Why Does 'Complete Action Using' Keep Popping Up on My Android?

General Discussion
1

It seems like I’m not the only one dealing with the frustrating ‘complete action using’ prompt on my Android device. Every time I try to open a file or link, I’m bombarded by this message, and I’m left wondering which app is the right one to use.

Understanding the Issue

The ‘complete action using’ message appears because there are multiple apps that can handle the same file type or link. For example, if you’re trying to open a PDF, both Google Drive and other PDF readers may be installed on your phone. If you haven’t set a default app for that action, Android prompts you to choose every time.

Why It Keeps Happening

This issue can arise for several reasons:

  1. Multiple Compatible Apps: You’ve installed more than one app that can open the same content type.
  2. No Default App Set: If you haven’t set a default app for a particular file type, Android will always pop up this message.
  3. Clearing Defaults: If you clear the defaults or uninstall/reinstall an app, the system resets, and again will prompt you to choose when you try to open a file.

Solutions to Try

Here are a few methods to manage this issue:

  • Set a Default App: Go to Settings > Apps > find the app you want to set as default > tap on Open by default > select Open supported links > choose your preference. This will greatly reduce interruptions from the prompt.
  • Clear App Defaults: If you want to change the default app, go to the same Settings path, select the app, and clear defaults. The next time you open that file type, you’ll be prompted again.
  • Consider App Functionality: Sometimes, it’s helpful to review which apps you have installed and whether you really need multiple options for the same function. Uninstalling unnecessary apps can help streamline choices.

Share Your Experience

Has anyone else experienced this? What steps did you take to resolve it? I’d love to hear any other tips or tricks that have worked for you. The more we share, the easier it will be to manage these types of notifications on our devices! Looking forward to your experiences and solutions!

2

The ‘Complete Action Using…’ prompt usually appears when there are multiple apps that can handle a specific action, like opening a link. It’s Android’s way of asking you which app you prefer to use.

3

That makes sense! I was wondering why it kept popping up randomly. It can get really annoying when you’re just trying to check a message.

4

It’s cleverly designed, but when you deal with a lot of apps, you’ll definitely encounter it frequently. You can set a default app so it doesn’t keep asking.

5

How do you set a default app? I feel like I’m missing out on this feature!

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6

Go to Settings > Apps, find the app you want as default, and choose ‘Open by default’. It can save a lot of headache!

7

Thanks for the tip! But I feel like I change apps all the time. It’s like a never-ending cycle.

8

Yeah, it really is. Sometimes it’s weird how certain tasks loop back to the prompt even after setting defaults. Any thoughts on that?

9

Exactly! I wonder if it’s a bug or just poor app integration. Quite frustrating!

10

It might be a bit of both. The Android ecosystem can be a bit chaotic with all these apps trying to work together. Why can’t they just get along?

11

Ha! True! Maybe they need to have a group hug or something. Would save us a lot of hassle!

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12

I found that the prompt phasing seems to change depending on app updates. One day it’s gone, the next it’s back. So unpredictable!

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13

You’re right! It’s almost like they play hide-and-seek with us until we give up entirely.

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14

Lol, I love that analogy! If only there was a toggle switch for it. Would make life so much easier.

15

Sometimes, I just wish for less choices! It feels overwhelming. Can’t they just decide for me?

16

Haha! So true! In a world of options, I crave simplicity. Why can’t someone just handle it for me?

17

I’ve noticed the ‘Complete action using’ message pops up mostly when I’m trying to open links from my email app. It seems to be a common issue with multiple browsers vying for the same action.

18

I totally relate! It can be frustrating when I just want to open a link quickly, but instead, I get bombarded by options.

19

This happens to me all the time with media files. If I try to open an MP3, I often get asked whether I want to use Google Play Music or Spotify. Why can’t it just remember my last choice?

20

I’m curious, does anyone know if this issue varies by device? My friend’s Samsung doesn’t show this message as much as my Pixel does.

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