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How to Change the Default Notebook in OneNote for Android

John Wilson Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to configure the default notebook section and location for saving quick notes in the OneNote Android application.

How to Change the Default Notebook in OneNote for Android

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Setting up note-taking preferences on a mobile device for faster file organization.
Observed behavior: Once configured, new quick notes are automatically saved to the newly assigned default notebook section instead of the previous location.

Before you start

Ensure that your OneNote app is updated to the latest version on your Android device and that all your notebooks are fully synced to your Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Set the Default Notebook Section Directly from the Notebook View

This is the fastest method to set a specific section as your default quick notes location while you are browsing your notebooks.

Open the target notebook

Launch the OneNote app on your Android device and navigate to the notebook you wish to use as your default.

Select the section

Press and hold the name of the specific section you want to use until it is highlighted on your screen.

Open the menu

Tap the three-dot menu icon located in the upper right corner of the application.

Set as default

Choose 'Set as default' from the dropdown menu to immediately make it your designated location for quick notes.

Set the Default Notebook Section Directly from the Notebook View

Solution 2

Change Quick Notes Location via App Settings

You can also manage your default notebook location globally from the main app settings menu, which is helpful if you want to verify all your account configurations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the default notebook on Android affect where quick notes are saved on my PC?

Changing the default quick notes section on your Android device generally only applies to notes created on that specific mobile device. You will need to adjust your quick notes settings separately on your PC or desktop application.

Why can't I see my newly created notebook when trying to set it as default?

If a new notebook isn't showing up as an option, ensure that it has fully synced to your Microsoft account. You can force a manual sync by returning to the main notebook list and swiping down on the screen.

Can I set an entire notebook as the default location without choosing a specific section?

No, OneNote requires you to specify an exact section within a notebook so the application knows exactly where to place your unfiled pages and newly created quick notes.

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