How to Change Default Apps on Android
When you tap a link, Android opens it in a specific browser. When you tap an address, it opens a specific map app. These are called default apps. You can change them anytime.
Where to find default apps
Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps. On Samsung phones, it's under Settings → Apps → Choose default apps. You can set:
- Browser app: Chrome, Samsung Internet, Firefox, Edge and so on.
- Home app (launcher): the app that controls your home screen.
- Phone app and SMS app.
- Digital assistant app.
- Caller ID and spam app.
Opening links in apps
In Default apps, tap Opening links. Select an app, like YouTube or Instagram, and choose whether it should open supported links automatically. If links keep opening in the wrong app, turn this off for that app.
Reset a default
If you chose "Always" by mistake when opening a file type, go to Settings → Apps → [that app] → Open by default (or Set as default) and tap Clear defaults. Next time, Android will ask again.
Default apps for files
When opening a PDF, image or video, Android asks which app to use. Choose Just once to test, or Always to set it as default.
About third-party launchers
Launchers change how your home screen looks. Reputable launchers can add useful features, but avoid launchers full of ads or asking for excessive permissions. To go back, set your phone's original launcher as the default Home app.
Changing the SMS app
Only one app can be the default SMS app. If you switch, only that app can send and receive text messages, and OTP codes will appear there.
Sensible default choices
There's no single right answer, but these guidelines help most people:
- Browser: choose one you also use on your computer so bookmarks and passwords sync, such as Chrome with Chrome, or Edge with Edge. Firefox and Brave are good privacy-focused options.
- SMS: keep your phone's built-in Messages app or Google Messages. Avoid unknown SMS apps, since they can read banking OTPs.
- Phone and caller ID: built-in apps are the safest. If you install a caller ID app, check its privacy policy carefully; some upload your contacts.
- Home app: the default launcher is usually best for battery and stability.
- Digital assistant: choose the assistant you actually use; you can set it to "None" if you don't want one.
Default apps for PDFs, photos and videos
When you open a PDF for the first time, Android asks which app to use. Good choices are Google Drive's PDF viewer, Adobe Acrobat or your phone's Files app. For videos, the built-in player or VLC handles most formats. For photos, Google Photos or your Gallery app works well.
If an app you just installed takes over opening a file type and you don't like it, clear its defaults as described above, or uninstall it.
After switching phones
Default app choices don't always transfer to a new phone. After setting up, open a link, a PDF and a photo once each to set your preferences. See our phone transfer guide for the rest of the setup.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my phone keep asking which app to use?
No default is set for that action. Choose an app and tap "Always".
Can I set Google Maps as the default for addresses?
Yes, through Opening links or by choosing "Always" when you tap an address.
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