Alex Ruben
How To Switch the Default SMS App on Android
So, you wanna switch your default messaging app on Android? Fair enough. Sometimes, the built-in options just aren’t enough, or maybe you got tired of the Samsung Messages and want Google Messages instead. Whatever the reason, here’s how to do it without pulling your hair out.
Step 1: Access the Settings App
Start by opening up Settings. On most Android phones, it’s that gear icon hiding somewhere on your home screen or in the app drawer. Not sure where? Usually, swipe down from the top and tap that gear symbol. You gotta do this because changing defaults is buried in the menus, and you can’t do it from the app itself.
Honestly, on one setup it’s straightforward, on another… not so much. Android’s menus are a little inconsistent. If you can’t find it right away, don’t worry, just keep looking.
Step 2: Navigate to the Apps Section
Scroll down in Settings until you find Apps or sometimes called Apps & Notifications. Tap on it. This is where all installed apps live, and where you’ll find the option to tweak default behaviors.
Occasionally, you need to tap the three-dot menu or the gear icon inside Apps to see more options, including the Default Apps setting.
Step 3: Find Default Apps Setting
In the Apps menu, look for Default Apps. Depending on your phone, it might be right there, or you might need to tap a specific submenu. For instance, some phones have a dedicated Set Defaults area.
Triggering this menu is what helps make life easier, because it explicitly lets you pick which app does what.
Step 4: Choose the SMS or Messaging App
Once inside Default Apps, find the one that says SMS app or Messaging app. Tap on it. You’ll see a list of installed messaging apps—like Google Messages, Samsung Messages, or any third-party app you’ve installed.
That button or menu might look like a list or a dropdown, depending on your device. Just pick whatever you want. Side note—sometimes, Android has a weird habit of not showing all options immediately. Restarting the device might be needed if the choice isn’t updating properly.
Step 5: Finalize Your Choice
Tap on your preferred app, and then go back one menu. Some phones will ask for confirmation, or maybe a little popup saying “Default app changed” — don’t be surprised if you don’t see it, but the setting is saved anyway.
On some devices, you might need to clear defaults on the previous app to make sure the new one takes over. For example, in Settings > Apps > [Previous Messaging App], you might see a Clear Defaults button—tap it if the old app still tries to handle SMS.
Step 6: Test and Confirm
Now, open your newly set messaging app directly and try sending or receiving a message. If everything works smoothly, congrats — you’re set. If not, double-check your default settings or restart your phone. Sometimes Android just needs a reboot to really apply the change.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When switching, a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Make sure your preferred messaging app is actually installed and up to date from the Play Store.
- If it doesn’t show up in the list, double-check permissions—especially SMS permissions. Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions and ensure it can handle messages.
- If you’re stuck or the change doesn’t seem to stick, try rebooting. Sometimes, Android is stubborn like that.
Another weird thing — on some phones, I’ve noticed the default switch doesn’t immediately show in the notification bar or messaging apps. May need to set defaults again or open the app directly to confirm.
Summary
- Open Settings > Apps
- Find Default Apps
- Select SMS app
- Pick your favorite messaging app, then go back
- Test to make sure it’s working
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Android’s defaults are kinda hidden sometimes, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward to switch things up.