Apparent Facebook in‑app browser defect drops cookies, prompting workaround

An apparent defect in Facebook’s in‑app browser is intermittently sending requests to websites without cookies that had previously been set, according to an advisory. The guidance says the problem should be addressed soon and recommends a simple workaround in the meantime.

Users are advised to keep using the Facebook app but avoid its in‑app browser by forcing links to open in their device’s default browser. The instructions specify going to the Facebook app’s settings, selecting App Settings, and turning on the option labeled “Links Open Externally.” The advisory also outlines steps to ensure cookies are enabled in major browsers.

For Internet Explorer 7, 8 and 9, it recommends overriding automatic cookie handling and accepting both first‑ and third‑party cookies. In Firefox, users are told to use custom settings for history and enable “ In Google Chrome, the guidance calls for allowing local data to be set and making sure third‑party cookies are not blocked.

On Mobile Safari, users are instructed to set “ Until the issue is resolved, the suggested workarounds aim to prevent websites from treating returning visitors as if no cookies are present, which can disrupt normal site access and functionality.