How to change default apps on Samsung Galaxy (One UI)
Samsung phones come with two of almost everything: Samsung Internet and Chrome, Samsung Messages and Google Messages, Gallery and Google Photos. That makes it confusing to know which one is in charge, and where to change it.
Browser, phone, messages and home screen
- Open Settings → Apps.
- Tap Choose default apps.
- Tap Browser app, Phone app, SMS app, Home app or another role, and pick the app.
Caller ID & spam app and Digital assistant app live on the same screen.
Which app opens a file type
One UI, like stock Android, has no list of file types. Defaults are saved per app:
- Open Settings → Apps and choose the app that keeps opening the files.
- Tap Set as default.
- Tap Clear defaults. Next time you open that type of file, you'll be asked again.
Links that open in an app
- Settings → Apps → [the app] → Set as default.
- Turn Open supported links off to send those links to your browser instead.
Samsung-specific gotchas
- Duplicate apps. If a file opens in Samsung's app instead of Google's (or the other way round), check both apps' Set as default pages.
- Secure Folder has its own copies of apps, with their own defaults.
- Software updates can bring back Samsung apps as defaults. Recheck after a big One UI update.
See everything in one dashboard
Defaultify for Android shows every role and file-type default side by side, with tips for Samsung's menus and a shortcut to the right setting.