Attachment Issues

Fix Email PDF Attachments Stuck at 0% Downloading on Android

Kushani NimanthikaKushani Nimanthika Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to download PDF attachments from their email app, as the download freezes at 0% with a continuous loading animation.

How to Fix Email PDF Attachments Stuck at 0% on Android
Product
Email Application / PDF Reader
Device & OS
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 (Android)
Scenario
Attempting to download and open a PDF attachment directly from an email message on a mobile device.
Observed behavior
The PDF attachment download remains stuck at 0% continuously, even though the same file downloads and opens successfully on other devices.
Before you start

Ensure your mobile device has a stable internet connection and verify that you have a functioning PDF reader application installed on your phone.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Email App Cache and Verify Default PDF Reader

Use this solution to resolve temporary glitches in your email application and ensure the system knows which app should handle PDF files.

A corrupted application cache is one of the most common reasons attachments fail to download. Additionally, if the system does not have a properly assigned default PDF reader, the download process may stall.

1
Restart Your Device

Hold down the power button on your Samsung or Android device and select 'Restart'. This clears out minor temporary OS glitches.

2
Clear Email App Cache

Navigate to Settings > Apps. Find your specific Email application, select 'Storage', and tap 'Clear Cache'.

3
Check Default Apps

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Ensure that your preferred PDF reader (like WPS Office) is set to handle PDF document links.

Clear Email App Cache and Verify Default PDF Reader
Tip: Clearing the cache does not delete your emails or account settings, it only removes temporary files.
Open PDFs Seamlessly

Manage Email PDF Attachments Easily with WPS Office

Use WPS Office as your default PDF reader on Android to smoothly download, open, and manage email PDF attachments without freezing or loading issues.

  1. 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the Google Play Store to equip your device with a reliable PDF viewer.
  2. 2. Access the Email Attachment: Open your email app and locate the message containing the PDF attachment that you wish to view.
  3. 3. Set WPS as Default: Tap the attachment. When the 'Open with' prompt appears, select WPS Office and tap 'Always' to bypass future loading issues.
Built-in mobile PDF viewer optimized for large and complex attachmentsFully compatible with standard PDF files and Microsoft Office formatsLightweight architecture that minimizes system resource usageSeamless integration with major Android email applications
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do PDF files fail to download on my Android email app?

This is often caused by a corrupted application cache, insufficient mobile storage space, an unstable internet connection, or the absence of a designated default PDF reader to process the file.

Will reinstalling the email app fix the PDF stuck at 0% issue?

Reinstalling the app might help if the issue stems from a simple localized glitch. However, if system-level file handling is corrupted, reinstalling won't work, and you will need to clear caches or check your Download Manager.

How do I change my default PDF reader on Android?

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps to manage preferences. Alternatively, find any downloaded PDF in your file manager, tap to open it, and when prompted with 'Open with', choose your preferred reader and select 'Always'.