Changing the Default App to Open Files on Android
Are you tired of having to manually select the app to open a file on your Android device? Do you wish there was a way to change the default app to open files without having to dig through menus or settings? The good news is that it’s easier than you think to change the default app to open files on Android. In this article, we’ll show you how to do it.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Before we can change the default app to open files, we need to enable developer options on your Android device. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > About phone > Build number (tap on the build number seven times to enable developer options)
- Scroll down and select Developer options
- Enable Apps from unknown sources (this will allow you to install apps from unknown sources, which is necessary for changing the default app to open files)
Step 2: Enable File Explorer
Now that we’ve enabled developer options, we need to enable File Explorer, which is the app that will open files on your device. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > File Explorer (this app is usually pre-installed on Android devices)
- Tap on the File Explorer app to open it
- Tap on the Settings icon in the top-right corner of the app
- Tap on Advanced > File Explorer settings
- Enable File Explorer (this will enable the app to open files on your device)
Step 3: Change the Default App to Open Files
Now that we’ve enabled File Explorer, we can change the default app to open files. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > File Explorer (this app is usually pre-installed on Android devices)
- Tap on the File Explorer app to open it
- Tap on the Settings icon in the top-right corner of the app
- Tap on Advanced > File Explorer settings
- Tap on Default app (this will change the default app to open files)
- Select the app you want to use to open files (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
Alternative Method: Using a Third-Party App
If you want to change the default app to open files without enabling developer options, you can use a third-party app. Here are a few options:
- Google Drive: You can change the default app to open files on Google Drive by going to Settings > Apps > Google Drive > Advanced > File Explorer settings > Default app. Select Google Drive to change the default app to open files.
- Dropbox: You can change the default app to open files on Dropbox by going to Settings > Apps > Dropbox > Advanced > File Explorer settings > Default app. Select Dropbox to change the default app to open files.
- Microsoft OneDrive: You can change the default app to open files on OneDrive by going to Settings > Apps > OneDrive > Advanced > File Explorer settings > Default app. Select OneDrive to change the default app to open files.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a different app to open files: If you want to change the default app to open files, you can use a different app to open files. For example, you can use Google Drive to open files and then change the default app to open files.
- Use a file manager app: If you want to change the default app to open files, you can use a file manager app like ES File Explorer or File Manager. These apps allow you to open files in different apps, including Google Drive and Dropbox.
- Be careful when installing apps from unknown sources: When installing apps from unknown sources, make sure to read the reviews and check the app’s permissions before installing it.
Conclusion
Changing the default app to open files on Android is a simple process that can be done using developer options and File Explorer. By following these steps, you can change the default app to open files and enjoy the convenience of having a single app to open files. Remember to be careful when installing apps from unknown sources and to use a different app to open files if you want to change the default app.