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How to Easily Change and Clear Default Apps on Any Android Device
What to Know
- Go to Settings > Apps, then tap Default apps or Choose default apps.
- Choose an app category, like Browser app or Phone app. Pick a new default app from the list.
- To reset the default apps, select Reset app preferences from the apps list in Settings.
This article explains how to set, change, or clear default apps on your Android. The steps vary slightly among manufacturers and software versions, but the basic instructions apply to all Android devices.
How to Change Default Apps on Android
It's a fairly simple process to change which app opens a file automatically for you. When you tap a link or open a file, you're offered a choice of apps. After you select an app, select Always to make it the default, or pick Just once to use that app just this time.
Don't see those options? The other way to change the default app for web browsing, making calls, sending texts, etc., is through Settings:
Open Settings and tap Apps.
Tap Default apps or Choose default apps (whichever option you see).
Select a category. For example, select Browser app to pick a different web browser, or SMS app to choose a different texting app.
Select an app to make it the new default app.
Tap the back arrow to return to the previous page. Your selected app is listed as the default.
Expert Tip: Note
Some Android manufacturers install their own defaults and offer limited capability to make changes.
How to Clear Default Apps on Android
If you've made lots of changes to your default apps and want to return to that original set, restoring Android's default apps is simple. It's hidden away in an overflow menu in the Settings app. Here's how to get there:
Open Settings and select Apps.
Tap the three dots at the top right.