View PDF Files on an Android Phone

PDF files are one of the most popular document formats, as they can be opened on virtually any device and protect the original content and formatting. Android devices are not equipped with a default PDF viewer. In order to view PDF files on your Android phone or tablet, you must download a PDF reader. You can install a free PDF viewer from the Google Play Store.

Steps

Installing a PDF Reader

  1. Launch the Apps Drawer. Opening the Apps Drawer will allow you to scroll through all of your device’s apps. Tap on the icon with a grid of six or twelve white squares.[1]
    • On mobile devices, this icon is located within the Apps Dock at the bottom of the screen.
    • On Android tablets, you can find this icon in the top right corner of the screen.[2]
  2. Click on the Google Play Store icon. When the Play Store launches, the app may prompt you to enter your Google username and password. If you have an account, click “Existing” and enter in your information. If you do not have an account, click “New” and follow the instructions.[1]
  3. Search for a free PDF Reader. PDF readers, or viewers, make it possible for you to open and view PDF files on your device. Since Android devices do not have a default PDF reader, you must install a PDF reader or viewer. There are several free PDF readers available for Android devices. To browse all of these apps, type “Free PDF Reader for Android” in the search bar.
    • If you know which app you would like to download, search for the product by name.[1]
    • Popular PDF readers and viewers include: Google PDF Viewer, Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, PSPDFKit PDF Viewer, PDF Reader, Polaris Office, Foxit MobilePDF[3]
  4. Select a PDF Viewer to install. Scroll through the search results and select the app you want to install.[1]
  5. Install the app. Click on the green “Install” button. Read through the “App permissions” and click “Accept.”[1]

Viewing and Downloading a PDF with your Browser

  1. Load the file with Google View instantly. Tap on the PDF’s link. If you have installed Google Drive and/or Google PDF Viewer, the PDF will immediately load in Google PDF viewer.
    • Google View will override your other installed PDF viewers for web links only. For downloads or email attachments you will be prompted to pick a PDF viewer from a list of installed programs.
    • The file will not save to your Downloads app unless you do so manually from the menu (3 dots) on the right.[4]
  2. Download a PDF. If you have not installed Google Drive, you must download and save the PDF file to your Downloads app. Tap on the PDF’s link to download the file to your Android device.
    • The Downloads app is Android’s default file manager.
    • When you open a PDF attachment in an email, your device will not download it to your Downloads app. It will attempt to open it with a PDF reader.
  3. Open the Apps Drawer. Launching the Apps Drawer will allow you to easily access all of your downloaded apps. The Apps Drawer icon is a grid of six or twelve white rectangles. On mobile devices, it is located in the Apps Dock; on tablets, it is located in the screen’s top right corner.[5]
  4. Launch the Downloads app. The Downloads app is Android’s default file manager. This pre-installed app houses all of your downloaded content, including PDFs.
    • Its icon is a blue circle with a white downward pointing arrow. It is clearly labeled “Downloads.”[5]
    • Instead of using the Downloads app, you can install and use a File Manager app.
  5. Tap on the PDF you want to read. Opening the PDF file will launch the PDF reader you installed. Once the app opens and file loads, you will be able to view the PDF.[5]
    • If you have multiple programs installed capable of reading PDF files, you will be prompted to pick one from a list before the file opens.

Opening a PDF Sent as an Attachment

  1. Open the Attachment. Tap on the attachment and select “Preview.”[1]
  2. Select a PDF reader or viewer. Click on the PDF reader or viewer you would like to use.
    • If you want to set this app as your default PDF viewer, click “Always.”
    • If you do not want to set this app as your default PDF reader, click “Once.”[1]
  3. View the PDF. After the application launches, the PDF will load and you may read the file.[1]

Tips

  • If you are unsatisfied with your default PDF viewer, you may change it. Select Settings > Apps > All. Click on your default PDF viewer and tap “Clear Defaults.” The next time you open a PDF file, you will be asked to select a PDF reader or viewer.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OVlxJiJDy8
  2. ↑ http://www.beginandroid.com/homescreen.shtml
  3. ↑ http://www.androidauthority.com/vsco-photography-app-update-android-ios-696245/
  4. ↑ http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/02/21/psa-google-drive-can-now-open-pdf-files-directly-without-downloading-them-first/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmhZNS2Wr8k
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