When you tap on a Washington Post article you see in a social media app, you’ll usually be asked to sign in to The Post each time — even if you’re a subscriber and signed in elsewhere.
Why it happens
Many apps — including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn — use their own in-app browsers that allow you to visit other websites (like The Post) without actually leaving their app. These browsers are different from default browsers that come installed on your phone (e.g. Chrome, Safari, Edge).
In-app browsers don’t save your sign-in details for various reasons. Because of this, you may need to sign in every time to read an article you see in an app (other than The Washington Post app).
The app makers have full control over their in-app browsers, which means The Post does not have any control over the experience.
Ways to improve your experience
- Read in The Washington Post app instead (where you always stay signed in).
- On Facebook, you can choose to open the article in your phone’s default browser, which may keep you signed in for longer periods of time. Here's how:
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- iOS: Tap the ellipsis (“…”) at the bottom of the screen and then “Open in system browser."
- Android: Tap the ellipsis (“…) at the top of the screen and then “Open in browser.”
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- Android Facebook readers can also set links to open externally on their phone’s default browser. In the Android Facebook app, go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Preferences (Media) > select “Links open externally."
- Use a password manager to make signing in faster and easier.
- Double-check that your subscription is active. Visit Subscription & Billing in My Post to confirm your subscription status.