How to reset the default app on Android: a complete guide

Have you ever encountered a situation where your smartphone automatically opens wrong application for calls, photos or links? For example, instead Google Chrome suddenly it starts Samsung Internet, and photos open in Galery Go instead of the usual Google Photos. This happens because Android remembers your last choice and assigns the application default —but this is not always convenient.

In this article we will look into all possible ways to change the default app on Android, including standard system settings, hidden functions for advanced users, and even commands via ADB. The instructions are relevant for devices on Android 10–14 from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, OnePlus and other brands. You will learn how to reset settings for individual file types (images, videos, links) or completely clear all bindings.

We will pay special attention to cases when the standard reset does not work - for example, if the system ignores your actions or the "Clear default settings" button is inactive. For such situations, we have prepared alternative methodsincluding manual editing of configuration files (for advanced users).

1. Standard reset via Android settings

The easiest way to reset the default application is to use the system's built-in tools. This method works on all devices, regardless of the manufacturer, but the interface may differ slightly depending on the shell (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS etc.).

Here are universal instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications (or All applications).
2. Find in the list the application that currently opens by default (for example, Chrome for links).
3. Tap on it and select Open by default (or Default settings).
4. Click Clear default settings (or Reset).

Then next time When you open a file or link, the system will again prompt you to select an application. If the button Clear settings is inactive (gray), then this application is not assigned by default to any file type. In this case, check other applications of the same type (for example, if Chrome is inactive, try Samsung Internet).

Find all applications associated with the problematic file type

Make sure that the application has the "Open supported links" permission

Check if the antivirus is blocking settings changes

Reboot the device after resetting-->

2. Reset for specific file types (images, links, videos)

Android allows you to flexibly manage default applications for each content type separately. For example, you can leave Google Photos image viewing but reset for video. Here's how to do it:

Go to Settings → Applications → Default settings (on some devices the path may look like Settings → Applications → Three dots (⋮) → Default applications). Here you will see a list of categories:

• 📷 Browser — for opening links (http://, https://)
• 📸 Gallery — for images (.jpg, .png)
• 🎵 Music — for audio files (.mp3, .flac)
• 🎬 Video — for video files (.mp4, .mkv)
• 📞 Phone —for outgoing calls
• 💬 SMS —for messages

Tap on the desired category and select Clear or Reset. The system will return to factory settings for this file type. Please note: on some devices (for example Xiaomi c MIUI), you may need to first select another application and then return the settings to factory settings.

What to do if the category is not in the list?

If the desired category is not in Default settings, this means that a default application has not yet been selected for this file type. Try manually opening this type of file (for example, download a test image), and the system will prompt you to select an application. After this, the category will appear in the settings.

3. Using ADB to force a reset (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the reset button is inactive or the system ignores changes), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling debugging mode, but gives full control over the default settings.

Here are step-by-step guide:

1. Enable Developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times by Build number.
2. Return to Settings → System → For developers and activate USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB Tools (for example, via Platform Tools from Google) and run the command:

adb shell pm clear-defaults com.package.name

Replace com.package.name with the package identifier of the problematic application (for example, com.android.chrome for Google Chrome). You can find out the exact package using the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to search all browsers: adb shell pm list packages | grep "browser".

4. Reset all settings to default at once

If you need completely clear all bindings (for example, after transferring data from another phone or resetting to factory settings), you can use the universal ADB command:

adb shell pm clear-defaults

This command will reset all default settings for all file types and actions. After completing it, the first time you open any file or link, Android will again prompt you to select an application.

An alternative method without ADB is to reset application settings through the recovery menu (Recovery Mode), but this is a more radical method, since it also clears the cache and data of some system applications. To avoid data loss, we recommend that you first try ADB commands.

5. Problems and solutions: why the reset does not work

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the default settings do not reset or revert back after a reboot. Here are the most common reasons and their solutions:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The "Clear" button is inactive	Application is not assigned as default	Check other applications of the same type (for example, another browser)
Settings are reset, but return after reboot	System software or shell overrides settings	Use ADB command pm clear-defaults or disable battery optimization for the problematic application
There is no option to select another application	The application is blocked by device policies (for example, on a work phone)	Contact the device administrator or check the settings Device management
The reset works, but the system ignores the selection	Corrupted system cache or application conflict	Clear the cache for Settings i Launcher via Settings → Applications

If none of the methods helped, the problem may lie in firmware or manufacturer's shell. For example, on some devices, default settings are strictly tied to system applications. In such cases, only installing custom firmware (for example, Huawei With EMUI or Xiaomi With MIUI default settings are strictly tied to system applications. In such cases it will only help unlocking bootloader and installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOSwill help), but this will void the warranty and requires technical skills. bootloader

6. Alternative methods: third-party utilities and manual editing

For users with root access additional methods are available to manage the default settings. One of them is manual editing of the file /data/system/package.xmlwhere all bindings are stored. However, this method is risky: an incorrect change can lead to system crash.

A safer option is to use specialized utilities from Google Play:

• 🔧 Default App Manager - allows you to manage all default settings in one interface.
• 🛠️ App Manager (from Muntashir) - open source, supports ADB commands without a PC.
• 🔄 Reset Default Apps - simplified tool for quick reset.

Before using third-party utilities, check the reviews and permissions they request. Some applications may require Accessibility Service or Usage Datawhich is potentially unsafe. Give preference to open source apps (for example, on GitHub).

How to check the security of an application?

Before installation, check:

1. Date of last update (current applications are updated at least once every 3 months).

2. Number of downloads (less than 10,000 is a reason to be wary).

3. Reviews on independent sites (for example, XDA Developers).

4. Permission requests (for example, access to SMS for the application manager is a red flag).

7. Features for different brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel

Manufacturers often modify Android to suit their needs, so the process of resetting applications to default may vary. Here are the key nuances for popular brands:

Samsung (One UI):

• Path to settings: Settings → Applications → Three dots (⋮) → Select default.
• To reset the browser, you may need to disable Samsung Internet in Settings → Applications → Disable.
• On some models (for example, Galaxy S22), the reset only works after a reboot.

Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS):

• Path: Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Default settings.
• MIUI can block the reset for system applications (for example Mi BrowserThe solution is to use ADB.
• On new versions (HyperOS), an option appeared Reset all settings to default in the menu Advanced.

Google Pixel (Stock Android):

• The "cleanest" interface: Settings → Applications → Default settings.
• Supports resetting via ADB without additional restrictions.
• On Pixel 6/7/8 s Android 13+ an option has been added Reset preferences to the application menu.

Other brands (OnePlus, Oppo, Realme):

• Skins ColorOS and OxygenOS hide default settings in Settings → Other settings → Settings by default.
• On OnePlus s OxygenOS 13+ you may need to disable the function System optimization in the battery settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting applications to default

Is it possible to reset default settings without root access?

Yes, in 90% of cases the standard Android settings or ADB commands are sufficient. root access is only required to manually edit system files or use some third-party utilities. If you are not an experienced user, start with methods without root.

Why does the system assign the same application as default again after a reset?

This is typical behavior of shells from manufacturers (for example, MIUI or One UI). They can automatically reset their system apps to factory settings. Solutions:

• Use the ADB command pm clear-defaults.
• Disable battery optimization for an alternative application.
• Set another application as default immediately after the reset.

How to find out which application opens a certain type of files by default?

There are several ways:

1. Try opening a file of this type (for example, download a test image .jpg). The system will show the current application by default.
2. Use the ADB command: adb shell dumpsys package | grep "preferred".
3. Install the application Default App Manager from Google Play - it will show all current bindings.

Will resetting applications to default delete my data?

No, reset to default does not delete application data, cache or accounts. It only clears file and action bindings to specific apps. Your photos, messages and other data will remain untouched.

Is it possible to cancel the default application for calls or SMS?

Yes, but with reservations:

• For calls: go c Settings → Applications → Phone and reset the settings. On some devices (for example, Samsung), you may need to disable the standard application Phone and install an alternative (for example, Google Phone).
• For SMS: similar, but keep in mind that many shells block changing the standard SMS application due to integration with operator services.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices, resetting the call or SMS application may lead to the loss of the speed dial function or message notifications. Before making changes, check the operation of an alternative application.