

I take short trips quite often and would rather just take a tablet but I don't want to be "forced" to use android apps vs a browser.  Sites redirect to the application and their are no options to stop this from occurring. 

 

Many apps are extremely limiting and it seems they always omit the info I need that is easily obtained using Chrome or whatever other browser.  My exercise apps are basically worthless and even using Shopee or Lazada is a pain because the apps don't translate reviews (read many three star reviews ) before buying anything on Thai shopping sites. Copying  and pasting each review into a translate app becomes tedious.  Hence I bring my laptop on all my trips.

 

Any ideas?

[jas007]

I have some Apple  IPads, and I'm pretty sure I can use the Safari browser on any website I chose.  Or, I can use the app, although it may depend on the website itself, some which seem to redirect to the mobile version even though I initially log onto the site with the Safari browser. 

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 1:22 AM, jas007 said:

I have some Apple  IPads, and I'm pretty sure I can use the Safari browser on any website I chose.  Or, I can use the app, although it may depend on the website itself, some which seem to redirect to the mobile version even though I initially log onto the site with the Safari browser. 

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Not sure about Apple and don't want to spend 20k on a tablet I will only us on weekend trips.  Like yourself, I can also use a browser but am immediately redirected to the application.  I'm a data freak 🙂 Apps are simple and limit the data in the majority of the cases to create a more user friendly interface. 

 

Maybe just deleting the apps on my tablet would work for many but I did this years ago and certain sites forced you to download the app.  

[topt]

  On 1/10/2025 at 1:31 AM, atpeace said:

certain sites forced you to download the app.  

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Presumably an Android tablet? Should be the same as a phone and I have no issue for example using my browser of choice on my phone to go to Lazada - even though I have the app installed. 

 

Perhaps tell us the sites that are a problem and someone else with an android tablet can test? 

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 2:39 AM, topt said:

Presumably an Android tablet? Should be the same as a phone and I have no issue for example using my browser of choice on my phone to go to Lazada - even though I have the app installed. 

 

Perhaps tell us the sites that are a problem and someone else with an android tablet can test? 

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I can log into lazada also on the three android devices I have in front of me at the moment.  The issue is all three will redirect me to the app. Usually immediately or within a few clicks at the browser app.  This has happened with all my previous android devices and my friends devices that I checked.  Strange yours doesn't do this but you have no reason to fib 🙂  Maybe it is a browser issue which is Chrome in my case?  What are you using?

[topt]

  On 1/10/2025 at 3:15 AM, atpeace said:

What are you using?

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Brave - which is Chrome.

Just opened again and said it wants to open the Lazada app but I just clicked it off however I then had to fumble around to get back to the search box. Should be easier on a tablet with a bigger interface.

Once there was able to use as normal to search solar lights and click on products.

 

PITA though I agree which is why I search initially on pc and then use the app to buy as only way to get the discounts.....

 

That is on Android 10.

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 3:24 AM, topt said:

Brave - which is Chrome.

Just opened again and said it wants to open the Lazada app but I just clicked it off however I then had to fumble around to get back to the search box. Should be easier on a tablet with a bigger interface.

Once there was able to use as normal to search solar lights and click on products.

 

PITA though I agree which is why I search initially on pc and then use the app to buy as only way to get the discounts.....

 

That is on Android 10.

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Doesn't even allow me use the browser on Android 15 and automatically sends me to the app if I click on any link.  Just tried it on my old Samsung tablet with Samsung's browser.  All good!!!! Well, not really.  Samsung's browser doesn't translate Thai - 555.  At least I know it is probably Chrome that is causing the issue.  Now I need to find a browser with a good translate extension.

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 3:24 AM, topt said:

Brave - which is Chrome.

Just opened again and said it wants to open the Lazada app but I just clicked it off however I then had to fumble around to get back to the search box. Should be easier on a tablet with a bigger interface.

Once there was able to use as normal to search solar lights and click on products.

 

PITA though I agree which is why I search initially on pc and then use the app to buy as only way to get the discounts.....

 

That is on Android 10.

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I found an old Android 11 tablet and Lazada does work well enough with the Chrome browser.  Thanks for the input which forced me to look for an older Android version.  This will my short trip travel tablet!

[Centigrade32]

  On 1/10/2025 at 3:24 AM, topt said:

Brave - which is Chrome.

Just opened again and said it wants to open the Lazada app but I just clicked it off however I then had to fumble around to get back to the search box. Should be easier on a tablet with a bigger interface.

Once there was able to use as normal to search solar lights and click on products.

 

PITA though I agree which is why I search initially on pc and then use the app to buy as only way to get the discounts.....

 

That is on Android 10.

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Go into the Brave Shields/Privacy settings to find "Allow app links to open in apps outside of Brave" and turn the setting to "OFF"

[Centigrade32]

  On 1/10/2025 at 1:11 AM, atpeace said:

I take short trips quite often and would rather just take a tablet but I don't want to be "forced" to use android apps vs a browser.  Sites redirect to the application and their are no options to stop this from occurring. 

 

Many apps are extremely limiting and it seems they always omit the info I need that is easily obtained using Chrome or whatever other browser.  My exercise apps are basically worthless and even using Shopee or Lazada is a pain because the apps don't translate reviews (read many three star reviews ) before buying anything on Thai shopping sites. Copying  and pasting each review into a translate app becomes tedious.  Hence I bring my laptop on all my trips.

 

Any ideas?

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Yes.

 

 

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 4:38 AM, Centigrade32 said:

 

Yes.

 

 

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Thanks but doesn't work.  It just stops opening links to apps not installed on your phone.  Tried this before and was sure it was the fix.  Just tried again and Lazada web site immediately redirect and this time even before it allowed me to login at the website.  I give up 🙂 Just going to use an old tablet that seems to not be redirecting.

[scubascuba3]

Just uninstall the app, problem solved

[topt]

  On 1/10/2025 at 3:46 AM, Centigrade32 said:

 

Go into the Brave Shields/Privacy settings to find "Allow app links to open in apps outside of Brave" and turn the setting to "OFF"

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Already off thanks.

[topt]

  On 1/10/2025 at 6:13 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Just uninstall the app, problem solved

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Yes but for Lazada, as mentioned, if I want to see discounts/free delivery I need to use the app unfortunately. 

 

I don't buy enough from them to worry about it but did save me over 1000B on a Stiebel water heater a month or 2 ago. 

[scubascuba3]

  On 1/10/2025 at 6:40 AM, topt said:

Yes but for Lazada, as mentioned, if I want to see discounts/free delivery I need to use the app unfortunately. 

 

I don't buy enough from them to worry about it but did save me over 1000B on a Stiebel water heater a month or 2 ago. 

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Then use the app, what's difficult about that?

[Centigrade32]

  On 1/10/2025 at 5:49 AM, atpeace said:

Thanks but doesn't work.  It just stops opening links to apps not installed on your phone.  Tried this before and was sure it was the fix.  Just tried again and Lazada web site immediately redirect and this time even before it allowed me to login at the website.  I give up 🙂 Just going to use an old tablet that seems to not be redirecting.

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Why do you have the App installed?

It's a Browser issue, so go into the Browser settings to stop the behaviour. Install a second customisable Browser if necessary.

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 7:08 AM, Centigrade32 said:

 

Why do you have the App installed?

It's a Browser issue, so go into the Browser settings to stop the behaviour. Install a second customisable Browser if necessary.

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I need the app at times. For example, apps that pair with heart rate data. Can not do this using their website. Browser settingss don not stop the behaviour as previously stated. The video you attached for example does not stop the redirect to the app. Thanks for the recomendations.

 

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 6:57 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Then use the app, what's difficult about that?

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Think that has been discussed already.  I buy a ton online and having to copy paste each review is a pain. I get it, you have told us before on this forum  you like the lazada app.  I do not and avoid it when possible. To each his own :)

 

 

[ericthai]

  On 1/10/2025 at 3:35 AM, atpeace said:

Doesn't even allow me use the browser on Android 15 and automatically sends me to the app if I click on any link.  Just tried it on my old Samsung tablet with Samsung's browser.  All good!!!! Well, not really.  Samsung's browser doesn't translate Thai - 555.  At least I know it is probably Chrome that is causing the issue.  Now I need to find a browser with a good translate extension.

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I would try and un-install the app.

My phone does this wanting to open an app, but it gives me an option to open in the browser. I think maybe because I dont have the app installed it gives me the browser option. 

[atpeace]

  On 1/10/2025 at 2:21 PM, ericthai said:

I would try and un-install the app.

My phone does this wanting to open an app, but it gives me an option to open in the browser. I think maybe because I dont have the app installed it gives me the browser option. 

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Yes, already discussed. Not having the app is a work around.  Problem being is that many sites force you to download the app to proceed.  

 

 

 

 

 

[scubascuba3]

  On 1/10/2025 at 1:41 PM, atpeace said:

Think that has been discussed already.  I buy a ton online and having to copy paste each review is a pain. I get it, you have told us before on this forum  you like the lazada app.  I do not and avoid it when possible. To each his own :)

 

 

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You don't have to copy and paste the reviews, using Google Lens is much easier, another app

[ifmu]

They want control of your info ...and put adds up. ...

 

[NedR69]

I only have Apple devices.

 

Once you go Mac, you never go back.

[Freddy42OZ]

  On 1/10/2025 at 1:31 AM, atpeace said:

Not sure about Apple and don't want to spend 20k on a tablet I will only us on weekend trips.  Like yourself, I can also use a browser but am immediately redirected to the application.  I'm a data freak 🙂 Apps are simple and limit the data in the majority of the cases to create a more user friendly interface. 

 

Maybe just deleting the apps on my tablet would work for many but I did this years ago and certain sites forced you to download the app.  

Expand  

The problem is that tablets identify as mobile devices, therefore the browser will know its opening on a mobile device and will ask if you would prefer to use the app.  Newer tablets with desktop sized screens don't all do this because of the larger screens. 

You can force Android to always open the desktop site and this may stop it asking if you want to use the app. 

 

To force Chrome on an Android tablet to always open the desktop site, open the Chrome app, go to settings, navigate to "Site settings" under "Advanced", and then toggle the "Desktop site" option to "on" which will make it the default setting for all websites you visit. 

 

Key steps:

• Open Chrome on your Android tablet.
• Tap the three dots in the top right corner to access the menu.
• Select "Settings".
• Under "Advanced", choose "Site settings".
• Select "Desktop site" and turn it on. 
   

 

Important points to remember:

• Premium tablets:

  On newer high-end Android tablets, Chrome may automatically default to desktop mode due to Google's optimization for larger screens. 

   
• Individual site adjustments:

  You can also choose to override the default setting for specific websites by accessing the "Desktop site" option from the website's menu.

[atpeace]

  On 1/13/2025 at 3:01 AM, Freddy42OZ said:

The problem is that tablets identify as mobile devices, therefore the browser will know its opening on a mobile device and will ask if you would prefer to use the app.  Newer tablets with desktop sized screens don't all do this because of the larger screens. 

You can force Android to always open the desktop site and this may stop it asking if you want to use the app. 

 

To force Chrome on an Android tablet to always open the desktop site, open the Chrome app, go to settings, navigate to "Site settings" under "Advanced", and then toggle the "Desktop site" option to "on" which will make it the default setting for all websites you visit. 

 

Key steps:

• Open Chrome on your Android tablet.
• Tap the three dots in the top right corner to access the menu.
• Select "Settings".
• Under "Advanced", choose "Site settings".
• Select "Desktop site" and turn it on. 
   

 

Important points to remember:

• Premium tablets:

  On newer high-end Android tablets, Chrome may automatically default to desktop mode due to Google's optimization for larger screens. 

   
• Individual site adjustments:

  You can also choose to override the default setting for specific websites by accessing the "Desktop site" option from the website's menu.

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That might explains why my  no  redirects settings are only working on my Samsung tablet.  It isn't new and is running Android 11.  The websites are still able to determine it is a tablet and can force me to use the app by restricting links as Shopee does but only a few sites are foolish enough to do that and lose a customer.