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How to set your default texting app on android

By Emily Bell

How to set your default texting app on androidSource: Ara Wagoner / Android Central

Even with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram becoming extremely popular in the messaging space, chances are you still rely on old-fashioned SMS texting to stay in touch with certain people. All Android phones come with a texting app out of the box, but a quick search on the Google Play Store will reveal a multitude of alternative texting apps that are worth checking out. Should you happen to download one of these and are eager to make it your new default texting app, here’s what you need to do.

Please note that the following steps and screenshots were done on a Google Pixel 4 XL running Android 10. The exact flow of everything might look a little different depending on what phone you have, but the core steps should remain the same.

How to set your default texting app on Android

Texting apps for Android are a dime-a-dozen, with options like Textra, Pulse, and others offering enhanced features and customization tools that most default ones don’t offer. Heck, you can even use the Facebook Messenger app for SMS texting!

After finding and downloading a new messaging app that you like enough to use every single day, here’s what you need to do in order to make it your default place for all things SMS.

  1. Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications.
  3. Tap Advanced.

Tap Default apps.

Source: Joe Maring / Android Central

Tap OK.

Source: Joe Maring / Android Central

You can go back and change your default texting app at any time, so if you happen to grow tired of the one that you set, changing it back to your old app or another alternative is a piece of cake.

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Improve and enhance your text messaging threads with these apps

Text messaging is a core component of a mobile phone’s functionality. Android is blessed with many, many, many different apps to handle text messages for you, but as with any category of app. These are the best of the best to text your bestie with.

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Joe Maring

Joe Maring was a Senior Editor for Android Central between 2017 and 2021. You can reach him on Twitter at @JoeMaring1.

How to set your default texting app on android

On Android, you aren’t restricted to a single messaging app. If you don’t like the pre-installed messaging app, you can download a third-party SMS app and make it your default app. But how how do you change the default messaging app on Android? You can do it in one of four ways. Before we jump into the methods, let’s examine the impact of changing the default SMS app.

What Happens When You Change the Default Messaging App

For starters, changing the default SMS app will not delete your messages. All your existing messages will show up in the new default messaging app when you switch to it. However, you won’t be able to use other messaging apps when a different app is set as default. The new SMS will arrive in the currently set default app. In case you switch to the old default app in the future, the new messages that arrived on the new default app will show up in the old app as well. Apart from that, you will have to use the settings and features offered by the new default messaging app.

Let’s check the methods to change the default messaging app in Android.

1. Install New App

Typically, when you install and open a new SMS app on your Android phone, you will be asked to choose the default messaging app. Tap on the one you want to set as default and hit the “Always” or “Set as default” button.

How to set your default texting app on android

2. Default Apps Setting

If you have already set a default messaging app and want to change it, Android offers an easy way to do that using Default apps settings. You can change the default apps for the browser, launcher, phone, and messaging.

1. Open Settings on your Android phone and tap on Apps/Apps & notifications.

2. Tap on Default apps, if available. If you don’t see it, tap on “Advanced -> Default apps.” If it’s not there, tap on the three-dot icon at the top and select Default apps. Alternatively, simply type Default apps in the settings search bar.

How to set your default texting app on android

3. Tap on the SMS app, and the available messaging apps will show up. Tap on the one you want to make your default.

How to set your default texting app on android

Repeat the steps to change the messaging app again in the future.

3. Clearing Defaults

Another way to clear defaults for any app is to open its app info settings and hit the “Clear defaults” button.

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.

2. Under Installed or All apps, tap on the app you want to remove as the default app – for example, the Messages app.

3. You will reach the App info screen. Tap on “Open by default” or “Set as default,” depending on the option available. If you don’t see any such option, tap on Advanced first. Hit the “Clear defaults” button on the next screen.

How to set your default texting app on android

Once you clear the default app, you will be asked to select the new default messaging app for your Android phone when you open an SMS app.

4. Reset App Preferences

If for some reason you are unable to change the default messaging app, simply reset app preferences (reset settings) on your phone. That will also clear the default messaging app, so you will have to set it again using method 1 or 2, as shown above.

Do note that resetting app preferences will not delete your phone’s data or personal files – it will only reset settings such as default apps, permissions, etc.

To reset app preferences, go to “Settings -> System (General Management) -> Reset.” Tap on “Reset app preferences” or “Reset all settings,” depending on the option available.

How to set your default texting app on android

Bonus: Use Third-Party App to Select Default Apps

The above methods restrict you to a particular app. What if you want to use one app for a particular action and another app for something else without changing the default app? That’s possible with the help of the Better Open With app. Sadly, this app doesn’t support SMS apps, but you can use it for other apps such as audio, video, ebook, images, etc.

It only weighs around 500KB and offers a pop-up similar to the existing one. The difference lies in the fact that either you can choose a different app from the menu or the default app will automatically open after five seconds. You can change the default time for each file type in the app settings.

How to set your default texting app on android

SMS functionality has come a long way. Whether it’s the pre-installed app or a third-party messaging app, you can now perform various actions related to messages. For instance, you can send messages using Google Assistant, schedule SMS, and even text from a PC.

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Mehvish is a technology enthusiast from Kashmir, India. A computer engineer by degree, she’s always been keen to help when someone finds technology challenging. Her favorite verticals include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, social media, and web apps.

Unlike iOS, Android allows you to use third-party apps to perform essential functions, like texting. Here is how you can set a new default texting app on your Android phone.

First, you’ll need to install the replacement texting app you want to use. There are plenty of SMS Apps on the Play Store. Textra SMS is a popular one and what we’ll be using as our example here.

How to set your default texting app on android

After you install your texting app, there are two ways to set it as the default. You can do it from the app itself when you launch the app for the first time or you can do it later on through your device’s Settings app.

Set the Texting App as the Default the First Time You Launch It

Open the app and click past the initial startup stuff (here, we have to click “Start Using Textra” and agree to the necessary permissions).

How to set your default texting app on android

Once the app launches, you’ll see a button at the bottom asking if you want to make it your default app. Tap the button, and then tap “Yes” to confirm.

How to set your default texting app on android

And it’s now your default texting app. Almost all apps will prompt you to set them as the default app when you use them for the first time. For ones that don’t (or if you’ve used the app for a while and now want to set it as the default), use the technique in the next section.

Set a Texting App as the Default in Settings

Start by going to your device’s settings.

How to set your default texting app on android

There, you’ll need to look for a setting called Default Apps. Since every manufacturer organizes the settings differently, we recommend you perform a search.

Inside the Default Apps setting, tap the “SMS app” option.

How to set your default texting app on android

You’ll see a list of all the apps that support texting. Select the app you want to make your default (Textra in our case). You might see a notice similar the one in the image below. If you do, tap “OK.”

How to set your default texting app on android

Congratulations! You’ve successfully changed your default texting app on your Android Phone.

> How-To > Android > Change the Default Messaging App on Android

Thanks to Android’s open ecosystem, if you’re not happy with the default SMS app, you can easily change it. There are many third-party messaging apps available via Google Play you can try them out. No matter what version of Android you had installed, Android 4.4 Kitkat, Android 5.0 Lollipop, Android 6.0 Marshmallow or the latest Android, you can change the default messaging app to some other text applications with ease like Hangouts, GoSMS pro or Textra.

Part 1: How to Change the Default Messaging App on Android

If you do, or wish to use a custom SMS app instead of the default Messaging one, here’s how to set it up for your device:

Phones with the latest Android (take OnePlus as an example):

Step 1 Swipe the phone screen and open “Settings“ app. Scroll down to find “App & notification“.

Step 2 Then, tap on “Default apps“ > “SMS app“ option.

Step 3 In this page you can see all available apps that can be set as default SMS app. Check your preferred texting app.

How to set your default texting app on android

Phones with Android 8 (take OnePlus as an example):

Scroll to find Settings app again. Tap on “App“ option under “Personal“. Tap on “Default“ > “SMS app“ option. Choose another app you like.

Phones with Android 7 (take Samsung as an example):

Scroll down the notification shade to enter Settings app. Tap on “App“ option. Tap on the gear wheel icon in the top-right corner. Tap on “Default“ apps and change one desired app.

That’s it, now you will receive new SMS messages through this client. Also, then you can simply change it back whenever you want.

Part 2: How to backup Android Messages on custom SMS App on one-click

If you would like to backup messages on Android phone or tablet, Syncios Data Transfer could be your best choice. It backs up messages not only on Android built-in app, but also the third-party SMS app, such as Hangouts, GoSMS, Textra, etc. It takes only one click to backup and restore text messages and more.

The program is compatible with Windows and Mac PC. Click the download button provided below to get a Syncios Toolkit onto your computer. And then click into ‘Phone Transfer’ mode on the interface to initiate the Syncios Data Transfer. If you are on Mac computer, directly click the download button to get into it.

How to set your default texting app on android

Step 1 Run Syncios Data Transfer, and connect your android phone or tablet to computer using USB cable.

Step 2 On the homepage, click “Backup”. You can clearly see the free space of the default backup path, if it has not enough storage space or you want customize a save path, click on the icon under “Backup to”. Then tick “Text Messages” option in the middle.

Step 3 Click “Next” button to start copy. After a while, all of your messages on default messaging app would be backed up on computer.

How to set your default texting app on android

Tips: Syncios Data Transfer provides three different modes to you to restore backed up data, from local backup file, from iTunes backup file or from iCloud backup files, you’re allowed to restore messages on your Android or restore to iPhone whenever you want with only one click.

Part 3: How to backup Android Messages on custom SMS App Selectively

Sometimes, to backup or extract parts of the messages for keeping them permanently or printing out, what is the easiest way to backup them selectively? Syncios Mobile Manager is the best Android phone manager, which can flexibly manage messages, contacts, music, photos, videos and apps on Android.

Step 1 Download and install Syncios Toolkit on your computer and run it. And click into ‘Mobile Manager’ on Syncios Toolkit interface to intiate the Syncios Mobile Manager. If you are on Mac computer, directly click the download button to get into it.

How to set your default texting app on android

Step 2 Connect your Android phone to the computer via USB cable which is quicker and more stable, then tap on ‘Information’ tab on the top menu. After completely loading, further press ‘Messages’ on the left panel, you can browse detailed contents of every message in the right-hand dialog box. Just tick off the box of what you need to transfer and click on “Backup” button to transfer the selected messages from Android to computer.

To recover the backed up messages one day, just connect target device to the computer: Go to Information >> Messages >> Recover.

Tips: If you would like to browse backed up massages on your computer, you can instruct to “Save” the Messages to “HTML” files and open them via web browser, Notepad or Microsoft Word.

How to set your default texting app on android

Conclusion

Now you know how to change the default messaging app on an Android phone, and then how to backup all Android Messages on custom SMS app, like Hangouts, GoSMS, Textra in a click via Syncios Data Transfer or backup part of the messages selectively through free Syncios Android Manager. And both of the methods enable us to recover backed up messages to other mobile phones later.

Syncios Mobile Manager (Win and Mac):

Syncios Data Transfer (Win and Mac):

I am following this tutorial on setting my app as the default SMS app, but for some reason, my app does not appear in the list of available options. I have tried to research this as much as possible, but everything points back to that same tutorial, or is outdated. Do I need a as well? Can someone explain what I am doing wrong?

How to set your default texting app on android

1 Answer 1

In order for your app to be eligible to be selected as the default messaging app (as far as the system is concerned), its manifest must list each of the four components as described in that blog post, whether those components’ classes are actually present and functional, or not. The class names can be whatever valid names you like, but the rest of each component should be pretty much exactly as shown:

Since the system only inspects an app’s manifest to determine if it can act as the default messaging app, you don’t actually need any of those classes, though you might have to suppress some warnings/errors, or provide stub classes, to make your IDE happy.

Obviously, if your app is to act as a user’s default messaging client, it should fully implement all of the specified components. However, an incomplete implementation can certainly be useful; e.g., during learning and testing, or in apps that only need partial access temporarily, like message backup and restore apps.

If you do intend to perform any SMS/MMS-related tasks, you will also need the relevant permissions. Though the system apparently doesn’t check for these when determining eligible default app candidates, the following permissions are necessary for their corresponding operations:

How do I set default text messages on Android?

How to set your default texting app on Android

  1. Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications.
  3. Tap Advanced.
  4. Tap Default apps. Source: Joe Maring / Android Central.
  5. Tap SMS app.
  6. Tap the app you want to switch to.
  7. Tap OK. Source: Joe Maring / Android Central.

How do I reset my message settings?

Follow these steps to reset SMS settings to default values on Android:

  1. Open Messages.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Reset all settings to factory values.
  4. Restart your device.

What is the default messaging app for Android?

Google is making a handful of announcements related to RCS today, but the piece of news you’re most likely to notice is that the default SMS app Google offers is now called “Android Messages” instead of “Messenger.” Or rather, it will be the default RCS app.

What does default SMS messages mean?

Why should I use mysms as default SMS app on my smartphone (Android 4.4)? … Setting mysms as the default SMS app on your phone allows you to fully manage your messages on each of your devices – your smartphone, tablet & computer.

What is Samsung default messaging app?

Google Messages is the default text messaging app on most Android phones, and has a chat feature built in to it that enables advanced features — many of which are similar to what you’d find in Apple’s iMessage.

What is the Messages app on Android?

Android Messages (also referred to as just Messages) is a free, all-in-one messaging app designed by Google for its smartphones. It allows you to text, chat, send group texts, send pictures, share videos, send audio messages, and more.

How do I fix my messaging app?

If your messaging app stops, how do you fix it?

  1. Go into your home screen and then tap on the Settings menu.
  2. Scroll down and then tap on the Apps selection.
  3. Then scroll down to the Message app in the menu and tap on it.
  4. Then tap on the Storage selection.
  5. You should see two options; Clear Data and Clear Cache. Tap on both.

How do I get to SMS settings?

Set up SMS – Samsung Android

  1. Select Messages.
  2. Select the Menu button. Note: The Menu button may be placed elsewhere on your screen or your device.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select More settings.
  5. Select Text messages.
  6. Select Message Centre.
  7. Enter the Message centre number and select Set.

Why are my text messages not being delivered?

1) The phone is switched off or out of the carrier’s reach

When the SMS doesn’t get delivered on the first try, it is automatically re-sent in certain intervals without you knowing it. So, when the phone is available again, the message still gets delivered. … When the message still fails, it is marked as ‘Failed. ‘

How do I change the default messaging app?

How to Change the Default Messaging app on Android

  1. Access the Settings Menu by swiping down the notification shade or tapping on the Settings icon.
  2. Scroll down until you find Personal>Apps.
  3. Tap on Default (it’s the third option)

How do I change message settings on Samsung?

How to Manage Text Message Notification Settings – Samsung Galaxy Note9

  1. From a Home screen, swipe up or down from the center of the display to access the apps screen. …
  2. Tap Messages .
  3. If prompted to change the default SMS app, tap OK, select Messages then tap Set as default to confirm.
  4. Tap the Menu icon. …
  5. Tap Settings.

What is the best message app for Android?

Top 8+ Best SMS Apps for Android

  • Chomp SMS.
  • Handcent Next SMS.
  • WhatsApp.
  • Google Messenger.
  • Textra SMS.
  • Pulse SMS.
  • Mighty Text.
  • QKSMS.

What is the difference between a text message and a SMS message?

SMS is an abbreviation for Short Message Service, which is a fancy name for a text message. However, while you might refer to a variety of different message types as simply a “text” in your daily life, the difference is that an SMS message contains only text (no pictures or videos) and is limited to 160 characters.

Should I use SMS or MMS?

Supported Media: SMS can only support media via links that are attached within a text. MMS allows you to embed rich media, such as images, audio files, short video clips and GIFs. Cost: MMS messages typically cost more than SMS because MMS messages transmit more data. The price for bulk SMS and MMS varies by provider.

What does default mean on cell phone?

When you tap an action in Android, a specific application always opens; that application is called the default. This can come into play when you have more than one application installed that serves the same purpose. … When you tap on a link, whichever browser is set as your default will be one to open the link.

How to set your default texting app on android

One of the best things about Android is being able to control everything you want, from your wallpaper down to the default apps you use for every action. Changing the default SMS app from the one that came with your device can drastically alter your messaging experience. Many SMS apps have loads of themes to pick from while also offering other features you can’t find anywhere else.

Not to say the default SMS app that came with your phone is terrible, but maybe you wanted to try something different out of curiosity to see what’s out there? The Play Store is flooded with a wide variety of SMS apps, but where you land all depends on what you’re looking for in particular. You might have to spend some time doing a little trial and error while you find one that suits your needs.

Step 1: Find Your New SMS App

First, you’ll need to begin searching the Play Store for a few ideal candidates to help you get started. Try searching the term “sms app” for starters, as it’ll spit back a ton of relevant and popular SMS apps. Google Messages, Handcent, Textra, and chomp SMS are four of the most popular SMS apps out there if you need a recommendation.

How to set your default texting app on android How to set your default texting app on android How to set your default texting app on android

You might want to download quite a few different apps for testing, but for the sake of simplicity, we’ll keep the number low for now. Download a handful of SMS apps that look interesting to you (maybe 2 or 3), then you can exit the Play Store and move on to the next step below. You can always repeat the process and test more later.

Step 2: Change Your Default SMS App

There are two main ways used to swap out your default SMS app. Both methods work just the same, so it just all depends on what you feel like doing at the time — there’s always more than one way to accomplish the same end goal when it comes to anything Android related.

Method 1: Open the SMS App for the First Time

All modern versions of Android allow the SMS app to prompt you to set it as the default when you open it for the first time. A list will pop up with all the installed SMS apps, so you can then select the one that’s currently asking for access. Choose the appropriate SMS app, then tap “Set as default” to confirm your choice. The system will now use that app by default for all your SMS needs. Done!

How to set your default texting app on android How to set your default texting app on android How to set your default texting app on android

Now it will send you to the main screen of that SMS app to where you can start using it right away. There’s no limit to how many times you can do this, so opening another app for the first time will result in the same process. You can also add the icon to your home screen to replace the old SMS app if you want. Try it for a bit, then check out another SMS app to see what might work best for you.

Method 2: Through the System Settings

Most devices now allow you to search for a specific setting while browsing through the system settings menu. This is especially useful if you don’t know where to look or you want to access something instantly with little effort. Tap the search box or icon at the top of the settings screen, type in “default apps” or just “default,” and then tap the entry that matches what you’re looking for.

How to set your default texting app on android How to set your default texting app on android

The “Default apps” main page will be displayed where you can see all of the apps your phone is using by default for every action. Tap the “SMS app” entry to bring up a list of installed SMS apps Tap the app you want to use, then confirm the note that pops up by tapping “OK” as needed when swapping between apps.

How to set your default texting app on android How to set your default texting app on android How to set your default texting app on android

Once you do that, your new SMS app has been set, and you’re good to go! The system will now use that app by default for all your SMS needs. From this point, you can completely dive into the app and see what it has to offer you. You can also add the icon to your home screen to replace the old SMS app if you want. Try it for a bit, then check out another SMS app to see what might work best for you.

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What is the default messaging app in Android?

There are three text messaging apps that come already installed on this device, Message+ (default app), Messages, and Hangouts.

How do I change my default messaging app on Samsung?

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Tap the Three dots.
  4. Tap Default apps.
  5. Tap Messaging app.
  6. Select the desired messaging app.

Where is the messaging app on my Android?

From the Home screen, tap the Apps icon (in the QuickTap bar) > the Apps tab (if necessary) > Tools folder > Messaging .

How do I set up messaging on my Android?

Set up SMS – Samsung Android

  1. Select Messages.
  2. Select the Menu button. Note: The Menu button may be placed elsewhere on your screen or your device.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select More settings.
  5. Select Text messages.
  6. Select Message Centre.
  7. Enter the Message centre number and select Set.

What is default messaging app mean?

If your device has more than one messaging app, you can make Messages your default messaging app. When you make Messages your default messaging app, you can review your text message history in the Messages app, and you’ll only be able to send and receive new text messages in the Messages app. Open the Messages app .

Can you change default messaging app?

Step 1 Swipe the phone screen and open “Settings“ app. Scroll down to find “App & notification“. Step 2 Then, tap on “Default apps“ > “SMS app“ option. Step 3 In this page you can see all available apps that can be set as default SMS app.

How do I change message settings on Samsung?

How to Manage Text Message Notification Settings – Samsung Galaxy Note9

  1. From a Home screen, swipe up or down from the center of the display to access the apps screen. …
  2. Tap Messages .
  3. If prompted to change the default SMS app, tap OK, select Messages then tap Set as default to confirm.
  4. Tap the Menu icon (upper-right).

Where is Message settings on Samsung?

Tap the Messages icon. Tap Menu > Settings > Chat settings.

How do I change my text message settings?

Text Message Notification Settings – Android™

  1. From the messaging app, tap the Menu icon.
  2. Tap ‘Settings’ or ‘Messaging’ settings.
  3. If applicable, tap ‘Notifications’ or ‘Notification settings’.
  4. Configure the following received notification options as preferred: …
  5. Configure the following ringtone options:

What is the best message app for Android?

These are the Best Text Messaging apps for Android: Google Messages, Chomp SMS, Pulse SMS, and more!

  • QKSMS. …
  • SMS Organizer. …
  • Textra SMS. …
  • Handcent Next SMS – Best texting w/ MMS & stickers. …
  • Simple SMS Messenger: SMS and MMS messaging app. …
  • YAATA – SMS/MMS messaging. …
  • SMS Backup & Restore. …
  • SMS Backup & Restore Pro.

How do I change the default messaging app?

How to set your default texting app on Android

  1. Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications.
  3. Tap Advanced.
  4. Tap Default apps. Source: Joe Maring / Android Central.
  5. Tap SMS app.
  6. Tap the app you want to switch to.
  7. Tap OK. Source: Joe Maring / Android Central.

Where do I find the messaging app?

How to Choose a Texting App for Your Android Phone

  1. Start the Settings app. Choose the Settings app from the apps drawer.
  2. Choose More or More Settings.
  3. Choose the Default SMS App command.
  4. Choose the text messaging app from the menu. If the only option available is Hangouts, that’s your SMS app.

Why is messages not working on Android?

If your Android won’t send text messages, the first thing you should do is make sure you have a decent signal — without cell or Wi-Fi connectivity, those texts are going nowhere. A soft reset of an Android can usually fix an issue with outgoing texts, or you can also force a power cycle reset.

What is the difference between a text message and an SMS?

What is the difference between a text message and an SMS message? … However, while you might refer to a variety of different message types as simply a “text” in your daily life, the difference is that an SMS message contains only text (no pictures or videos) and is limited to 160 characters.

Does Samsung have a messaging app?

Note: The following instructions and features are for the Samsung default messages app, which is available on Samsung phones running software version Android 9.0 Pie and up. …

How to change the default SMS app on Android Nougat 7.0 using the app settings. By default set SMS app, browser app, phone app, home app, launcher, and more on android devices. Also, download the best messenger apps from Google play store and set default messaging app on nougat 7.0 and marshmallow device. You can change messages settings on your android devices using messages app. Easily change default apps on your Android 7.0 Nougat.

Using the SMS messaging app, you can send & receive text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages. By default set messages as SMS app in Android nougat 7.0 (Moto G4 Plus) devices.

Related:

How To Set Default SMS App On Android 7.0 Nougat and Marshmallow 6.0

Step 1: Go to “Settings”.

Step 2: Tap “Apps” under the device section.

You can see a list of installed apps and apps settings on your nougat and other devices.

Step 3: Tap the “Settings” gear icon from the top of the right side.

This configures the app page includes app permissions settings, by default set home app, browser app, phone app, and SMS app in your nougat device.

How to set your default texting app on android

Step 4: Touch the “SMS” app.

By default set messages as SMS app in your nougat device.

How to set your default texting app on android

Step 5: Choose from the list to change default SMS apps in android phone

That’s all about set default SMS app on android 7.0 & 7.1 nougat devices.

Turn on/Turn off notifications for text messages in Android device

Turn on/off notifications for text messages and change the text message sound and set vibration for the incoming message on your android device using the below settings.

How to set your default texting app on android

Messages > More > Settings > Enable/disable notifications

When you are traveling on a bike or car and your phone ringing, you can send him quick responses by text message instead of answering that particular call. Use the below settings to send quick responses.

Send quick responses via text messages on Android 7.0 Nougat

Step 1: Open the “Phone” app.

How to set your default texting app on android

Step 2: Tap “three vertical dots” & select “Settings”.

You can see settings of display options, sounds & vibration, quick responses, call blocking, calling accounts, and accessibility settings.

How to set your default texting app on android Step 3: Touch “Quick responses”.

How to set your default texting app on android

Step 4: Select any responses from the given list.

How to set your default texting app on android

Step 5: Tap “OK”.

Enable Delivery Report of Text Messages on Android

Step 1: Open the “Message” app.

Step 2: Tap on “Three vertical dots” in the top right side corner.

Step 3: Tap on “Settings”.

Step 4: Tap on “More settings”.

Step 5: Tap on “Text messages”.

Step 6: Toggle on “Delivery reports

Now, enable SMS and MMS delivery report of text messages on your android devices.

That’s it. I hope the above-given tricks helpful to set the default SMS app on android 7.0 devices. If you have any kind of trouble, let us know below comment box. Share this article with your friends. Stay connected with us for daily latest android tips.

Apart from offering secure conversation, the Signal app on Android can also be used as the default SMS messaging app on Android. The advantage of using Signal as the default SMS app is that the experience becomes seamless. You can chat with your contact over SMS and through the Signal app simultaneously. This post will guide you on how you can make Signal your Default SMS app on Android.

Make Signal the Default SMS Messaging App

How to set your default texting app on android

  1. Open Signal App, and tap on your profile
  2. Next, tap on SSM and MMS
  3. Tap on the SMS Enabled option.
  4. When prompted, select Signal app as the default SMS app.

If you use, enable SMS delivery reports and WiFi calling compatibility mode. Once done, even if the contact is not on Signal, you can send a text message or switch from Signal message to text message from within the Signal App. It comes in handy as the conversation remains at the same place when you do not have data.

To remove Signal as the default and switch to another SMS/MMS app, tap SMS Enabled to select another app.

Interesting to note that the Signal app doesn’t read any of the previously received messages. It only reads what is received after it becomes the default SMS app. That will be a disadvantage to many who want the Signal app to be the default SMS app.

Send a text SMS message using the Signal App

How to set your default texting app on android

Once you have set up Signal as the SMS app, it will show both Signal and non-Signal contacts. To easily identify which contact is on Signal and those are not, open the contact and check if there is an open lock icon on the top left. It means the if you chat to that contact, it will not be secure. Also, the contact will be missing the video and call icon.

Tap on the pencil icon and then select a contact or search by name. If the contact is not on Signal, you can instantly send an SMS. If the contact is on Signal, and you want to send a standard text, type the message, and then tap on the send button.

How to set your default texting app on android

It will then show a grey color send icon along with blue color send icon. If you tap on the grey color icon, it will send a standard text message. You can identify if the SMS was a standard text message or signal message easily. If the message has an open lock icon, then it’s a standard text message.

Sending SMS/MMS via Signal App not working?

If you are not able to send SMS through the signal app, then you need to make sure of the following:

  • Active SMS/MMS plan
  • Connection to the mobile network.
  • Enable WiFi Calling compatibility mode
  • Permission to send SMS

I hope the post was easy, and now you know how to make Signal your default SMS messaging app on Android. Along with this, we have also explained how you can send standard text and switch between secure and standard text.

Table of Contents

How do I get my default messaging app back on Android?

How to set your default texting app on Android

  1. Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Tap Apps & notifications.
  3. Tap Advanced.
  4. Tap Default apps. Source: Joe Maring / Android Central.
  5. Tap SMS app.
  6. Tap the app you want to switch to.
  7. Tap OK. Source: Joe Maring / Android Central.

Does Android have a messaging app?

Google Messages (also referred to as just Messages) is a free, all-in-one messaging app designed by Google for its smartphones. It allows you to text, chat, send group texts, send pictures, share videos, send audio messages, and more. Instructions in this article apply to smartphones with Android 5.0 Lollipop or later.

What is set default SMS?

Why should I use mysms as default SMS app on my smartphone (Android 4.4)? ← Android phone. mysms provides you with the best texting experience across devices. Setting mysms as the default SMS app on your phone allows you to fully manage your messages on each of your devices – your smartphone, tablet & computer.

Can you change default messaging app?

You can change the default apps for the browser, launcher, phone, and messaging. 1. Open Settings on your Android phone and tap on Apps/Apps & notifications. If you don’t see it, tap on “Advanced -> Default apps.” If it’s not there, tap on the three-dot icon at the top and select Default apps.

How do I make Messenger my default messaging app?

If you are lucky enough to own an Android, simply open Messenger and tap on Settings (it is your person icon). Then select ‘SMS’ from the list and turn on ‘Default SMS app’. Once SMS is connected to Messenger, you can send standard text, images, videos and audio – just like before.

Can I use WhatsApp as default SMS?

Despite it being a texting app, it has a built in WhatsApp-to-SMS import feature that allows you to convert your conversations in WhatsApp into a universal SMS format, so any of your texting apps can access it. Once you download and open up Mei, you’ll be prompted to allow it to be your default SMS app.

Which is the best SMS app for Android?

These are the Best Text Messaging apps for Android: Google Messages, Chomp SMS, Pulse SMS, and more!

  • Messages. Developer: Google LLC.
  • Chomp SMS. Developer: Delicious.
  • Pulse SMS (Phone/Tablet/Web) Developer: Maple Media.
  • QKSMS. Developer: Moez Bhatti.
  • SMS Organizer.
  • Textra SMS.
  • Handcent Next SMS-Text w/ MMS.
  • Simple SMS Messenger.