Reset app preferences on Android: what it does and when to use it
When files and links open in all the wrong apps and you can't work out why, Reset app preferences is the big hammer: it clears every default at once. But it changes more than defaults.
What it resets
Android shows the list before you confirm. It typically includes:
- Default apps for actions: every “Always” choice for files and links
- Disabled apps, which are turned back on
- Notifications you turned off for apps
- Background data restrictions
- Permission restrictions
- On newer versions, battery usage settings
It does not delete apps, photos, messages or app data.
How to do it
Pixel and stock Android
- Open Settings → System → Reset options.
- Tap Reset app preferences and confirm.
Samsung (One UI)
- Open Settings → Apps.
- Tap the ⋮ menu (top right) → Reset app preferences and confirm.
Before you reset: try the targeted fix
Usually only one or two apps hold the wrong defaults. Clearing just those is safer:
- Settings → Apps → [app] → Open by default (Samsung: Set as default).
- Tap Clear default preferences.
The hard part is knowing which apps hold defaults, because Android doesn't list them. See how to find which app opens a file type.
Back up your defaults first
Defaultify for Android shows which app holds each default, so you can clear just the wrong ones. Pro users can back up their whole default setup to a file and restore it after a reset or on a new phone.