In today’s digital lifestyle, managing document files efficiently on mobile devices has become essential. One common task is accessing PDF files, but using suboptimal applications can hamper our productivity and experience. This guide provides steps to update the default PDF viewer on your Android device, ensuring that you always have the best tool at hand for reading PDFs.
Exploring Easy Steps to Change Your Android’s Default PDF Viewer
At times, opening a PDF on your mobile device might result in it being displayed in an app that’s not tailored for PDF viewing. This situation could lead to difficulty in reading or navigating through documents. To help you have better control over your PDFs, we’ll guide you through the process of designating your preferred app to open PDF files.
Switch to a Better PDF Viewing Experience on Android
Changing your Android’s default PDF viewer is a straightforward process. By following the instructions below, you’ll configure your device for optimal document handling:
Step 1: Identify the Current Default Application
- If the name of the current default PDF app is known to you, you can skip to the following section. If not, determine which app is being used by opening a PDF and viewing the app’s name from your phone’s recent apps screen.
Step 2: Modify Default App Settings
Adjusting the settings of the app that currently defaults for PDFs can be done swiftly with these actions:
Method 1: Update Default Settings via Recent Apps
- Navigate to the recent apps overview.
- Press and hold the PDF that was opened with the default app.
- Access the app’s settings or information screen.
- Scroll down to ‘Clear defaults’ and select this option.
Successful removal of the default setting means the app won’t automatically open PDF files anymore.
Method 2: Update Default Settings via the Android Settings App
- Open your Android’s ‘Settings’ app.
- Select ‘Apps’ or ‘Apps & notifications’ as applicable for your device.
- Proceed to ‘Manage Applications’ if the apps aren’t listed directly.
- Select the app that’s been opening your PDF files.
- Scroll down, find ‘Clear defaults’, and tap it.
- This action ensures that the app is no longer set to open PDFs by default.
- Your final move is to establish a new default PDF viewer.
Step 3: Set a New Default PDF Viewer App
Before setting a new default app, make sure you have an alternative PDF viewer installed. If there’s only one PDF app available, you won’t have other options. Once you’ve sorted this out:
- Attempt opening a PDF which will prompt you to select a reader.
- Choose your newly installed or preferred PDF viewer and tap ‘Always’ or ‘Set as default’ to confirm your choice.
Conclusion
Setting the right tools for reading and managing PDFs on your mobile device can greatly enhance your productivity. This step-by-step guide ensures you can always count on having the best application ready for all your PDF needs on Android.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I don’t have an alternative PDF viewer on my Android device?
A: Visit the Google Play Store and download a PDF viewer with good reviews and features suitable for your needs.
Q: How can I prevent an app from automatically becoming the default PDF viewer in the future?
A: When opening a PDF, choose ‘Just once’ instead of ‘Always’ when prompted to select an app, unless you’re certain you want it set as the default viewer.
By following these updated steps, you will enhance your Android experience with a PDF viewer that best fits your preferences, and you’ll be able to read and manage documents with greater efficacy and ease.