How to change default apps in Android

It’s a problem you might run into regularly. You tap a file that you really want to open with a particular app, but for some reason, Android keeps opening it with some application you couldn’t care less about. That’s because you’ve got the wrong default app selected for that type of file. You’re in the right place, however. In this brief guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing default apps on Android.

Editor’s note: These instructions were put together using a Google Pixel 7 running Android 13 and a Tecno Phantom X running Android 11. It’s a great device to base any guide on, but some steps might differ depending on your device and software. 

How to manage default apps

The process used to be much more complicated, but Google has turned managing default apps into an effortless task. It’s baked right into the settings.

Step-by-step instructions to manage default apps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Go into Apps.
3. Select Default apps.
4. Pick the apps you want for each option.
5. You can also go into Opening links to edit individual apps on your phone.

Manage defaults as you go

Important: This feature is no longer available since Android 12. If you have the newer OS version, you’ll have to resort to changing your default apps using the guide in the previous section. Those with Android 11 and prior versions can still use this method.

The Android operating system used a slick concept called “implicit intent.” Basically, if the user or an app calls for the device to do something like taking a picture, the operating system will look for an app that can get the job done. If more than one option exists, and no default has been selected (or a new alternative has been installed since the last time a default was set), then Android will ask which app you prefer to use. This makes the process of setting default apps easy and intuitive.

Next time you open any link or action, and Android gives you options for which app to use, select your preferred default app. You can choose Just once or Always. Select Always if you want to make that app the default one. The operating will remember your preference from then on.

The only issue with doing this is that sometimes people accidentally set a default app they didn’t intend to. You can follow the steps in the previous section to change your preference. Once you get to the Default apps section, go into Opening links. Find the app you want to change your preferences for and go into it. You’ll get all the options you need there.

Step-by-step instructions to manage defaults as you go:

1. Open a link to a website or action you want to set a default app for. I’m using BestBuy as an example.
2. Android will ask you which app you want to use.
3. You can pick to use this app Just Once or Always.
4. Pick Always to set it as the preferred method.

Nuclear option: Reset all default apps

If you can’t figure out which app default is giving you fits and the option to choose a new default isn’t appearing no matter what you do, there’s still hope!

However, remember that going through with this procedure will also enable all disabled apps, reset any app notification options, and remove any background data restrictions or permission restrictions placed on specific apps. You won’t lose any data, but if you play around with your apps’ settings a lot, you might have to do a fair amount of reconfiguring to get things back to how you like them.

If you’re ready for an app settings reset, here’s how.

Step-by-step instructions to reset default apps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Go into Apps.
3. Tap on the See all apps option.
4. Hit the three-dot menu button.
5. Tap on Reset app preferences.
6. Confirm by selecting Reset apps.

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