WhatsApp is ignoring default browser setting for Instagram links. - Lemmy
lemmy.ml
A rant about possibly another scummy behavior from fucking Meta. So I try my best to avoid url tracking. I set the default browser on my android phone to this app: https://github.com/TrianguloY/UrlChecker [https://github.com/TrianguloY/UrlChecker] I also made sure to turn off the “Open supported links” settings from aps like Instagram. So usually, if someone shares Instagram links to WhatsApp, usually with the url tracking, I can clean them up first using UrlChecker before opening it in Instagram app. Recently I noticed if I tap on Instagram links, WhatsApp will immediately open it in Instagram, ignoring Android’s default browser setting to open the link with UrlChecker first. I thought something was broken, but if I open non-instagram links, those will open UrlChecker app. Can you please help check if the behavior is the same on your side? So I can be sure that I’m not crazy. Thanks!

Possibly another scummy behavior from fucking Meta.

So I try my best to avoid url tracking. I set the default browser on my android phone to this app: https://github.com/TrianguloY/UrlChecker

I also made sure to turn off the “Open supported links” settings from aps like Instagram.

So usually, if someone shares Instagram links to WhatsApp, usually with the url tracking, I can clean them up first using UrlChecker before opening it in Instagram app.

Recently I noticed if I tap on Instagram links, WhatsApp will immediately open it in Instagram, ignoring Android’s default browser setting to open the link with UrlChecker first.

I thought something was broken, but if I open non-instagram links, those will open UrlChecker app.

Can you please help check if the behavior is the same on your side? So I can be sure that I’m not crazy. Thanks!

  • narwhalOP
    2·
    1 year ago

    I wasn’t aware of this. Is there any way to turn it off? Thanks

      • narwhalOP
        2·
        1 year ago

        Aw shucks…

        For now I just have to remember not to automatically click on IG links. Need to copy and clean it up first 😔

        Thanks.

      • Natanael@slrpnk.net
        1·
        1 year ago

        It depends on what you’re mimicking. Just registrering the URL scheme? Any app can do that. Mimicking a signed APK with full package name? Can’t do that without root and privacy plugins for Magisk.