How to Delete Samsung Internet from Your Phone

You cannot fully delete Samsung Internet, but you can disable it

Samsung Internet is built into Samsung phones as the default web browser and cannot be removed like a regular app. However, you can disable it so it no longer runs in the background, remove it from your home screen, and set a different browser as your default. If you want a different browser to open links instead, disabling Samsung Internet is the practical equivalent of deletion.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you want to stop using it entirely or just remove it from sight. Most people find that disabling the app and switching to Chrome, Firefox, or another browser solves the problem without needing to contact Samsung support.

Key Takeaways

Samsung Internet cannot be uninstalled from most Samsung phones because it is a system app, but disabling it prevents it from running.
You can remove Samsung Internet from your home screen by long-pressing the icon and selecting "Remove from Home Screen."
To stop Samsung Internet from opening links by default, go to Settings, find Apps, select Samsung Internet, and choose "Clear defaults."
After disabling Samsung Internet, set a different browser as your default in Settings under Apps or Default Apps.
If you later want to use Samsung Internet again, you can re-enable it from the same settings menu where you disabled it.

Remove Samsung Internet from your home screen

The quickest way to stop seeing Samsung Internet is to remove its icon from your home screen. Long-press the Samsung Internet icon until a menu appears, then tap "Remove from Home Screen." The app still exists on your phone, but you will no longer see it when you unlock your device.

This step does not disable the app or change which browser opens your links. It only hides the icon. If you want Samsung Internet to stop running entirely or to stop being your default browser, follow the steps in the next sections.

Disable Samsung Internet through Settings

To prevent Samsung Internet from running in the background, open Settings on your Samsung phone. Scroll down and tap Apps (on some phones this is called process Manager). Find and tap Samsung Internet in the list.

Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the Samsung Internet app page, then select Disable. A warning will appear asking if you want to disable the system app. Tap Disable again to confirm. Samsung Internet will now stop running and will not appear in your app drawer.

If you do not see a Disable option, your phone may not allow disabling this particular system app. In that case, move to the next section to set a different browser as your default instead.

Clear Samsung Internet as your default browser

Even if you cannot disable Samsung Internet, you can prevent it from opening links automatically. Open Settings and go to Apps. Find and tap Samsung Internet, then tap the three-dot menu and select Open by default or Default apps (the exact wording varies by phone model).

Tap Clear defaults. This removes Samsung Internet as the app that automatically opens when you click a link in an email, text message, or other app. The next time you open a link, your phone will ask you which browser to use, or it will open your previously selected default browser.

Set a different browser as your default

After clearing Samsung Internet as your default, choose which browser you want to use instead. Open Settings and go to Apps or Default apps (depending on your phone model). Look for an option called Browser app or Default browser.

Tap it and select the browser you want to use — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or another option you have installed. From now on, links will open in that browser instead of Samsung Internet. You can change this setting at any time if you want to switch browsers later.

What to do if you want to use Samsung Internet again

If you disabled Samsung Internet and later change your mind, you can re-enable it. Open Settings, go to Apps, find Samsung Internet, tap the three-dot menu, and select Enable. The app will reappear in your app drawer and can be set as your default browser again.

If you only removed the icon from your home screen, Samsung Internet is still active on your phone. You can add it back by opening your app drawer, finding Samsung Internet, and dragging it back to your home screen, or by long-pressing an empty area of your home screen and selecting Widgets or Apps to add it again.

Why Samsung Internet cannot be fully deleted

Samsung Internet is a system app, meaning it is installed as part of the phone's operating system rather than as a downloadable app from the Google Play Store. Samsung includes it on every phone they make, and most system apps cannot be uninstalled without special tools that void your warranty.

This is why disabling or clearing defaults is the practical solution. Disabling the app stops it from running and removes it from your app drawer, which achieves the same result as deletion for most users. If you need to use Samsung Internet in the future, you can always re-enable it without having to reinstall anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Samsung Internet slow down my phone?

No. Disabling an app that you are not using frees up storage space and prevents it from running background processes, which can slightly improve performance. Your phone will run the same or better after disabling Samsung Internet.

Can I delete Samsung Internet if I have a non-Samsung Android phone?

Samsung Internet only comes on Samsung phones. If you have a different Android phone, you have a different default browser (usually Chrome) and can delete or disable it like any other app through Settings > Apps.

What happens to my bookmarks and history if I disable Samsung Internet?

Disabling the app does not delete your data. If you re-enable Samsung Internet later, your bookmarks and browsing history will still be there. If you want to erase them before disabling, open Samsung Internet, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, and select "Clear browsing data."

Why does Samsung Internet keep turning back on?

Some Samsung phones re-enable system apps after software updates. If Samsung Internet reappears after you disabled it, repeat the disabling steps. You can also set a different browser as your default so that even if Samsung Internet is enabled, it will not open your links.

Is it safe to disable Samsung Internet?

Yes. Disabling a system app does not damage your phone or void your warranty. Samsung Internet is optional — you can use Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser instead. Disabling it straightforward means you are choosing not to use that particular app.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.