How to change the default apps on Android

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

A default app is the one that opens automatically, for example when you tap a web link or a phone number. You can replace the browser, phone, messaging, home screen and assistant apps.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

1. Install the app you want to use

   It has to be on the phone before it can be chosen.

   Done

2. Open Settings and tap Apps

   On Samsung, tap Apps, then Choose default apps.

   Done

3. Tap Default apps

   A list of categories appears.

   Done

4. Tap a category and choose the app

   For example, tap Browser app and select Firefox.

   Done

Good to know

Opening links controls which app opens links to a particular website, for example YouTube links opening in the YouTube app. Tap it at the bottom of Default apps.

For file types such as PDFs, Android asks the first time you open one. Choose the app and tap Always. To undo that, open Settings, Apps, the app, Open by default, Clear default preferences.

Changing the SMS app moves no messages. The new app reads the same message store.

In short: Settings, Apps, Default apps, pick a category, choose the app.