Quick summary: Android 16 gives you more control over which apps handle common actions — from web links and SMS to the home launcher and voice assistant. This guide shows exactly how to view, change, and reset default apps in Android 16, plus best practices for testing changes and avoiding common problems.
Category: how-to → customize
Why change default apps?
Default apps determine which app opens when you tap a link, make a call, or press the Home button. Maybe you prefer Firefox over Chrome, Signal over the built-in SMS app, or a minimal launcher to replace a heavy OEM launcher. Changing defaults lets you tailor your phone to work the way you want, improves privacy (by reducing trackers in heavy apps), and can even speed up workflows.
Where to find Default Apps in Android 16
Android 16 keeps Default Apps in the Settings app, but the exact path can vary slightly by OEM skin. Generally the path is:
- Settings → Apps → Default apps
- Alternatively: Settings → Apps → Special app access → Default apps (some OEMs)
If you can’t find the menu, use the Settings search bar and type “Default apps” or “Open by default”.
How to change default apps in Android 16 (step-by-step)
We’ll cover the general method and then walk through the most common defaults: browser, SMS, dialer, and launcher. This method works for most phones running Android 16.
General steps
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps → Default apps.
- Choose the category you want to change (e.g., Browser app, Home app, SMS app).
- Select the new app from the list. If the app isn’t listed, install it from the Play Store first and then return to this screen.
Notes
- Some apps will ask for permissions the first time you set them as default — grant only what you’re comfortable with.
- OEM skins (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Oppo ColorOS) may add extra prompts or “Auto-start” rules; check their app permission managers if behavior seems different.
How to change the default launcher (home screen) on Android 16
Changing the launcher gives your phone a fresh look and often improves performance if you pick a lightweight launcher.
Steps to change launcher
- Install the launcher you want from the Play Store (e.g., Lawnchair, Niagara, Hyperion).
- Settings → Apps → Default apps → Home app (or Home & Lock screen) → choose your new launcher.
- Press the Home button — Android will use the selected launcher. If you get a choice dialog, pick Always to make it permanent.
Tip: If the OEM launcher keeps reasserting itself after updates or reboots, check the OEM’s app permission manager and disable auto-start for the OEM launcher (or remove its default status in the same Default apps menu).
Switch your default browser & test link handling
Changing your default browser is one of the most common customizations. After setting a new browser, test several link types: http/https, mailto:, and in-app links.
Steps to change browser
- Install your chosen browser (Firefox, Brave, DuckDuckGo, etc.).
- Settings → Apps → Default apps → Browser app → select the new browser.
- Open a link from another app (email, chat) to ensure it opens in your selected browser.
If a link still opens in the old browser, check the old browser’s app info → Open by default → Clear defaults. Then try opening the link again; the system should prompt to choose a browser.
Change default SMS and phone (dialer) apps
Messaging and calling defaults affect daily communication. Android 16 lets you swap SMS apps (Google Messages, Signal) and dialer apps (Samsung Phone, Truecaller).
Steps
- Settings → Apps → Default apps → SMS app / Phone app.
- Select the app you want. The first time you open the new SMS app, it may prompt to be set as the default — accept if you want it.
Note: Switching SMS apps may require restoring chat backups (e.g., WhatsApp has its own backup flow; Google Messages will use Google backups if available).
How to reset or remove default apps
If you want the system to ask which app to use again, you can clear defaults for the app that currently handles actions.
Clear defaults for a specific app
- Settings → Apps → [App name] → Open by default.
- Tap Clear defaults or change behavior under “Open supported links.”
After clearing defaults, the next time you perform that action the system will let you choose which app to use.
Troubleshooting & common issues
App not listed as an option
If the app doesn’t appear in the Default apps list:
- Ensure the app is installed and up to date.
- Open the app once — some apps register their intent filters on first run.
- Check Play Store permissions — some apps are region-restricted or missing required components.
Default resets after reboot or update
This is usually an OEM permission or battery manager reasserting defaults. Fix it by:
- Settings → Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps / Autostart (OEM-specific) → allow or block as needed.
- Disable aggressive OEM battery optimizations for the app (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → set to “Not optimized” if you want it to retain state).
Links open in the wrong app (deep links)
Some apps claim intent filters for specific domains — the best fix is to:
- Open the app that’s wrongly handling the link → App info → Open by default → Clear defaults or toggle “Open supported links” to Ask every time / Open in this app.
- Go to the browser or app you want, open a link, and choose it as the new default when prompted.
Related reading:
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More Android Customization Guides
Final tips & best practices
- Always test new defaults with different file/link types (http, mailto, pdf) to ensure consistent handling.
- When trying third-party launchers or dialers, keep the old app installed until you’re sure—this avoids missed features and settings.
- For work phones managed by an MDM (Mobile Device Management), your admin may lock default app settings — check with IT if options are greyed out.
Frequently asked questions
Will changing the default app delete my data?
No — changing a default app does not delete app data. Uninstalling the original app or clearing its data will remove its stored data.
Can I set different defaults for different accounts or users?
Android supports multiple users and work profiles. Default apps are per-profile; switch profiles or check work profile settings to manage defaults separately.
How do I revert to the phone’s original launcher?
Settings → Apps → Default apps → Home app → choose the original OEM launcher. If it’s not listed, re-enable it in App info or reinstall from the Play Store if previously removed.
Default apps shape how your phone feels every day, and with Android 16 it only takes a moment to switch to the options you prefer. Don’t hesitate to experiment — the right browser, launcher, or messaging app can make your entire Android experience feel faster, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
Writer: AndroidTechZone Editorial Team · Last updated: 2025-11-23
