How to set a default app on Android: instructions for all versions

Every user Android sooner or later is faced with a situation where the smartphone automatically opens the wrong application. For example, links are launched in a hated browser, and photos are launched in a standard gallery with reduced functionality. The reason is simple: the system uses default applicationsthat were selected a long time ago or installed by the manufacturer. Fortunately, you can change these settings in a few steps - and today we will look at all the possible methods.

In this article you will find current instructions for Android 9–14, including features shells Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI i Google Pixel. We will also tell you how to reset the settings to factory settings if the system has “forgotten” your preferences, and what to do if the application you need is not displayed in the list. Important: on some devices with pre-installed services (for example, Huawei AppGallery), some of the functions may be limited by the manufacturer's policy.

Why Android itself selects applications by default

The system assigns default applications automatically in three cases:

• 🔹 First launch: when you first open a link, file, or perform an action (for example, make a call), Android asks which application to use. If you select “Always”, the system will remember the choice.
• 🔹 Pre-installed services: Manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) often tie their applications to key functions - browser, SMS or gallery.
• 🔹 OS updates: after major updates (for example, from Android 12 to 13), settings may be reset.

It is interesting that some applications (for example, Google Chrome or YouTube) themselves offer to become standard upon first launch. This is not a mistake, but a marketing ploy: the developers want you to use their product. Fortunately, you can always change the selection —more on this later.

⚠️ Attention: on devices with Android Go Edition (for example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy A03s) list available default applications may be greatly reduced due to system optimization.

How to change the default application: a universal method

This method works on all versions of Android from 9 to 14, including shells One UI, MIUI, ColorOS and stock Android. Instructions:

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
2. Go to section Applications (or Manage applications on Xiaomi).
3. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Default applications.
4. In the list, find the category you want to change (for example, Browser, Phone, SMS).
5. Select the desired application from the proposed ones. If it is not in the list, it means that it does not support this function.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23) the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Applications → Select default applications

If the application you need is not in the list, check:

• 📌 Is it installed on the device (sometimes users delete standard services via ADB).
• 📌 Does it support this function (for example, Telegram cannot be the default SMS application).
• 📌 Are there any restrictions from the manufacturer (for Huawei without Google Mobile Services some functions are not available).

Check whether the desired application is installed|

Make sure it supports the desired function (for example, calls)|

Close all active applications before changing settings|

Restart your phone if the changes do not apply-->

Features on different versions of Android

The settings interface may differ depending on the OS version. Below are the key differences:

On Samsung One UI 5/6 (for example, Galaxy S22/S23) the path looks like this:

Settings → Applications → Select default applications → [Category]

And on Xiaomi MIUI 14 (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5):

Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Default applications

⚠️ Attention: on devices with Android 8.1 and below (for example, Samsung Galaxy J6 2018) the settings interface can be radically differ. If your smartphone is older than 2019, we recommend updating the firmware or using alternative methods (see the section about ADB).

Android 9–10|

Android 11–12|

Android 13–14|

I don’t know your version-->

How to reset all applications to default

If you want to return to factory settings or just start from scratch, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Default applications.
2. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots and select Reset application settings (or Reset preferences on Xiaomi).
3. Confirm the action. The system will return to standard applications (for example, Google Messages for SMS, Chrome for links).

After the reset, the next time you open a link or file, Android will again ask which application to use. This is convenient if:

• 🔄 You are selling a phone and want to remove personal settings.
• 🔄 The system is “buggy” and does not save your preferences.
• 🔄 You are testing different applications and want to compare their performance.

On some devices (for example, Oppo Reno 8 s ColorOS 13), the reset option may be located in a different place:

Settings → Applications → Application settings (gear icon) → Reset application settings

How to set the default application via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware or devices with limited settings), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for:

• 🛠️ Devices with deleted system applications.
• 🛠️ Smartphones, where the manufacturer has blocked changing settings (for example, some models Huawei).
• 🛠️ Automation of the process (for example, for setting up several phones).

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   Wait for the device serial number to appear.

4. Use the command to set the default application. For example, to make Firefox the default browser:

   adb shell cmd package set-home-activity org.mozilla.firefox/.App

   For other categories (SMS, calls) the commands are different - they can be found in the documentation ADB.

⚠️ Warning: incorrect use ADB may lead to system malfunctions. Do not change the settings if you are not sure of their purpose.

What to do if the desired application is not displayed in the list

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the desired application (for example, VLC for video or Signal for SMS) simply does not appear in the selection menu. Reasons and solutions:

If you are sure that an application should support the function, but it is not in the list, try:

1. Clear cache and application data (Settings → Applications → [Name] → Memory → Clear cache/data).
2. Reinstall the application.
3. Check if there are updates for it in Google Play.

For example, Microsoft Edge may not appear as the default browser if it is installed as APK (not from the official store). In this case, install it via Play Market.

Common errors and how to avoid them

When changing default applications, users often make common mistakes. Here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• ❌ Settings are not saved: if, after selecting an application, the system opens the old one again, try:
  • 🔹 Restart the phone.
  • 🔹 Clear application cache Settings (Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear cache).
  • 🔹 Reset application settings (see section above).
• ❌ The application does not open files: for example, you set VLC as the default player, but the video still opens in Google Photos. Solution: The application does not open Google Photos files Set the default application directly when opening the file (a request should appear).
  • 🔹 Check if it supports VLC file format (eg .mkv or .flac).
  • 🔹 Set the default application directly when opening the file (you should be prompted).
• ❌ The “Applications by” item has disappeared. default": on some firmware (for example, Flyme OS on Meizu) this section may be hidden. Try using the search in the settings for the request “default”.

Another common problem is application conflict. For example, if you have both Google Messagesand Samsung Messagesinstalled, the system may be confused which one to use for SMS. In this case:

1. Open the settings of the SMS application that you do not need.
2. Disable notifications or delete it.
3. Set the remaining application as default.

FAQ: Answers to common questions questions

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d file:///sdcard/example.pdf -t application/pdf