Quick Tip: Change the Default App That Opens Files in iOS and iPadOS
Since the new iPads were introduced several weeks ago there has been a lot of talk amongst Apple pundits about what one can and can’t do on an iPad. One of the complaints I encountered was about not being able to set a default app to open certain file types in iPadOS.
Well, there is a way. Let’s take a .txt file. The most common files that regular users have are .txt .md or .pdf. The last app to open a file type will be the default until you open it with a different app. Here’s how it works:
For example, to change the default app that opens a .txt file on your iPad, follow these steps:
Open the Files app and find the .txt file you want to change the default app for.
Tap and hold the .txt file until a menu appears, then select “Share.”
In the share sheet, you’ll see a list of apps that can open the .txt file. Choose the app you want to use.
The file will open in the selected app. From now on, whenever you open a .txt file, your iPad will remember this preference.
Remember, iOS doesn’t have a universal way to set a default app for file types, but this method works for accessing files with your preferred app. This works the same way in iOS on iPhone.