Changing the Default Apps on iPhone or iPad: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to change the default apps on your iPhone or iPad? Perhaps you have pre-installed applications that you want to remove or replace with more suitable ones. This guide will walk you through the process of changing default apps on your device. By the end of this article, you will have all the necessary knowledge to customize your iPhone or iPad to suit your needs.

Understanding Default Apps on iPhone and iPad

When you first set up an iPhone or iPad, it comes with a certain number of pre-installed apps known as default apps. These apps include basic tools such as the Calendar, Contacts, Notes, Mail, Messages, Safari, and Safari Weather. They serve as the default software for various purposes, giving users a quick and easy access to necessary functions without manually searching for them.

Removing Pre-installed Apps

It's important to note that pre-installed apps can be completely removed if desired. However, this will only affect the specific app you decide to delete and may restore the app to its default state upon updating the operating system. Here's how you can remove a pre-installed app:

Navigate to your iPhone or iPad's Settings app. Tap on the General menu option. Scroll down and tap on iPhone Storage or iPad Storage (depending on your device). Tap on the specific app you want to delete. Next, tap the ERASE DATA or DELETE APP option (depending on your iOS version). Confirm your selection by tapping ERASE or DELETE APP again.

After completing these steps, the app will be removed from your device, but the system will no longer use it as a default app. It's worth noting that if you update to a new iOS version, the device's default apps may revert to their original state, including those pre-installed apps that were not deleted properly.

Changing Default Apps for Specific Functions

While pre-installed apps can be removed, providing more customized options, when it comes to changing default apps for specific functions, you can designate preferred alternatives. This can be done by force-quitting the default app or by changing the default action for file types or URL schemes.

Force-quitting Default Apps

If you prefer to use a different app for a certain function, such as a dictation app instead of the default one, you can force-quit the default app and switch to your preferred alternative.

Open the Settings app. Tap on the General menu option. Tap on Keyboard. Select Text Replacement. Tap the Dictation option. Tap on Switch to App. Select the app you prefer.

This change will make your preferred app the default for dictation. Similar changes can be made for other default apps and functions in your iPhone or iPad.

Changing Default Actions for File Types and URLs

In many cases, you may want to change the default app for a specific file type or URL scheme. For example, if you prefer to open PDF files with a different app than the default one, you can change the default action for the file type. Here's how:

Open the file you want to change the default app for. When a pop-up appears asking which app to open the file with, select the app you prefer. Now, go to the Settings app. Tap on the General menu option. Tap on Associated Apps. Find and tap on the file type you want to change (e.g., PDF). Select the app you prefer from the list that appears.

By following these steps, you can set the default app for opening specific file types or handling URL schemes.

Using Third-party Apps

There are also third-party apps available in the App Store that can help you manage and change default apps on your iPhone or iPad more efficiently. Some popular apps include Appiramix, App Automator, and Set Default Apps. These apps provide additional features such as the ability to change default actions based on specific conditions, create custom rules, and more. However, it's important to ensure that the app from the App Store is legitimate before downloading.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively change the default apps on your iPhone or iPad according to your preferences. Whether you want to remove pre-installed apps or change specific default actions, you now have the tools and knowledge to customize your device to your liking. Happy customizing!