Chrome Browser Preference

How the TWA automatically prefers Chrome for MWA compatibility.

Why Chrome Matters

Chrome is essential for Solana Mobile TWAs because:

• MWA compatibility - Mobile Wallet Adapter works best with Chrome
• TWA support - Chrome has the most mature TWA implementation
• Consistent experience - Predictable behavior across devices

Automatic Chrome Preference

The android-browser-helper library (v2.6.2+) automatically prefers Chrome when it's installed on the device. No custom configuration is needed.

The library checks for available TWA-capable browsers in this order:

1. Chrome Stable (com.android.chrome)
2. Chrome Beta (com.chrome.beta)
3. Chrome Dev (com.chrome.dev)
4. Other TWA-compatible browsers

Fallback Behavior

Scenario	Result
Chrome installed	Opens in Chrome (frameless if DAL configured)
Chrome not installed	Opens in system default TWA browser
No TWA browser	Falls back to Custom Tabs (with URL bar)

CustomLauncherActivity

The template includes a CustomLauncherActivity.java for optional customizations:

public class CustomLauncherActivity extends LauncherActivity {
    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        // Lock to portrait orientation on Android 8+
        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT > Build.VERSION_CODES.O) {
            setRequestedOrientation(ActivityInfo.SCREEN_ORIENTATION_PORTRAIT);
        }
    }

    @Override
    protected Uri getLaunchingUrl() {
        // Customize launch URL if needed
        Uri uri = super.getLaunchingUrl();
        // Add query parameters, handle deep links, etc.
        return uri;
    }
}

Available Customizations

Method	Purpose
onCreate()	Set screen orientation, initialize tracking
getLaunchingUrl()	Modify launch URL, add parameters

Verifying Chrome is Used

Check via Recent Apps

1. Open your TWA
2. Long-press the recent apps button
3. Check which browser appears in app info

Check via ADB Logs

adb logcat | grep -i "chrome\|twa\|launcher"

What If Chrome Isn't Available?

If the user doesn't have Chrome:

1. Samsung devices - Samsung Internet may be used (supports TWA)
2. Other devices - System default browser
3. No TWA support - Falls back to Custom Tabs with URL bar

MWA Recommendation

For best MWA experience, recommend users install Chrome if wallet connections fail.

Testing Without Chrome

To test fallback behavior:

1. Disable Chrome: Settings > Apps > Chrome > Disable
2. Open your TWA
3. Observe fallback behavior
4. Re-enable Chrome

Compatibility

Android Version	Chrome TWA Support
Android 7.0+ (API 24)	Full support
Android 6.0 (API 23)	Not supported

TWA requires minSdkVersion: 24 (Android 7.0).