How to change your default SMS app on Android

Learn how to switch your default messaging application on Android to manage SMS and RCS settings efficiently.

1. Open system settings. Unlock your device and navigate to the Settings application. You can find this by swiping up on the home screen to open the app drawer or by tapping the gear icon in the Quick Settings panel.
2. Locate Apps menu. Scroll down the main Settings list and tap on 'Apps'. Depending on your specific Android skin, this may be labeled as 'Apps & notifications' or 'Manage apps'.
3. Access default apps settings. Look for the entry labeled 'Default apps'. You may need to tap on 'See all apps' or 'Advanced' if it is not immediately visible on the main screen.
4. Select SMS app. Find the 'SMS app' option in the list. Tapping this will display a screen showing your currently selected messaging application and a list of other compatible apps installed on your device.
5. Set new default. Tap the radio button or the name of the new application you wish to set as your primary SMS client. A confirmation dialog may appear; select 'Set as default' to finalize the change.