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How to Change Default Picture App for Microsoft 365 on Android
Question details
The user needs to change the default application used to open pictures from Microsoft 365 and OneNote on Android after mistakenly tapping 'Always' on the wrong app.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 for Android
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Opening image files and attachments directly within OneNote or Microsoft 365 apps on an Android device.
- Observed behavior
- Pictures permanently open in the wrong application (such as a sticky-note or scanning app). Reinstalling Microsoft 365 or clearing its app data does not remove the incorrect file association.
Check which incorrect app is currently opening your pictures. Knowing the name of the app can allow you to clear defaults for just that specific application instead of resetting your entire device's app preferences.
Reset All App Preferences via Android Settings
This is the most reliable method to clear stubborn default app associations on Android when reinstalling apps fails to work.
Android manages default applications at the system level. Because the 'Always' command was registered by the Android OS rather than Microsoft 365 itself, uninstalling Microsoft 365 will not clear the association. Resetting all app preferences forces Android to ask you for your preferred app next time.
Unlock your Android phone and open the main Settings application from your home screen or app drawer.
Tap on 'Apps' (or 'Apps & notifications' depending on your Android version), then select 'See all apps' to view your complete application list.
Tap the three-dot menu icon located in the top-right corner of the screen.
Select 'Reset app preferences' from the dropdown menu, then tap 'Reset apps' on the confirmation pop-up screen.
Restart your phone. The next time you open a picture in Microsoft 365 or OneNote, you will be prompted to choose a viewer. Select your preferred app and tap 'Always'.
Clear Default Settings for the Incorrect App
Use this targeted approach if you know exactly which app is wrongly opening your pictures and you wish to avoid resetting all other app preferences.
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- 3. View Files Seamlessly: Open your documents, spreadsheets, and inserted pictures directly within WPS Office's built-in viewer, bypassing Android's default app prompts entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't uninstalling Microsoft 365 fix my default picture app issue?
When you select 'Always' on an Android prompt, the OS stores this default app association at the system level, not within the Microsoft 365 app itself. Therefore, uninstalling Microsoft 365 or clearing its cache does not remove the association pointing to the wrong picture app.
Will resetting app preferences delete my saved data or log me out?
No. Selecting 'Reset app preferences' only resets your default apps, background data restrictions, permission restrictions, and notification settings. Your personal files, saved data, and login sessions will remain completely intact.
How do I ensure I select the right app after clearing defaults?
Once you clear the defaults or reset app preferences, open a picture in Microsoft 365. Android will present a bottom menu asking which app to use. Carefully select your preferred gallery or photo viewer, tap 'Just once' to test it, and if it works correctly, you can choose 'Always' the next time.
