Shropshire Star

Having problems staying logged in?

What is an "in-app browser"?

When opening a link in apps such as Facebook, Gmail, Twitter, Instagram and more, they will often use a mini "in-app" browser rather than sending you to your main browser (eg Safari, Chrome).

Apple devices

Most in-app browsers on iOS look like this:

Example of an iOS in-app browser

Tapping the icon with the arrow pointing to it above should open the link in your main browser, which on Apple devices is usually Safari. Once there, it may be worth checking that you're not in private browsing mode: How to check for private browsing mode on an Apple device.

Android devices

Android devices come in a lot of shapes and sizes, and so do the user interfaces. We'll provide a couple of examples here, it may not look identical but should look similar.

To open the system browser on an Android device from within the in-app browser, the first step is typically to tapped the "three dots" icon, usually in the upper right:

Example of an Android in-app browser used on Facebook app

Example of an Android in-app browser used on Twitter app

Once you've tapped that, a menu will appear. Look for "Open in system browser" or "Open in Chrome" (These will typically do the same thing).

Example of an Android in-app browser used on Facebook app

Example of an Android in-app browser used on Twitter app

That story should now have opened in the full browser which should store your login cookies for longer and you will remain logged in. However it may also be worth checking that you're not stuck in incognito/secret browsing mode; How to check for incognito/secret browsing mode on an Android device.

Incognito / Private browsers

"Incognito" or "Private" browsers increase your privacy by reducing the amount of information they provide to websites, which reduces their ability to "remember" you.

While their "forgetful" nature can be a benefit for some activities, they can be frustrating if you want to stay logged in.

We've also seen that it's easy to use them once and then accidentally remain in private browsing without realising it.

Here's how to switch in and out of private or incognito mode on your device:

Apple

Android

Google

Samsung

Different issue?

If the above does not apply to you or you are still having login issues, please email us at mna-support@mnadigital.co.uk and we'll do our best to help.