Easy Tech Tuts
Google Chrome

How to Open YouTube in Chrome Browser Instead of the App (Stop App Redirects) Easily 2026

By Impran M N

If tapping a YouTube link keeps launching the app instead of Chrome, it can disrupt your workflow, especially when you need browser-specific controls. This guide covers the settings adjustments needed to keep YouTube opening in Chrome instead of redirecting to the app.

01Understand why this feature matters

Viewing YouTube in the browser gives you more control and easier multitasking, which is especially useful for presentations, research, or work-related video use.

02Access the relevant settings

Locate the settings on your device or within Chrome that control how YouTube links are handled and whether they default to opening the app.

03Prevent app redirects

Adjust the relevant setting so that YouTube links open in Chrome by default instead of automatically launching the YouTube app.

04Understand the benefits of using Chrome for YouTube

Browsing YouTube in Chrome makes it easier to multitask, use browser extensions, and keep videos alongside other open tabs.

05Apply this for professional use cases

Professionals presenting or researching video content can benefit from consistent browser-based access rather than switching to a separate app.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why does YouTube keep opening in the app instead of Chrome?

This usually happens because of default link-handling settings on your device that automatically launch the installed app over the browser.

Can I set this preference permanently?

Yes, once you adjust the relevant setting, YouTube links should consistently open in Chrome going forward until you change it again.

Does this setting affect all video links or just YouTube?

This specifically addresses YouTube link behavior, though similar app-redirect settings often exist for other apps as well.

Is it possible this setting is different on different devices?

Yes, the exact steps can vary slightly depending on your device and operating system, though the underlying concept remains the same.

Watch the full walkthrough

The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.