Prevent apps from launching a separate instance of other apps

impishparadox

I have an app set as the default when opening certain types of links. When these links are clicked, it opens the app, but as a separate instance of it that is contained within the app the link originated from (demonstrated clearly when viewing recent task list).

So if the default-set app was running in the background, opening a link it's set to wouldn't affect it. The issue is that the app in question takes a while to load on start-up due to fetching a large feed. Therefore, I'd prefer for its main instance to handle opening links it's set to if it's already running in the background.

Is this possible to do?

impishparadox

I've noticed this occurs with only some apps. As an example, I'll be using Fritter, Infinity for Reddit, and Vanadium to showcase this. In the following scenario, Fritter will be set as the default app for all Twitter links.

When a Twitter link from Infinity is clicked on, it creates a separate instance of Fritter inside itself (app icon is Infinity's, but the content is Fritter's).

https://i.postimg.cc/057TmXbW/Screenshot-20221126-144644.png

https://i.postimg.cc/6q6f8Q7N/Screenshot-20221126-144725.png

But when it's from Vanadium, it relies on the main instance of Fritter.

https://i.postimg.cc/PrwPmjmG/Screenshot-20221126-144913.png

I prefer the latter's way of handling links, so I'd like to know how to force all apps to do what Vanadium just did.

mythodical

impishparadox this might be down to how the individual app handles links. For example, within Infinity, go to Settings > Miscellaneous > Link Handler and ensure it is set to External App.

mythodical

impishparadox disregard my comment. I see that it results in the same behaviour you're already experiencing.