📱 How to Check and Change Default Apps on Google Pixel 9 Pro | Android 15 Guide ⚙️
0On your Google Pixel 9 Pro, default apps are the applications your phone automatically uses when you perform certain actions. For example, when you tap a web link, a default browser app opens it; when you make a call, a default phone app handles it. Android allows you to view and change these default selections to your preferred applications.
How to Check and Change Default Apps on Google Pixel 9 Pro:
Open the Settings application on your Google Pixel 9 Pro.
In the Settings menu, tap on Apps.
Within the "Apps" section, find and tap on Default apps.
You will now see a list of categories for which a default app can be set. Common categories you'll likely find include:
Browser app: The application used to open internet links.
Caller ID & spam app: The app that helps identify incoming calls and filter spam.
Digital assistant app: Your primary voice assistant (e.g., Google Assistant).
Home app: This is your phone's launcher, which controls the appearance and organization of your home screen and app drawer.
Phone app: The application used for making and receiving voice calls.
SMS app: The application used for sending and receiving text messages (SMS and MMS).
Wallet app: (Newer Android versions like Android 15 may highlight this for contactless payments).
To see which app is currently set as the default for any category, simply look at the app name listed beneath that category title.
To change a default app:
Tap on the category for which you want to change the default (for instance, tap on "Browser app").
A list of all compatible applications installed on your Pixel 9 Pro that can perform this action will be displayed.
Select the app from this list that you wish to set as the new default.
The system will update your preference, and the app you selected will now be the default for that specific action.
You can press the back button to return to the "Default apps" list and change defaults for other categories if needed.
What if an App Isn't Listed as an Option for a Default?
If you've installed an app that you expect to be a default option for a certain action, but it doesn't appear in the list, consider these possibilities:
The app might not be designed or coded by its developers to handle that specific default action (e.g., a photo editing app cannot be set as a default web browser).
The app might need to be updated to its latest version from the Google Play Store.
There could be a temporary software glitch. Try restarting your Pixel 9 Pro.
Ensure the app is fully installed, functioning correctly, and has been opened at least once.
Resetting App Preferences (A More Drastic Step):
If you are experiencing widespread issues with default apps or other app-related behaviors (like permissions or notifications), you can choose to reset all app preferences.
Caution: This action will reset all your default app choices, app notification settings, background data restrictions for apps, and any permission restrictions you've set. It will not delete the app data itself (like your documents or game progress).
Open the Settings application, then tap Apps.
Tap on See all [X] apps (where [X] is the total number of apps installed).
Tap the three-dot menu icon (⋮) which is usually located in the top-right corner of the screen.
From the dropdown menu, select Reset app preferences.
A confirmation dialog will appear, explaining what will be reset. Read this information carefully. If you wish to proceed, tap Reset apps.
💡 Important Note:
– Changing default apps gives you the flexibility to customize your Google Pixel 9 Pro to use the applications you prefer for everyday tasks.
– Often, when you install a new app that is capable of handling a default action (like a new web browser or a different SMS messaging app), the first time you try to perform that action, Android will pop up a dialog asking you to choose which app to use. It will usually give you options like "Just once" (to use the selected app for that single action) or "Always" (to set the selected app as the new default).
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