Setting default applications on Samsung: a complete guide for One UI

On smartphones Samsung Galaxy with shell One UI the choice of default applications can significantly affect the usability of the device. For example, if you prefer Google Chrome instead of the standard one Samsung Internet, or Google Messages instead of the native SMS application, the system must know about your choice. However, the settings interface on Samsung is different from the “pure” one, which often causes confusion among users. Android, which often causes confusion among users.

In this article we will look at all the possible ways to set the default application on Samsung, including hidden settings for specific types of content (calls, links, media files). We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with One UI 5.0/6.0 and common errors that can cause settings to be reset. If you are faced with a situation where the system ignores your choice or constantly asks “Open with...” - here you will find a solution.

Why is it difficult to change default applications on Samsung?

Unlike Google Pixel or devices with "clean" Androidwhere the default application settings are collected in one the menu Samsung distributes them into several sections. This is due to:

• 🔹 Duplicate services: Samsung preinstalls its own analogues for many applications Google (browser, gallery, messages), which creates a conflict of choices.
• 🔹 One UI Launcher: the shell actively promotes proprietary applications, sometimes blocking changes in settings for key actions (for example, processing calls).
• 🔹 Android 13+ restrictions: new OS versions tighten the rules for default applications, especially in terms of SMS and phone calls.

In addition, after major updates One UI (for example, from 5.0 to 6.0) settings may reset. This is not a bug, but a feature of the Samsung Knox security system, which rechecks permissions after updates.

Method 1: Change through "Application Settings" (universal method)

This method works for most types of content: links, media files, maps. The instructions are relevant for One UI 5.0–6.1:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Default applications.
3. In the list, find the category you want to change (for example, Browser, Gallery).
4. Select the desired application from those offered. If it is not in the list, first install it from Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 4) item Default applications may be hidden behind an additional menu. If it is not there, use Method 3 (through the settings of a specific application).

Make sure that the alternative application installed

Check the One UI version (Settings → Phone information → One UI version)

Close all background applications (especially instant messengers)

Disable power saving mode (may block changes)

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Method 2: Setting up for calls and SMS (features of One UI)

Changing default applications for calls and SMS to Samsung has its own nuances due to integration with services Samsung Knox and Google Mobile Services. Here's how to do it correctly:

For telephone calls:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default selection → Phone.
2. If you want to use Google Phone instead of the standard one Samsung Phone, first install it from Google Play.
3. After selecting Google Phone you may need to restart the device to apply the changes.

For SMS messages:

• 📱 In One UI 6.0+ the selection of an application for SMS is blocked if activated Samsung Messages as a system one. To get around this, disable notifications in the standard application (Settings → Notifications → Samsung Messages → Disable).
• 🔄 After changing the SMS application, check the operation RCS chats (they may be disabled). Google Messages they may turn off).

Method 3: Through the settings of a specific application

If the application you need is not displayed in the list by default, try setting it up directly:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Find in the list the application that you want to make the main one (for example, VLC for video).
3. Tap on Open as default (or Default settings).
4. Select the file types that this application should process (for example, .mp4, .mkv).

⚠️ Attention: On Galaxy A-series (for example, A54, A34) this method may not work for system applications (for example, Samsung Gallery). In this case, use Method 4 (via file association).

Content type	Samsung standard application	Popular alternative	Features settings
Browser	Samsung Internet	Google Chrome, Firefox	You may need to disable Samsung Free in the browser settings
Gallery	Samsung Gallery	Google Photos, Simple Gallery	For Google Photos you need to allow access to media in the application settings
Calls	Samsung Phone	Google Phone, Truecaller	On One UI 6.0 Truecaller cannot completely replace the system application
SMS	Samsung Messages	Google Messages, Textra	You need to disable notifications in the standard application

Method 4: File association (for media and documents)

If you want certain types of files to always open in the selected application (for example, .pdf in Adobe Acrobat), do the following:

1. Find in Files (or My file) a file of the desired format.
2. Hold your finger on the file → Open with.
3. Select application and check Always (or Use as default).

On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.1+ this method does not work for system formats (for example, .apk will always open through Package Installer).

To bulk change associations:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default selection → Opening settings.
2. Select a file type (for example, Audio) and assign an application.

What to do if "Always" inactive?

If the option Always is inactive (gray), this means that:

1. The application does not support processing of this type of file (check its description in Google Play).

2. The file is on the SD card - transfer it to the internal memory.

3. The mode For work (Work Profile) is activated, which blocks changes.

Method 5: Reset all settings to default

If, after experimenting with the settings, the system begins to behave unstable (for example, it constantly asks “Open with..."), perform a reset:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action. This will not delete application data, but will reset all file associations.

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, you may need to reassign default applications for calls and SMSas these are considered "critical" settings.

Common problems and solutions

Even after proper configuration, users Samsung Galaxy may encounter the following problems:

• 🔄 Settings are reset after the update: This is normal behavior Samsung Knox. After the update, go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings and confirm permissions for applications.
• 📱 The application does not appear in the list: Make sure that it supports processing this type of content. For example, Telegram cannot be the default SMS application.
• 🔒 The system ignores the selection: Check if the mode is activated Safe Mode (hold the power button → turn it off).

If the problem persists, try:

1. Clear application cache Settings (Settings → Applications → Settings → Memory → Clear cache).
2. Disable battery optimization for the selected application (Settings → Device care → Battery → Battery optimization).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up applications by default

Can I make Google Chrome the default browser on Samsung Galaxy?

Yes, but with nuances. In One UI 6.0 after selecting Chrome in the default settings (Settings → Applications → Default applications → Browser) may need to be additionally disabled Samsung Free in settings Samsung Internetso that links are not redirected back.

Why after changing SMS applications have stopped receiving notifications?

This is due to the fact that Samsung Messages by default has priority in the notification system. To fix:

1. Open Settings → Notifications → Additional settings.
2. Find a new SMS application (for example, Google Messages) and enable it Show notifications.
3. Disable notifications for Samsung Messages.

How to return the standard application Samsung Gallery after using Google Photos?

Go to Settings → Applications → Google Photos → Open as default and reset the settings. Then in Settings → Applications → Default applications → Gallery select Samsung GalleryIf the option is inactive, clear the data. Google Photos (Settings → Applications → Google Photos → Memory → Clear data).

Can I make Truecaller the default call application?

It can handle incoming calls, but does not replace the system application for outgoing calls. To improve integration: One UI 6.0+ Truecaller can handle incoming calls, but does not replace the system application for outgoing calls. To improve integration:

1. IN Truecaller activate the option Replacing the standard phone application (in the application settings).
2. In Settings → Applications → Default selection → Phone select Truecaller.
3. Allow Truecaller access to Call log and Contacts.

Please note: outgoing calls will still go through the system application, but with an overlay Truecaller.

Why do some applications not open files after resetting?

This is due to the fact that Samsung Knox blocking automatic associations for "untrusted" applications. Solution:

1. Manually open the file of the desired type via Files and select the application with a checkmark Always.
2. If option is inactive, go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Install unknown applications and allow access for the file manager.