Android ruined link handling years ago. Here's how I fixed it with a free app

At a glance:

• LinkSheet is a free, open-source Android app that restores the "Open with" dialog for links removed in Android 12
• Users can choose which app to open links in, including incognito mode options
• The app is installed from GitHub rather than the Google Play Store

The Problem with Android's Link Handling

Android's approach to link handling has changed significantly over the years. In earlier versions like Android 12 and before, tapping a link would bring up an "Open with" dialog, allowing users to select which app they wanted to use. This was particularly useful when multiple apps could handle the same type of link, such as having both the official Reddit app and a third-party Reddit client installed. Users could then choose their preferred app for each link tap.

However, with Android 12, Google introduced a new system that automatically opens links in an app if it's verified for that specific domain. If no compatible app exists on the device, the link opens in the default browser. While this change was intended to improve speed and security, many users found the loss of choice frustrating. For some, including the author of this article, the missing "Open with" prompt became a significant drawback in their daily mobile experience.

Introducing LinkSheet

LinkSheet emerges as an elegant solution to this problem. This free, open-source application effectively restores the beloved "Open with" dialog that many Android users miss. Rather than forcing links to open in predetermined apps, LinkSheet intercepts link taps and presents users with a choice of compatible applications. The author has found it so useful that it's become one of the first open-source Android apps they install on every new phone.

The app's value proposition extends beyond simple choice restoration. For privacy-conscious users, LinkSheet offers the ability to open links directly in browser incognito mode, preventing native apps from tracking user behavior and influencing algorithms. This feature addresses the author's concern about unwanted content recommendations based on their link interactions, particularly for platforms like Reddit and YouTube where algorithmic curation is prominent.

Installation and Setup Process

Obtaining LinkSheet requires a slightly different approach than typical Android app installations. The app isn't available on the Google Play Store, so users must download it directly from LinkSheet's nightly repository on GitHub. While nightly builds are generally recommended to be approached with caution, LinkSheet specifically recommends them due to more frequent updates. For those who prefer stability, a stable APK file is also available from the Releases page.

The installation process involves downloading the APK file and enabling installation from unknown sources in the device settings. Once installed, users need to set LinkSheet as their default browser through the app's interface. This step is crucial as it allows LinkSheet to intercept link taps and display the "Open with" dialog. For apps that users want to prevent from opening their verified links, additional configuration is required in the device's settings under Apps > [App Name] > Open by default.

Customizing the LinkSheet Experience

After basic setup, LinkSheet offers numerous customization options to tailor the experience to individual preferences. The author recommends changing the layout style to grid, which reduces the size of the Open with dialog and saves screen space. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for users with fewer apps in their list. The grid layout can be enabled by tapping the gear icon in the top-left corner, selecting Bottom sheet under Customization, and toggling on the Grid layout option.

Additional settings enhance privacy and usability. Enabling private browsing allows direct opening of links in Firefox's private browsing mode (as of writing, this feature is exclusive to Firefox). The author also recommends disabling the "Don't show last picked app" section for a cleaner interface and turning off the "Hide choice buttons" option, which hides the "Once" and "Always" buttons in the dialog box since they're rarely used. These adjustments create a streamlined experience that puts users in full control of their link-handling behavior.

Advanced Features and Functionality

LinkSheet offers several advanced features beyond its core functionality. One notable option is the Use ClearURLs feature, which leverages the ClearURLs service to remove tracking parameters from URLs. This ensures that links tapped through LinkSheet don't inadvertently track users as they browse the internet. While currently experimental and not always 100% effective, this feature represents a valuable step toward enhanced privacy.

Another powerful capability is the Enable downloader option. When activated, this feature adds a Download button to the Open with dialog whenever a URL contains a direct download link. Users can then tap this button to download files directly from the page without navigating through the link in a browser. Both the ClearURLs and downloader features are accessible through the Links menu in LinkSheet settings, where users can discover additional functionality to further optimize their link-handling workflow.

Why LinkSheet Matters

The significance of LinkSheet extends beyond its technical features. In an era where mobile operating systems increasingly make choices on behalf of users, LinkSheet represents a return to user agency and control. By restoring the "Open with" dialog, it addresses a fundamental change in Android's design philosophy that prioritized convenience and security over user choice. For many, this small feature restoration makes a substantial difference in daily mobile interactions.

Moreover, LinkSheet exemplifies the value of open-source solutions in addressing gaps in mainstream software. As a free and open-source application, it benefits from community contributions and transparent development practices. The author's experience—installing it on every new phone—speaks to its reliability and usefulness. For Android users who miss the flexibility of older versions or simply want more control over how their device handles links, LinkSheet provides an elegant, practical solution that bridges the gap between modern convenience and traditional choice.