How to clear default applications on an Android phone



In my previous article on Android applications, I talked about identifying and removing Bloatware on Android. In today’s guide, we’ll be discussing setting and clearing default applications.

I decided to write this piece because I had a problem after I installed True Caller. I’d set True Caller as my default SMS app and could no longer launch my Messages app after doing that. The fix was to clear my default SMS app setting.

A little intro on defaults

When you have more than one application that can execute a particular task, you will get a prompt asking you to select which you wish to use.

setting and clearing default applications on an Android phone

You’ll have the “Always” and “Just once” options. Selecting “Just once” means the task will be executed with the selected application so you will receive a similar prompt when next you wish to execute that task. Selecting “Always” means the application you selected will always be used to execute that task so you wont get the prompt anymore.

How do I set a default application on an Android phone?

It could be annoying getting a prompt anytime you wish to execute a frequently executed task (like a launcher) so selecting the “Always” option is the way out.

How do I clear a default application on an Android phone?

What happens when you change your mind and want a different application as default? Clearing a default application (note that its not the same thing as uninstalling) can be done in 3 steps:

1. Navigate to Settings > Apps

how to set and clear default apps on an Android phone

2. Locate and select the application you initially set as default (In my case True Caller)

how to set and clear default apps on an Android phone

3. You should see Clear defaults (for some devices, its under Open by default) you Tap Clear defaults

how to set and clear default apps on an Android phone



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