UC Browser 15.2.7.1403 for Android

UC Browser 15.2.7.1403 is a mobile web browser for Android from UCWeb, a Chinese mobile internet company. You can download UC Browser for Android free of charge, and the app continues a line of mobile browsers that UCWeb has been developing since August 2004.

Quick facts

What it is good for

UC Browser was designed as a mobile browser from the start, long before the desktop edition appeared. On Android it is used for the usual phone tasks: reading news, opening links from messengers, watching videos in the browser and downloading files. Many people know it from years of use on older and budget phones. The flip side is that a modern build is a large app with many extra sections besides the web page itself, which some users find distracting. If you only need a fast way to open websites, a lighter browser may suit you better. If you like having news, video and downloads in one app, UC Browser is worth a try.

Installing it step by step

1. Install UC Browser from Google Play or through the links on ucweb.com.
2. On the first launch, read the permission requests and allow only what you need.
3. Go through the settings: notifications, default search engine and data saving options.
4. Decide whether to make it the default browser in Android settings.

Privacy and safety

Treat any browser as a key to your accounts. Turn off notifications you did not ask for, clear browsing data from time to time and avoid saving bank passwords until you have decided to keep the app. Install updates as soon as they appear. Avoid modified APK versions that promise no ads or extra features: they are a common source of malware.

Saving space and data

Because the app is large, clear its cache and downloaded files regularly, and check the downloads folder so old videos do not fill the storage. On mobile data, turn on data saving options in the settings.

If pages load slowly

Check the connection first by opening the same site in another browser. If only UC Browser is slow, clear its cache, turn off extra content on the start page and update the app. Restarting the phone also helps when the browser has been open for days. If problems continue after an update, reinstalling from Google Play usually brings the settings back to normal.

Pros and cons

• Pro: many features in one app.
• Pro: long history on mobile.
• Pro: free.
• Con: large app with extra content.
• Con: frequent notifications by default.

Alternatives

For something lighter, see UC Browser Mini or Opera Mini in our listings; other Android browsers include Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave Browser and Samsung Internet Browser.