Android devices offer great flexibility when it comes to file handling. For every file type on your device, you can use a different app to open it. However, sometimes, you might need to change the default app that opens a particular file type. For instance, you might want to open a PDF file with Adobe Reader instead of Google Drive. Changing the default app on Android is not complicated, and you can do it in a few simple steps. In this article, we will show you how to change the default app to open the file in Android.
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The Challenge of changing the default app to open files in Android
Android is an open-source operating system, and every device maker can customize it according to their requirements. Due to this, the settings might vary slightly from one device to another. Even within the same brand, different models might have varying settings. Furthermore, different versions of the Android operating system might have different settings. Because of this wide range of variations, changing the default app to open a file can be difficult. It often requires some effort and research, depending on your device. In this article, we will cover the steps to change the default app to open files on your Android device.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you proceed to change the default app, you must make sure that you have the alternative app installed on your device. For example, if you want to open a PDF file with a different app, you must make sure that alternative PDF reader is already installed on your phone or tablet. Otherwise, you will not be able to use it as an alternative to the default.
Method 1: Via App Settings
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Apps & notifications."
Step 3: Tap "All apps."
Step 4: Select the app that currently opens the file type you want to change.
Step 5: Tap "Open by default."
Step 6: Tap "Clear Defaults."
Step 7: Go back to the home screen and open the file again.
Step 8: Select the new app that you want to use and tap "Always" to make it the default.
Pros:
– This method works on almost every Android device.
– It is a quick and straightforward method to follow.
Cons:
– Depending on the device, it may be challenging to find the correct settings.
Method 2: Via File Manager
Step 1: Open the file manager app on your device.
Step 2: Locate the file with the extension you want to change the app for.
Step 3: Long-press the file until you see a menu appear.
Step 4: Tap "Open with."
Step 5: Select the app that you want to use instead and tap "Always."
Pros:
– This method is simple and quick.
– It works on almost all Android devices.
Cons:
– You must find the file first by browsing through the file manager app.
– Sometimes the file may be hidden or hard to locate.
Method 3: Via Default App Manager
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Go to the "Apps & notifications" section.
Step 3: Tap "Advanced."
Step 4: Tap "Default apps."
Step 5: Locate the app that is currently the default for the file type.
Step 6: Tap on it to expand the menu.
Step 7: Select the new app from the list of available apps.
Pros:
– This method gives you more control over which app will open a file type.
– It helps to avoid accidentally opening the wrong app and wasting time.
Cons:
– This method may not be available on older Android versions.
– The device maker might have removed this option in their custom UI.
Why Can’t I Change Default App to Open File in Android
There are several reasons why you might not be able to change the default app that opens a file type on your Android device. Here are some of the most common reasons and how to fix them:
Q1: I can’t find the app that I want to use instead. What should I do?
A: You must make sure that you have already installed the alternative app on your device. If you have not done so, you will not be able to select it as an alternative.
Q2: The option to change the default app is greyed out. How can I fix this?
A: If the option to change the default app is greyed out, it means that the device maker has disabled this feature in their version of the Android operating system. You might need to root your device to enable this feature or install a custom ROM.
Q3: Even after selecting the new app as the default, the file still opens with the old app. How can I fix this?
A: Go to the Settings app, then to "Apps & notifications." Find the old app and clear its cache and data. This should free up the space for the new app to become the default.
Q4: The new app I selected does not appear in the list of available apps. What should I do?
A: Some apps do not register themselves as an app that can handle a specific file type. You might need to find a different app that is compatible with your file type.
Additional Tips
– Before you start changing the default app, make sure that you have identified the file type you want to change it for.
– If you are unsure which app to use instead, you can do some research online or try a few different apps to see which one works best for you.
– Some apps might have more advanced features or better compatibility with certain file types. Consider this when selecting an alternative app.
5 FAQs about Changing Default App to Open Files in Android
Q1: Can I change the default app for multiple file types at once?
A: No, you must change the default app for each file type individually.
Q2: Will changing the default app delete any of my files?
A: No, the files will remain on your device, and changing the default app will not change or delete any of your files.
Q3: Can I change the default app back to the original one?
A: Yes, you can always change the default app back to the original one by following the same steps outlined in this article.
Q4: Will my device run slower after changing the default app?
A: No, changing the default app should not slow down your device.
Q5: Will changing the default app affect the other apps installed on my device?
A: No, changing the default app should not have any impact on other apps installed on your device.
In Conclusion
Changing the default app to open files in Android is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change the default app for a specific file type. Make sure you have identified the file type you want to change the default app for and have installed the alternative app before attempting to change the default app. With a little effort and research, you can use any app to open any file type on your Android device.