Hey there! Let's tackle your three questions about integrating Chrome Custom Tabs into your app clearly:

1. What happens if the user's device doesn't have Chrome installed? #

When Chrome isn't present on the device, Chrome Custom Tabs will fall back to the system's default browser to open the link. This behavior is built into the Custom Tabs framework—it relies on Android's intent system to find any app that can handle http/https URLs. So instead of failing outright, the user will see their default browser (like Firefox, Edge, or a manufacturer-specific browser) load the link as expected.

2. Will the feature still work without Chrome, or will it crash the app? #

The feature will absolutely still work, and it won't cause your app to crash. Here's why:

• Chrome Custom Tabs uses a safe intent resolution flow. If Chrome isn't available, the system automatically searches for alternative browsers that support the Custom Tabs protocol (or just regular web browsing intents if no Custom Tabs-compatible browser exists).
• Even if there are no browsers installed at all, Android will show a system prompt asking the user to install a browser app—your app won't crash from this scenario.

3. Can Android run without Chrome pre-installed? #

Yes, Android can definitely run without Chrome being pre-installed.

• The core Android Open Source Project (AOSP) doesn't include Chrome by default; it originally shipped with a basic "Browser" app, and now relies on Android System WebView for embedded web content.
• Many third-party custom ROMs (like LineageOS) let users choose whether to install Chrome or stick with alternative browsers. Some device manufacturers also preinstall their own browsers instead of Chrome (common in regions where Google services are limited).
• The only devices that always come with Chrome pre-installed are Google's own Pixel series and devices that include the full Google Mobile Services (GMS) suite by default—but even then, users can uninstall Chrome on most non-Pixel devices (though some carrier-locked models might restrict this without root, as you noticed on your phone).

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者Yo Daniel