To change the default app that opens for a specific file type or action on your Android device, you typically need to clear the current default settings for that app through your device's settings.
Here’s a breakdown of the process, based on the steps provided:
Clearing Default App Settings
Sometimes, when you open a file (like a PDF or a web link) or perform an action, Android asks you which app you want to use and offers to remember your choice as the default. If you want to use a different app next time, you need to "clear defaults" for the currently assigned app.
Here are the general steps:
- Access Settings: Go to your device's main Settings application.
- Navigate to Apps: Find the section related to managing applications. This might be labeled Apps, Applications, Application Manager, or similar.
- Locate the App: Find the specific app that is currently set as the default for the action or file type you want to change.
- Open App Info: Tap on the app's name to open its settings or information screen.
- Find Clear Defaults: Scroll down the app's information page. Look for an option specifically titled "Clear defaults" or something similar.
Once you tap "Clear defaults," the next time you try to open that file type or perform that action, Android will prompt you again to choose an app, allowing you to select a different one and potentially set it as the new default.
Step-by-Step Table
For clarity, here is the process summarized in a table:
| Step | Action | Location/Option Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Device Settings | Settings app icon |
| 2 | Find App Management | Usually labeled "Apps" or "Applications" within Settings |
| 3 | Select the Default App | Tap on the name of the app you want to change |
| 4 | View App Information | Opens automatically after selecting the app |
| 5 | Clear Default Settings | Scroll down to find "Clear defaults" button |
Example Scenario
Imagine you have two PDF reader apps installed. You opened a PDF and chose "App A" as the default. Now, you want "App B" to open PDFs by default instead. You would follow the steps above, navigate to "App A" in Settings, and tap "Clear defaults." The next time you open a PDF, Android will ask whether you want to use "App A" or "App B" and allow you to set "App B" as the default.
Additional Context
This process is specifically for resetting which app handles certain links, files, or actions by default. It does not affect which apps are currently open or running in the background, which is managed through your device's recent apps screen (usually accessed by a dedicated button or gesture).
For more information on changing default apps for file types on Android, you can refer to resources like the SmarterTools Knowledge Base article published on January 12, 2023: Changing the Default App for a File Type on Android.
