A new tab is automatically opened when launching Brave

[hollons]

Description

Several users are reporting that a new tab is automatically opened when launching Brave. I have not yet been able to reproduce.

This was previously resolved in #38635, but several user's on 1.69.164 are reporting that it has reappeared.

Steps to reproduce

1. Open Brave on Android
2. A new tab is automatically opened

Actual result

Unsure if it sure if it is occurring intermittently or every time for affected users.

Expected result

For a new tab not to open automatically every time the app is opened.

Reproduces how often

Intermittent issue

Brave version

1.69.164

Device

• Brand/model: Waiting for reply
• Android version: Waiting for reply

Channel information

• release (stable)
• beta
• nightly

Reproducibility

• with Brave Shields disabled
• with Brave Rewards disabled
• in the latest version of Chrome

Miscellaneous information

Reviews where issue is mentioned:
https://appfigures.com/reviews/266342430751Lzqm_vGAsHxtjGUjcXewEGw
https://appfigures.com/reviews/266342430751LUb-AT5typN2XiPbmbu6Gdg

[Delfayne]

Affected user here.
I was following the past issue mentioned above. I can confirm it was fixed for a time, but shortly after, re-occurred.

Model: SC-52B
Android version: 14
Brave version: 1.69.164

Simple closing and restarting Brave does not seem to trigger the new tab. It seems, as before, to occur when accessing Brave after some time of inactivity / not using Brave.

[kanlukasz]

I have the exact same problem on my Motorola G84.
And yes, it's the same story that @Delfayne says

App version: Brave 1.69.164, Chromium 128.0.6613.127
Operating system: Android 14; Build/U1TCS34.22-64-18-3

---

Issues from forum:

• https://community.brave.com/t/how-to-stop-brave-from-opening-a-new-tab-every-time-i-launch-the-app/553572
• https://community.brave.com/t/automatic-new-tab-upon-starting-app-android/551030

[Wlnfr]

Exact same issue on Vibe P1a42
Android 9
Brave 1.69.164, Chromium 128.0.6613.127

I am also able to consistently reproduce the issue by:

1. Close browser
2. Not opening it for 8 hours
3. Open browser and get unwanted new tab

I have been getting this new tab every time I woke up in the morning and also once during the day when I was too busy to use my phone. It was roughly 8 hours each time of not using it. Required time for reproducing might be less than 8 hours, but it's definitely more than 3 hours.

[Chromiell]

I can confirm this issue happens 100% of the times with all my Android devices after powering off the device, powering it back on and launching Brave from a cold boot. You'll be greeted with your previously opened tabs plus a new empty tab.

[kjozwiak]

The above requires 1.70.126 or higher for 1.70.x verification 👍

[kjozwiak]

Verification PASSED on Pixel 6 running Android 15 using the following build(s):

Brave | 1.70.126 Chromium: 129.0.6668.100 (Official Build) (64-bit)
--- | ---
Revision | 35f34f21e597f5f30e9e206b0354cc137df1f2a3
OS | Android 15; Build/AP41.240823.009; 35; REL

Using the STR/Cases outlined via brave/brave-core#25776 (comment), went through the following:

• ensured that new tab is not opened each time Brave is launched
• ensured that new tabs can be opened in Brave without issue
• ensured that custom tabs are working and URLs can be opened in Brave
• ensured PB tabs can be opened without any issues
• ensured that group tabs are working without any issues
• ensured that extra new tab is not opened when power cycling device and then launching Brave again