How to Change the Default Text Messaging App on an Android Phone

Last Updated: May 18, 2015

With the large number of third-party text messaging apps, Android allows users to change default apps. No longer are you stuck with the stock messaging app; here's how to change the default to a third-party app.

Note that the appearance and organization of menu items may vary according the phone's manufacturer, ROM, and Android version. Nevertheless, these steps should work with all Android phones regardless of these variables.

Steps

1
Download a third-party text messaging app from the Play Store. Popular choices include Textra SMS, QKSMS, LINE, TextPlus, and WhatsApp.
2
After installation, go to your device settings.

Advertisement
3
Under Wireless & Networks, select "More."
4
Find the menu option labeled "Default SMS app."
5
Tap on it and select the app you want to set as the default text messaging app.
6
Start texting using the third-party app.

Community Q&A

Question

Why I don't see Whatsapp on the default SMS?

Community Answer

Whatsapp is a social networking site (SNS) owned by Facebook. The system (Android, IOS) does not recognize Whatsapp as a potential messaging app as guys using feature phones (keypad phones or otherwise 'dumb phone') can not install the app in any way, or people who have smartphones may not have installed it, for the OS recognizes software to communicate with everybody. In newer smartphone SMS services, you can, however, transfer multimedia files and much more.