How to cancel "Remember selection" on Android: a complete guide

System notification "Remember selection"** on Android appears when opening files, connecting USB devices or selecting the default application. It simplifies repeated actions, but often leads to problems: the smartphone automatically opens files in an inconvenient application, ignores new USB drives, or blocks access to settings. In this article, we will look at how cancel a saved selection for different scenarios - from standard dialogs to hidden system parameters.

The peculiarity of the function is that Android does not always provide an obvious way to reset it. For example, in Android 12 and newer the path to the settings has changed, and manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi add their own shells with unique menus. We will look at universal methods that work on most devices, as well as specific solutions for popular brands.

Important: some actions require administrator rights or ADB. If you are not confident in your skills, skip the technical sections - there are alternative options.

1. How to cancel “Remember selection” for files and applications

The most common case is when Android automatically opens files (for example, PDF or APK) in the wrong application. To reset settings:

• 📱 Through application settings: go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Application to open. Find the desired file type (for example .pdf) and select another application or click Reset.
• 🔧 Through the file menu: find the file in Explorer, long tap on it → Open with → Always (uncheck it) → select another application.
• 🔄 Reset all settings to default: v Settings → Applications → ⋮ (menu) → Reset application settings. This will delete all saved selections, but will not affect your data.

On Samsung One UI path can differ: Settings → Applications → Default selection. On Xiaomi MIUI look Settings → Applications → Application management → Default.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting application settings will also remove permissions for all apps (access to the camera, microphone, etc.). After the procedure, they will have to be configured again.

2. Resetting the selection for USB drives and OTG devices

If Android stops recognizing flash drives or external drives after pressing "Remember selection"**, the problem lies in the USB settings. Here's how to fix it:

1. Connect the USB device to your smartphone.
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the notification Charging via USB or USB for file transfer.
3. In the window that opens, select another mode (for example, File transfer instead of Charging only).
4. Click Forget or Reset settingsif such an option exists.

If the notification does not appear:

• 🔌 Go to Settings → Storage → ⋮ (menu) → USB connection (on some devices: Settings → Advanced → Developer options → Default USB configuration).
• 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Device care → Memory → Settings (⋮) → USB settings.

Disconnect the USB device from the smartphone|

Check that the battery is charged more than 30%. data-i="103">(section 5).

Close all applications that work with files|

Reboot your device (optional)

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On Android 10 and newer, some manufacturers hide these settings. If the menu is missing, try connecting the device to a different port or using ADB (section 5).

3. Canceling selections for system dialogs (permissions, notifications)

Android remembers not only the selection of applications, but also system actions - for example, permission to install APK from unknown sources or access to notifications. settings:

On MIUI APK installation path may look like this: Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Installing packages.

4. Reset through developer settings (for advanced users)

If the standard methods did not work, try use developer mode. This method is suitable for resetting hidden system selections, for example, for ADBcommands or debugging.

Activate developer mode:

1. Go in Settings → About phone → Build number.
2. Tap Build number 7 times until a notification appears You have become developer!.
3. Go back to Settings → System → For developers (or Advanced → Developer options).

Next:

• 🔧 Find the item Reset permissions or Clear application data (on some devices).
• 📱 On Samsung: Developer Options → Reset permission settings.
• 🔄 If the required item is not there, try Disable all permissions manually for a specific application.

⚠️ Attention: Not all options in the developer menu are safe. Changing settings Animation, USB debugging or Do not turn off the screen may cause crashes. edit them unnecessarily.

5. method)

If none of the methods help, what remains is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a tool for low-level system management. It allows you to reset the selection even where Android does not provide an interface.

You will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission for debugging.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and enter:

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.packageinstaller
adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.externalstorage

To reset USB selection:

adb shell settings put global usb_configuration 0

These commands reset the default settings for the package installer and external drives. Once executed, all "Remember selection" dialogs for these actions will appear again.

6. Recovery Mode (as a last resort)

If the problem is caused by a system failure (for example, after an update or rooting), a hard reset via Recovery Modemay help. This method will delete all data on the device, so use it only as a last resort.

• 🔄 Turn off the smartphone.
• 🔘 Press the combination of buttons (depending on the model):
  • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby.
  • Xiaomi/Redmi: Power + Volume up.
  • Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down, then select Recovery Mode.
• 📱 In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset → Yes.

After resetting, all settings, including saved selections, will be deleted. Important: pre-back up your data via Settings → System → Backup or Google Account.

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.example.app