Quick take: Go to Settings → Apps → See all apps → ⋮ (three-dot menu) → Reset app preferences → Reset apps. This doesn’t delete your app data. It simply restores defaults (e.g., default apps, re-enables disabled apps, removes notification & background-data restrictions). Guiding TechDigital Trends

What “Reset app preferences” actually resets

When you run this action, Android typically:

• Re-enables disabled apps & services.

• Clears default apps (so “Open with” prompts appear again).

• Removes notification restrictions you applied to apps.

• Removes background-data restrictions you set per-app.

• May clear certain “special access” restrictions (varies by OEM/Android version). Digital Trends

It does not erase personal data or uninstall apps. Your app data remains intact. Guiding Tech

Step-by-step (most Android phones, Android 12–14)

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Apps → See all apps (or All apps).

3. Tap the ⋮ menu (top-right).

4. Choose Reset app preferences → confirm with Reset apps. Guiding TechDigital Trends

Older builds / some devices: You might also find it under Settings → System → Reset options → Reset app preferences. Google Help

Brand-specific paths (if your menu differs)

• Samsung (One UI 5/6/7):
  Settings → Apps → ⋮ → Reset app preferences.
  Don’t confuse this with Settings → General management → Reset → Reset all settings, which is broader (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) and separate from app preferences. Samsung

• Xiaomi / HyperOS (and some MIUI builds):
  Settings → Apps → Manage apps → ⋮ → Other settings → Reset app preferences. On certain HyperOS versions, the wording/placement may vary slightly, but it is located under Apps/Manage apps. YouTube

When should you use it?

• You've set the wrong default app (e.g., a browser or PDF opener) and can’t find the option to change it.

• Notifications stopped after heavy tweaking of per-app settings.

• You blocked background data for many apps, and as a result, things stopped syncing. Google HelpAvast

After you reset: recommended follow-ups

• Re-choose your default apps (browser, dialer, SMS, launcher, etc.):
  Settings → Apps → Default apps → pick (or open an item once and choose Always/Just once). Google Help

• Review notification settings for key apps (Messages, Email, Banking).

• Reapply background data limits only where necessary; remember that restricting background data can affect timely notifications. Avast

• Check special app access (Draw over other apps, Do Not Disturb access, Battery optimization) if you had customized them.

FAQs

Will I lose any data or have to log in again?
No. This reset doesn’t delete app data or uninstall apps; it only resets app-level preferences. Guiding Tech

What’s the difference between “Reset app preferences” and “Reset all settings” on Samsung?
“Reset app preferences” targets app defaults/restrictions. “Reset all settings” is wider (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) and doesn’t focus on app defaults. Samsung

I only want to change one default (e.g., my browser). Do I have to reset everything?
No. You can clear a single app’s default: Settings → Apps → [that app] → Open by default → Clear default preferences, or pick a new default via Settings → Apps → Default apps. Google Help