How to change the default apps on new Android devices
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.
Why change your default apps?
Changing your default apps can increase productivity and improve your experience. For instance, you may wish to use:
- A privacy-focused browser like DuckDuckGo instead of Chrome
- A lightweight email app instead of the default one
- A better gallery app with cloud backup support
- A different SMS app with customization features
Once set, Android uses your selected app automatically — no need to choose each time.
What types of default apps can be changed?
Android supports default app selection for a variety of functions, including:
- Browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Brave)
- Phone (dialer apps)
- Messaging/SMS (e.g., Google Messages, Textra)
- Email (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, K-9 Mail)
- Home screen launcher
- Digital assistant
- Camera
- Gallery/photos
- Music player
- Navigation apps (Maps, Waze, etc.)
- Links handling (web, YouTube, etc.)
Some apps will request to be the default when first installed or opened but you can always change this manually.
How to change default apps on stock Android
Here’s how to manage your default apps on phones running near-stock Android (such as Pixel, Motorola, or Nokia devices):
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps.
- Choose Default apps.
- You’ll see a list of categories: browser app, phone app, SMS app, assistant app, home app, etc.
- Tap any category to see installed apps compatible with that function.
- Choose your preferred app from the list.
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.
How to change default apps on Samsung (One UI)
Samsung devices with One UI take a somewhat different path:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Apps.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select Default apps.
- You’ll see the same categories as stock Android: browser, calling, messaging, and more.
- Tap the category you want to change.
- Select your new default app.
Samsung devices also let you reset all default apps at once via Settings > Apps > Three dots > Reset app preferences.
How to change default apps on Xiaomi (MIUI)
MIUI includes a “Manage apps” section to control default apps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps > Manage apps.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right and select Default apps.
- Choose a category like browser, dialer, messaging, or gallery.
- Select your desired app.
MIUI might ask you to select a new default app after installation or when you attempt to open related content.
How to handle app-specific defaults (like file types or links)
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:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Tap See all apps and choose the app you want to configure.
- Tap Open by default.
- Enable Open supported links or clear defaults by tapping Clear defaults.
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.
How to reset default apps
If you’ve set the wrong default app or want to start over:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Tap the three dots (or menu icon).
- Select Reset app preferences.
- Confirm to reset all app defaults.
This won’t delete any data but will clear app defaults, disabled apps, and permission restrictions.
Alternatively, to reset just one app:
- Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Open by default
- Tap Clear defaults
This lets you reassign that app’s function later.
Choosing the best default apps
Here are some recommended apps to consider setting as default:
- Browser: Firefox Focus (privacy), Brave (ad blocking), Chrome (sync)
- Email: Gmail (Google integration), Outlook (work email), BlueMail (multi-account)
- Messaging: Signal (privacy), Google Messages (RCS), Textra (customizable)
- Gallery: Simple Gallery, Google Photos, Aves
- Music: YouTube Music, VLC, Poweramp
- Navigation: Google Maps, Waze, HERE WeGo
Make sure the app supports being set as a default. Some lightweight or older apps may not offer this functionality.
What if Android won’t let you change a default?
Some Android versions or manufacturers may restrict default app changes for certain functions — especially camera or dialer apps. In those cases:
- Make sure the new app is fully updated and has the necessary permissions.
- Check for manufacturer limitations in forums.
- Use Activity Launcher or ADB commands (for advanced users) to override.
- Root access may be required for some deep changes — though this is not recommended for most users.
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.
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