How do I change the default app in files app for different file types?

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Level 1

39 points

How do I change the default app in files app for different file types?

So my question is really in two parts:

how do I stop the files app from opening a file by an specific application. For example, if I tap on an word file, it automatically launches word, and I would like to choose other word editing apps like Google docs.
Also, I’m able to preview some files, such as PDFs, and choose the app that opens them for editing, etc. but the files app keeps suggesting a seldom used app. I would like to change or remove that suggestion altogether. See the image with a PDF file example:

I would not want to just delete the suggested apps (I do use still use them, I just don’t want them to be defaults or suggested).

Thanks

iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi

Posted on May 22, 2021 8:47 PM

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Answer 1

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Top-ranking reply

buenor Author

Level 1

39 points

May 23, 2021 3:49 PM in response to Brian_P7

Hi,

thanks for the suggestion. I did try turning all the suggestions off, but I’m afraid it doesn’t actually remove that option. I suppose doesn’t have anything to do with Siri. That “open in” option is only in the files app.

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Answer 2

Brian_P7

Community Specialist

May 23, 2021 2:57 PM in response to buenor

Hey there, buenor.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities! Thanks for posting about the suggestions you see when using your iPad. We'd eb glad to see how we can help you out with that.

What you might be seeing are suggestions from Siri. To check that, look over the "Change where Siri Suggestions appear" section of Change Siri settings on iPad to see if adjusting those will change what you see when using your iPad normally.

Let us know what you find out.

Be well.

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Answer 3

Brian_P7

Community Specialist

May 24, 2021 1:30 PM in response to buenor

Thanks for checking, buenor.

We looked through View files and folders in Files on iPhone and didn't see a way to change the app that opens the items within the Files app. With that in mind, this may be something you'll want to leave Product Feedback about to see if it'll be added into a future release.

Take care.

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