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Have you ever faced a situation where you clicked on a link that should have opened in an app, but it didn’t? Or did you prefer a different app to open a specific file type, but your iPhone always opened it in the default app? If your answer is yes, this blog post is for you.
In this blog post, we will be discussing how to change the way your apps open on your iPhone. We will cover several methods to choose from, depending on your preferences and the situation at hand. Let’s dive into it.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Your App Defaults on iPhone:
A significant challenge many iPhone users face is changing their app defaults. When you download an app, iPhone sets the default for all kinds of files that the app can handle. For instance, Facebook app is set to handle links by default. If you clicked on any link on your iPhone, Facebook will automatically open it. Similarly, if you want to open an image file, iPhone will open them using the photos app. In some cases, you may prefer to use a different app. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to change the default app on your iPhone. This is where our guide becomes essential.
Things You Should Prepare for:
Before we dive into the methods, there are a few essential things that you should prepare for. The methods require you to install third-party applications, so ensure that you have enough storage space on your iPhone. Also, make sure that the app you prefer to use as your default is already installed on your iPhone.
Method 1: Using the “Open In” Feature
The "Open in" feature is the built-in solution for changing how your apps open on your iPhone. Here’s how to use it:
1. Find the file that you want to open in a different app.
2. Tap and hold the file icon until a menu appears.
3. Tap "Share" from the menu.
4. Select the app you want to use from the list of available apps.
5. Wait for the app to launch and open the file.
Pros:
– Easy to use.
– Doesn’t need any third-party apps.
Cons:
– A time-consuming process if you frequently switch between apps.
– Doesn’t change the default app; you need to repeat the steps each time.
Method 2: Using the Opener app
Opener is a fantastic app that will help you change how your iPhone opens file types. Here’s how:
1. Download and install Opener app on your iPhone.
2. Open the app that you want to set as the default.
3. Tap the "Share" button and select Opener from the list.
4. Opener will ask you if you want to open all items of the same type with the app.
5. Confirm you want to use it.
Pros:
– Easy to use and set your preferred default app.
– No need to repeat the process for the same file types.
– Works with almost all file types.
Cons:
– Requires an additional app installation.
– Opener doesn’t work with Safari links.
Method 3: Using the FileApp app
FileApp is another excellent option to change how your iPhone opens file types. Here’s how to use it:
1. Download and install FileApp app from the App Store.
2. Open FileApp and browse the file type you want to change.
3. Tap and hold the file until a menu appears.
4. In the menu, tap "Open In" and select the app you want to use.
5. If you want to set it as the default app, tap the "Always" button.
Pros:
– Can set default app for specific file types.
– Allows for quick and easy switching between apps.
Cons:
– Requires another app installation.
– Limited support for file types.
Why Can’t I Change The Default App On My iPhone?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to change the default app on your iPhone. Here are some of the common reasons and their fixes:
1. The app you want to set as default doesn’t support it. In this case, you’ll need to use another method, such as the "Open In" feature.
2. The app you want to set as default is not installed on your iPhone. Ensure that you have downloaded and installed the app before setting it as default.
3. Newer iPhone models running the latest iOS may not allow you to change the default app. If this is the case, you’ll need to use one of the methods mentioned in this article.
Additional Tips:
– Try clearing your iPhone’s RAM by holding down the side button until the "slide to power off" option appears. Then hold down the home button until you’re back to your home screen. This tip may help apps open quicker when switching between them.
– You can use the "Offload App" option in your iPhone storage settings to temporarily remove an app without deleting its data. This option can help free up storage space.
5 FAQs about Changing App Defaults on iPhone:
Q1: Can I change the default web browser on my iPhone?
A: No, you can’t change the default web browser on your iPhone. iPhone only allows Safari to handle links.
Q2: Can changing the default app cause any problems on my iPhone?
A: Changing the default app on your iPhone shouldn’t cause any problems. However, make sure that the app you’re setting as default is reliable and safe to use.
Q3: How do I reset the default app settings on my iPhone?
A: Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Home Screen Layout." This action will reset your app defaults on the iPhone.
Q4: Can I change the default app for a specific file type on my iPhone?
A: Yes, some apps like Opener and FileApp allow you to change the default app for specific file types.
Q5: Is there any way to change the default mail client on my iPhone?
A: No, you can’t change the default mail client on your iPhone. iPhone only allows the Mail app to handle emails.
In Conclusion:
Changing the way your apps open on your iPhone can be a time-consuming process. However, with the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can quickly and easily set your preferred app as your default. We hope this article was helpful to you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out.