Waze is one of the most popular GPS navigation apps available for Android.

It provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates based on crowdsourcing, and various other features that make navigating easier.

If you use Waze regularly, you probably want to make it your default navigation app on your Android device.

That way, whenever you tap an address to get directions, Waze will automatically open instead of Google Maps or another installed map app.

Setting a default app is easy to do but the steps vary slightly depending on your specific Android device and version.

In this detailed guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for making Waze the default on every major Android phone including Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and more.

We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about setting default apps on Android.

Why Make Waze the Default Navigation App?

Here are some of the main reasons why you may want to replace Google Maps or your current default with Waze:

• Waze provides real-time traffic updates based on anonymized data from all Waze users. This helps you avoid slowdowns and delays on your route.
• Waze can reroute you around traffic jams automatically. Google Maps doesn’t do this.
• The Waze interface shows much more detail about upcoming maneuvers, lanes, etc.
• Waze has fun features like reporting police traps along the route.
• You can report accidents, hazards, and traffic jams yourself to help fellow users.
• Waze has turn-by-turn voice guidance with optional celebrity voices.
• It’s easy to add frequent destinations as favorites in Waze.
• Waze supports Android Auto for guidance on your car’s dash screen.
• Community edit features allow you to add info like speed limits and missing roads.

As you can see, Waze brings a lot to the table for Android users who drive regularly.

Setting it as the default navigation app makes using these features much more convenient.

How to Set Default Apps on Android

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions for Waze, let’s talk about how setting default apps works on Android in general.

Every Android device includes a Default Apps or Default Applications section in the main Settings app.

This allows you to select your preferred default apps for common tasks like web browsing, maps/navigation, phone calls, messaging, etc.

When you select a new default app, your phone will launch that app automatically in the future when you perform certain actions:

• Tapping a map or navigation link opens Waze instead of Google Maps.
• Clicking a web link opens Chrome instead of Samsung Internet.
• Hitting the phone icon on your home screen launches your preferred dialer.

Android manages default apps intelligently behind the scenes. It remembers your custom choices and won’t override them unless you specifically change the default later on.

This system allows tremendous flexibility and personalization.

You can customize your device to automatically use the apps you prefer for each task.

Now let’s go through the steps to make Waze your default navigation app on all major Android devices!

How to Make Waze Default on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets are the most popular Android devices worldwide.

Here is how to make Waze your default on recent Galaxy models:

1. Open the Settings app and select “Apps”.
2. Tap “Default apps” > “Navigation app”.
3. Choose Waze from the list.
4. Confirm the change if prompted.

And that’s it! Now any links, addresses, or directions will automatically launch the Waze app.

To switch back, just return to the same Default apps screen and choose Google Maps or another option.

How to Change Default Map App on Google Pixel

Pixel phones run clean stock Android with no manufacturer customizations.

Here are the steps to make Waze default on a Pixel 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6:

1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications.
2. Select “Default apps”.
3. Choose “Maps”.
4. Tap Waze from the list.
5. Confirm the change.

Once again, very quick and easy.

The Default Apps menu makes switching defaults a breeze on all Android devices.

How to Set Waze as Default on OnePlus

OnePlus phones like the OnePlus 9 and 10 also use clean stock Android.

The steps to change the default navigation app are the same:

1. Open Settings and tap “Apps & notifications”.
2. Go to “Default apps” > “Maps”.
3. Select Waze from the list.
4. Hit “Set as default” to confirm.

And Waze is now set as the default on your OnePlus.

Enjoy the real-time traffic routing!

How to Make Waze Default on Xiaomi

Xiaomi is another major Android phone brand.

Their MIUI software adds some customizations to stock Android.

Here are the steps for Xiaomi devices:

1. Open Settings and go to “Additional settings”.
2. Tap “Default apps”.
3. Choose “Navigation app”.
4. Select Waze from the list.
5. Confirm the change.

This will make Waze your default navigation app on any Xiaomi phone.

How to Change Default to Waze on Motorola

Motorola phones run close to stock Android with useful Moto apps and features added on top.

Here is how to make Waze default:

1. Open the Settings app on your Motorola device.
2. Tap “Apps & notifications”.
3. Go to “Default apps” > “Maps”.
4. Select Waze from the list.
5. Confirm the change when prompted.

And your Motorola phone is now set to use Waze automatically!

How to Set Default Navigation App on Other Android Phones

The above steps cover the most common Android manufacturers.

But there are some other brands with Android devices, like Sony, Nokia, Asus, etc.

The good news is that making Waze the default navigation app works essentially the same on any device:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Find the Default Apps or Default Applications section.
3. Choose Maps or Navigation app.
4. Select Waze from the list.
5. Confirm the change when prompted.

As long as your Android device can change default apps, these basic steps should work.

Waze will now launch automatically whenever you request directions or tap map links.

Pro Tips for Using Waze as Default Navigation

Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of Waze after making it your default Android navigation app:

• Make sure Waze is updated to the latest version for the best experience.
• Allow Waze access to your location while using the app and in the background.
• Enable auto-start so Waze launches as soon as you begin driving.
• Add your home and work addresses to Waze favorites for quicker access.
• Personalize settings like voice language, avoiding tolls, arrival time, and more.
• Tap report buttons to help update Waze maps and traffic info.
• Try car play mode to see Waze on your vehicle’s dash screen.
• Share your ETA with contacts when navigating to meet them.
• Add custom voice instructions to make Waze directions more fun.
• Explore the Waze map editor to add info like speed limits.
• Join the local Waze community in your city.

As you can see, Waze has lots of cool features beyond standard turn-by-turn directions.

Now that it’s set as your default, take some time to customize Waze and contribute to improving maps and traffic for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Default Apps

Here are answers to some common questions about setting default apps on Android:

How do I change the default back after switching to Waze?

Simply return to the Default Apps settings on your device, choose Maps/Navigation again, and tap on Google Maps or whichever app you want to set as the default instead.

Does making an app default remove the previous one?

No, making Waze or any app the default does not delete or disable any other apps on your device. It just means that Waze will launch automatically going forward.

Can I have different default map apps for different actions?

Unfortunately, no. Android allows setting one default navigation/maps app to handle links, addresses, etc. You can’t split the default between multiple apps.

What if I want different defaults on my phone vs. tablet?

No problem! Default apps are set on a per-device basis. You can make Waze default on your phone and keep Google Maps as the default on your tablet if you prefer.

Will this change work with Android Auto?

Yes, setting Waze as your default navigation app will make it launch automatically in Android Auto when you request directions.

Does the default setting transfer if I get a new phone?

No, default apps do not transfer when you get a new Android device. You’ll need to go through the steps again to set Waze as the default on any new phones.

As you can see, it’s very straightforward to manage default apps on Android. Take advantage of this feature to streamline your most-used apps for each task.

Conclusion

Having Waze set as your default navigation app provides plenty of benefits for regular Android drivers.

You get real-time traffic routing, rerouting around delays, police/hazard alerts, and much more.

We covered step-by-step instructions for making Waze default on all popular Android phones from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and other brands.

So give Waze a try as your go-to directions and maps app.

Just tap and go without needing to select Waze manually each time! Let us know if you have any other questions about managing default apps on your Android device.