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How to Change the Default PDF App on Android (Epson to Adobe)
Question details
The user accidentally set Epson as the default PDF viewer on their Android device and needs to clear this setting to restore Adobe (or another application) as the default PDF app.
- Product
- Android PDF Applications
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Opening a PDF document from a file manager, email client, or web browser on an Android device.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files automatically open in the Epson app without prompting the user to choose their preferred PDF viewing application.
Ensure that your preferred PDF application (such as Adobe Acrobat or WPS Office) is already downloaded, installed, and up to date on your Android device before clearing the current default settings.
Clear App Defaults in Android Settings
The most effective way to change your default PDF viewer is to clear the default settings of the application that is currently opening your PDF files.
Android operating systems manage file associations through default app settings. By locating the app currently hijacking your PDFs (in this case, Epson) and clearing its defaults, you force Android to ask you which app you want to use the next time you open a PDF.
Unlock your Android device and open the 'Settings' app from your home screen or app drawer.
Scroll down and tap on 'Apps', 'Apps & notifications', or 'App management' (the exact name varies depending on your device manufacturer).
Tap on 'See all apps' or 'App list' to view all installed applications. Scroll through the list or use the search icon to find and select the 'Epson' app.
On the App info page for Epson, tap on 'Open by default' or 'Set as default'. Then, tap the 'Clear defaults' button.
Exit Settings and use your file manager to find any PDF document. Tap to open it. An 'Open with' prompt will appear. Select 'Adobe Acrobat' (or your preferred app) and tap 'Always' to set it as the new default PDF app.
Use WPS Office as Your Default Android PDF Reader
If you are looking for a highly capable, lightweight, and versatile PDF viewer, consider setting WPS Office as your default PDF app. It allows you to view, edit, annotate, and share PDF files seamlessly on your Android device.
- 1. Clear Existing Defaults: Go to your Android Settings > Apps, find your current default PDF app, and tap 'Clear defaults'.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the Google Play Store if you haven't already.
- 3. Open a PDF File: Navigate to your file manager and tap on any PDF document to trigger the app selection prompt.
- 4. Select WPS Office: In the 'Open with' dialog box, tap on the WPS Office icon.
- 5. Set as Default: Tap 'Always' to finalize WPS Office as your default PDF viewer on Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't I get the 'Open with' prompt when I tap a PDF?
This happens because a default application is already assigned to handle PDF files. To trigger the prompt again, you must go into your Android Settings, locate the app currently opening the PDFs, and tap 'Clear defaults'.
What if the 'Clear defaults' button is grayed out?
If the button is grayed out, it means the system does not recognize that app as a user-set default. The issue might be caused by your specific file manager having a built-in PDF viewer. Try installing a different file manager or checking its internal settings to disable the built-in viewer.
Can I have multiple PDF apps installed on my Android device?
Yes, you can install as many PDF applications as you like. However, Android will either ask you which app to use each time you open a PDF (if no default is set) or automatically route all PDFs to the single app you have chosen as the default.
