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Menu names and locations vary by device. The paths below are Google Pixel and Google Android paths; other manufacturers may use different menus. Google notes that some Pixel instructions apply only to Android 14 and newer.
Set a default app from Settings
Use this method when you already know which app should handle a particular category of action.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Default apps.
- Tap the category you want to change, such as Browser app or Phone app.
- Choose an app from the list.
Android lists apps that it presents for the selected category or action. Installing an app does not make it eligible for every type of default.
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Set the default browser
On a Pixel or Google Android device, open Settings → Apps → Default apps or Settings → Apps → Choose default apps. Under General, tap Browser app, then select the browser you want to use.
Choose an app when Android asks
Android can ask which app to use when multiple installed apps can handle an action and no applicable default has been selected.
- Start the action, such as tapping a web link or opening a file.
- When Android asks which app to use, tap the app you want.
- Tap Always to make it the default, or Just once to use it only this time.
Always stops Android from asking for that action again. Just once uses the selected app for that occurrence only.
Change an existing default app
You do not normally need to clear the old default before replacing it. On Pixel devices, change it directly from default-app settings:
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- Tap the relevant category.
- Select the replacement app.
For a browser, open Settings → Apps → Default apps or Choose default apps, tap Browser app, then select a different browser. Clear the old default only when you want to make Android ask again.
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Clear a default app association
Clear an association when you want to remove an app’s default handling choice.
- Open Settings → Apps.
- Tap the app currently handling the action. If it is not listed, tap See all apps.
- Tap Open by default.
- Tap Clear default preferences.
Repeat the original action, such as opening the same kind of link or file. If Android presents a choice, select an app and tap Always or Just once. If only one compatible app is available, Android may open it directly rather than show a chooser.
Clear default preferences removes the app’s default handling choice; it does not uninstall the app.
Remove the app completely
Clearing a default and uninstalling an app are different. To uninstall an app through Google Play on Android 13 and newer:
- Open the Play Store.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Tap Manage apps & devices.
- Open the Manage tab.
- Select the app.
- Tap Uninstall.
Once uninstalled, the app is no longer available to handle actions. If another compatible app remains, Android can use it or ask you to choose. You can generally reinstall a purchased app without paying again by using the account that purchased it.
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What if the app is preinstalled?
Some system apps cannot be deleted. Depending on the phone, you may be able to Disable a preinstalled app instead. This option depends on the manufacturer.
To check, open Settings → Apps → See all apps → [app name]. If available, tap Disable. Do not disable an app if you are unsure what system functions depend on it.
When the desired app does not appear
If an app is missing from a default-app category, Android is not presenting it as an option for that category. Google’s documented Pixel settings flow does not provide a way to force an incompatible app into the list.
- Check that you opened the right category, such as browser, phone, or SMS.
- Check that the app supports the file type, link type, or action.
- Check whether the app is disabled or whether you are using a different user or work profile.
- Search Settings for Default apps or Choose default apps; other manufacturers may use different menu names.
Fix an old app that keeps opening
If Android continues launching the previous app, clear its association, then repeat the action:
Settings → Apps → See all apps → [old app] → Open by default → Clear default preferences
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Select the preferred app if Android presents a choice. Clearing a default may not produce a chooser if only one compatible app is available.
Pixel and Android version notes
Google says some steps in its Pixel default-app instructions work only on Android 14 and newer. Menu labels and locations can also vary by device and software version. These paths are documented for Pixel and Google Android; other manufacturers may use different routes.
| What you want to do | Control to use | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Choose a replacement | Default apps | Assigns another app listed for that category |
| Remove an app’s default choice | Open by default → Clear default preferences | Clears its handling association |
| Remove an installed app | Play Store → Manage apps & devices → Manage → Uninstall | Uninstalls the app |
| Stop some preinstalled apps | Disable | Turns off the app where the manufacturer permits it |
FAQ
How do I change the default browser on Android?
On a Pixel or Google Android device, open Settings → Apps → Default apps or Choose default apps, tap Browser app, and select a browser.
Do I have to clear the old default before changing apps?
No. Open Default apps, choose the relevant category, and select the replacement. Clear default preferences when you want Android to ask again.
Why is my preferred app not listed?
Android only presents apps for a category or action that they can handle. Check the category, whether the app is enabled, and which user or work profile you are using.
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Does clearing default preferences uninstall an app?
No. It removes the app’s default handling choice but leaves the app installed. Use Uninstall to remove it.
Why did Android not show a chooser after I cleared a default?
A chooser is useful when multiple compatible apps are available. If only one can handle the action, Android may open it directly.
Can every preinstalled Android app be uninstalled?
No. Some system apps cannot be deleted. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to disable them instead.
The Bottom Line
Use Settings → Apps → Default apps to assign or replace a default. Use Open by default → Clear default preferences to remove an app’s handling choice; Android may ask you to choose again if multiple compatible apps are available. Use Uninstall to remove an app itself.
