Change Your Default Apps in Android

The first time Android needs to open a particular file type, whether an image or PDF, you'll be asked which app you want to use. Having your phone know your preferences is handy, but it can be frustrating if you change your mind down the road. Here's how to get back the freedom of choice.


Setting default apps

Any time Android encounters a file type that isn't associated with one particular app—be it a URL or an MP3—it scours the system for compatible apps and asks you which one to fire up. By selecting Always you can commit to using this app again in the future every time for this particular type of content.

You could select Just once and make a selection each time, but there's no need to put yourself through the inconvenience. If you ever change your mind (there's an amazing new browser app in town, perhaps) then it's not difficult to undo.

Clearing default apps

You'll need to make a note of the app that's currently opening the file type you're interested in. Head to Settings thenApps and find the app in question: from the app's options page, tapClear defaults and you're good to go.

Unfortunately there's no way to fine-tune this if an app is associated with several file types. So if, say, you open images from three different places in Gallery and want to switch to Photos for one of them, you'll have to re-select a preference for each source. The next time an open command is initiated, the decision screen appears again, complete with all the compatible apps that are currently installed.