How to Open Word Hyperlinks in Safari or Chrome on Mobile
Question details
Users need instructions on how to ensure hyperlinks within Word documents open correctly in their mobile device's default web browser, such as Safari or Chrome.
- Product
- Word Documents
- Device & OS
- iOS and Android
- Scenario
- Reading a Word document on a smartphone or tablet and needing to access referenced web pages.
- Observed behavior
- Tapping a valid hyperlink within the document securely routes the user to the device's default browser to load the target URL.
Ensure your mobile device is connected to the internet and that your desired default browser, such as Safari or Chrome, is properly installed and updated.
Tap to Open Hyperlinks in Your Default Mobile Browser
When a hyperlink is properly inserted into a Word document, tapping it on a mobile device will automatically launch your device's designated default web browser.
The exact behavior when you select a link depends on your device's operating system and your specific browser settings. On iPhones and iPads, links typically default to Safari unless otherwise configured, while Android devices usually default to Google Chrome.
Launch your mobile document reader app and open the file containing the hyperlink.
Locate the blue, underlined text or linked object within the document and tap it once to activate the hyperlink.
The operating system will automatically switch from the document application to your default web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) and load the destination website.
If the link opens in an unexpected app, adjust your device's 'Default Apps' settings. For Android, navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Browser app to select Chrome. For iOS, navigate to Settings, find your preferred browser app, and tap 'Default Browser App'.
Open Word Document Links Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office for iOS and Android offers a seamless mobile reading experience. Tapping any embedded hyperlink in a document instantly and securely opens your default browser like Safari or Chrome.
- 1. Download the App: Install WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office on your mobile device and open your Word document from your local storage or connected cloud drive.
- 3. Tap to Open the Link: Navigate to the link in the text and tap it; WPS Office will seamlessly launch Safari, Chrome, or your set default browser to display the webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the hyperlink in my mobile Word document not clickable?
The link may have been typed as plain text rather than formatted as an active hyperlink. The author must use the 'Insert > Link' or 'Hyperlink' feature in the document editor to make the text clickable.
How do I change my default browser to Chrome on an Android device?
Go to your Android Settings, select 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications', choose 'Default apps', and tap 'Browser app'. From that menu, select Chrome as your preferred default browser.
How do I set Chrome as the default browser on an iPhone or iPad?
Open the Settings app on your iOS device, scroll down to find the Chrome app, tap it, and select 'Default Browser App'. Choose Chrome from the list to make the change from Safari.
Does WPS Office on mobile support adding or editing hyperlinks?
Yes, the WPS Office mobile app allows you to easily select text, tap the 'Insert' menu, and choose 'Hyperlink' to add or modify web URLs directly from your smartphone or tablet.
