When you install a new application on your smartphone for the same tasks as the standard one (for example, Chrome instead of the built-in browser or Gmail instead of the email client from the manufacturer), the system automatically asks which one to use main But what if you missed this request, accidentally selected the wrong app, or simply changed your mind? In this article, we will look at all the ways to assign an application default to Android —from manual settings in the menu to resetting all standard applications through the developer.

The procedure differs depending on the version Android (starting c Android 10 the interface has changed) and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.). We will look at universal methods that work on 90% of devices, and will also focus separately on the features of popular brands. Important: some system applications (for example Phone or Messages) cannot be replaced completely - they can only be supplemented with alternative apps.

If after reading you still have questions, there are some at the end of the article FAQ with answers to common problems, including errors like "This application cannot be set as default" or a missing menu item. And for those who like to experiment, we have added a section about ADB commands for advanced users.

📊 What Android shell are you using?
Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola)
MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)
One UI (Samsung)
ColorOS (Oppo, Realme)
Other (EMUI, Funtouch, etc.)

1. How to check which applications are already installed by default

Before changing settings, it is useful to find out which apps are currently standard. This will help avoid conflicts (for example, if two messengers claim to process SMS) and understand why some links are opened in the wrong application.

This can be done in two ways:

  • 📱 Through system settings: go to Settings → Applications → Default applications. A list of categories (browser, mail, music, etc.) and current applications for them will be displayed here.
  • 🔍 Through information about a specific application: open Settings → Applications, select the desired application (for example Chrome) and scroll down to the "Open by default" block. It will indicate for which types of files or actions it is assigned as the main one.

On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI) the path may be slightly differ: Settings → Applications → Menu (⋮) → Default applications. If you don’t find this section, use the search in settings (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (simplified version for weak smartphones) some of the functions for managing standard applications may be limited. For example, you cannot assign a third-party browser to open all links.

2. Universal method: assigning a standard application through the settings

This is the most reliable method that works on all versions Android from 6.0 and higher. The instructions are suitable for most shells, including MIUI, One UI and ColorOS, but there may be minor differences in the names of menu items.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings your smartphone.
  2. Go to the section Applications (on some devices it may be called "All applications" or "Application Manager").
  3. In the upper right corner, click on the menu icon (⋮) and select Default applications.
  4. You will see a list of categories: Browser, Phone, Messages, Mail etc. Tap on the desired category.
  5. In the window that opens, select the application that you want to make standard. If the desired application is not in the list, it means that it does not support this function (for example, not all instant messengers can process SMS).

After selection, the system may show a warning that some functions may not work correctly. This is normal - just confirm the action. Now all relevant links or files will open in the selected application.

Make sure that the alternative application is installed and updated

Check that it supports the desired function (for example, not all browsers can open PDF)

Close any background applications that may be conflicting

Make a backup copy of important data (in case of failure)-->

3. Quick way: assignment via context menu

If you need to quickly change the standard application for a specific file type (for example, so that all photos open in Google Photos instead of the standard Galleries), you can do this directly from the file manager or browser without going into settings.

How it works:

  • 📁 For files: Open any file of the desired type (for example, a JPEG image), and when the system asks which application to open it in, select the one you need and check the box "Always" (or "Use as default").
  • 🌐 For links: If you click on a link in a message or document and it opens in the wrong browser - hold your finger on the link, select "Open in..." and set the default browser.

This method is convenient, but has a limitation: it only works for those types of files or actions that have already been initiated although just once. For example, if you have never opened APKfiles, the system will not prompt you to select a default application for this type.

💡

If the “Always” checkbox is inactive (grayed), this means that a standard application has already been assigned for this file type. To change it, you will have to go to the settings, as described in the previous section.

Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard one Android, adding their own features or, conversely, removing some functions. Let's look at the nuances for the most common shells.

Shell (brand) Path to standard application settings Features
MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Applications default There is no way to reset all standard applications at once. Some system applications (for example Security) cannot be replaced.
One UI (Samsung) Settings → Applications → Menu (⋮) → Default applications You can assign a standard application for Bixby other branded services. There is a separate section for Digital Wellbeing.
ColorOS (Oppo, Realme) Settings → Applications → Default applications Some versions do not have the ability to set a third-party launcher as default. There is a separate setting for Game Space.
EMUI (Huawei, Honor) Settings → Applications → Default applications On devices without Google Mobile Services (GMS), the list of supported categories is reduced. For example, you cannot assign Gmail for mail.

On Pixel and other devices with stock Android the shortest path: Settings → Applications → Default applications. There is also the option to reset all settings to factory settings, which is useful if you have experimented with different applications and want to return everything to the way it was.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei and Honor (especially those released after 2019) due to the lack of services Google the assignment of standard applications for mail, maps and other services may not work. In this case, you will have to use proprietary alternatives (Huawei Mobile Services).

5. Advanced method: resetting standard applications via ADB

If the standard settings do not help (for example, the desired application is not displayed in the list or the system ignores your choice), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for experienced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with ADB drivers installed.
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on your smartphone (path: Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🔌 Cable USB-Type C (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the computer and Confirm permission for debugging on the phone screen.
  2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb shell pm clear --user 0 package.name

Replace package.name with the application ID, for which you want to reset the settings to default. For example, for Chrome this com.android.chrome, for Gmail — com.google.android.gm.

To find out the package identifier, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'keyword'

For example, adb shell pm list packages | grep 'browser' will show all browsers.

How to find the package name without ADB?

If you do not have access to a computer, the package name can be found through the app App Inspector (available in Google Play). Open it, find the desired application in the list and copy the field value Package Name.

Important: after executing the command clear all application data (including cache and settings) will be reset. This will not delete the application itself, but may require re-authorization.

6. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after correct configuration, sometimes failures occur. Let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The required application is not in the list of standard ones

This means that the application does not declare support for this type of file or action in its manifest. For example, not all instant messengers can process SMS, and some browsers cannot open PDF. Solutions:

  • 🔄 Check if the application is updated to the latest version.
  • 📥 Install an alternative application with the desired function (for example, Foxit PDF Reader instead of the PDF browser).
  • 🛠️ If this is a system limitation (for example, on Huawei without GMS), use workarounds such as opening files through "Open with...".

Problem 2: The system ignores the selection of the default application

Sometimes after setting the default application, the system continues open files or links in another application. Reasons:

  • 🤖 Conflict with another application that intercepts the intent (for example, some antiviruses or optimizers).
  • 🔄 The system cache is not updated. Try rebooting your device.
  • 📦 The application has been updated and reset the settings. Try reinstalling it.

Solution: clear the application cache Settings (not data!) via Settings → Applications → Settings (⚙️) → Memory → Clear cache.

Problem 3: You cannot reset standard applications

Some devices (especially those with MIUI) do not have a button to reset all standard applications. In this case:

  • 🔧 Use ADBas described in section 5.
  • ⚙️ Reset application settings via Settings → System → Reset → Reset application settings (this will not delete your data, but will reset all permissions and settings to default).
💡

If none of the methods helped, check whether parental control software or corporate policies are installed on the device (for example, via Android Enterprise). They can block changes to standard applications.

Is it possible to make an application that is not on Google Play standard?

Yes, but only if it supports processing the desired file types or actions. For example, you can install APK an alternative browser (for example, Brave or Firefox from the official website) and assign it as standard through the settings. However, be careful: applications from unverified sources may contain malicious code.

Why did all standard applications reset after the Android update?

This is normal system behavior during major updates (for example, from Android 12 to 13). The system resets settings to default to avoid conflicts with new versions of applications. You will have to re-assign the default applications manually.

How to make a standard application for calls (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram)?

On most devices, replacing the standard application Phone is impossible for security reasons. However, you can:

  • Set up call forwarding to another number through an operator.
  • Use Google Voice (not available in all countries).
  • Set an alternative call (for example Truecaller), but it will work on top of the standard application.
What happens if you delete a standard application (for example, a browser from Samsung)?

If you delete a system application that was standard, Android will automatically reassign this role to another available application (for example Chromeif it is installed). However, on some devices (for example Xiaomi) this may cause the shell to malfunction. We recommend that you first assign an alternative application as the default, and then delete the unnecessary one.

How to return standard applications from the manufacturer?

If you want to return factory applications (for example, browser Samsung Internet instead Chrome), do the following:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications.
  2. For each category, select a system application (usually it is named by brand, for example Mi Browser or Samsung Internet).
  3. If the system application was disabled, enable it in Settings → Applications → Menu (⋮) → Show system → [application name] → Enable.