You have complete control over the default apps you use on Android for email, calls, texts, browsing, and more. Android lets you select your favorite apps as defaults, whether it be Chrome or Firefox, Gmail or Outlook, or any other third-party software that is compatible, in contrast to other mobile operating systems that force you to use a limited number of apps.
We will show you how to change the default Android apps in this tutorial. We will go over how it functions on both stock Android and well-known manufacturer skins, such as Xiaomi’s MIUI and Samsung’s One UI, as well as what to do in situations when Android lacks a default app option.
Changing your default apps can increase productivity and improve your experience. For instance, you may wish to use:
Once set, Android uses your selected app automatically — no need to choose each time.
Android supports default app selection for a variety of functions, including:
Some apps will request to be the default when first installed or opened but you can always change this manually.
Here’s how to manage your default apps on phones running near-stock Android (such as Pixel, Motorola, or Nokia devices):
Android will immediately make the chosen app the activity’s default. If you change the browser’s default, for instance, any link you click will open in the selected browser.
Samsung devices with One UI take a somewhat different path:
Samsung devices also let you reset all default apps at once via Settings > Apps > Three dots > Reset app preferences.
MIUI includes a “Manage apps” section to control default apps:
MIUI might ask you to select a new default app after installation or when you attempt to open related content.
Some apps don’t appear in the general default app settings but can still be set as defaults when opening certain file types or links.
To manage these:
This is useful if you want all YouTube links to open in the app rather than in a browser, or if you have accidentally enabled an app to always open PDFs or photos.
If you’ve set the wrong default app or want to start over:
This won’t delete any data but will clear app defaults, disabled apps, and permission restrictions.
Alternatively, to reset just one app:
This lets you reassign that app’s function later.
Here are some recommended apps to consider setting as default:
Make sure the app supports being set as a default. Some lightweight or older apps may not offer this functionality.
Some Android versions or manufacturers may restrict default app changes for certain functions — especially camera or dialer apps. In those cases:
Changing the default apps on Android provides you control over your digital experience. Whether you want a speedier browser, a cleaner messaging app, or a more powerful camera, Android allows you to select what works best for you.
By looking into your device’s default app settings, you may optimize your workflows and eliminate annoyances such as accessing links in the wrong app or using services you dislike. With a few touches, Android becomes your own—not what the manufacturer or carrier wants you to use.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Cristian Penisoara is a Guides Writer and Android specialist at Droid Tools. An Android user since version 2 and a professional event photographer, he combines technical curiosity with a detail-oriented approach - every guide he publishes is tested step-by-step on a real device before it goes live.
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