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How to Change the Default PDF Reader App After Selecting Always
Question details
The user needs to reset or change the default application used for opening PDF files after mistakenly choosing 'Always' for an incorrect app.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Opening a PDF document from a file manager or third-party application.
- Observed behavior
- PDFs are automatically opening in an incorrect or unsupported application because the 'Always' option was previously selected, preventing proper document viewing.
Identify the exact name of the incorrect application that is currently opening your PDF files, as you will need to locate it in your device settings.
Clear Default App Settings
Use your device settings to remove the 'Always' preference from the incorrectly assigned application.
When you select 'Always' while opening a file, your device assigns that app as the default handler for that specific file type. To reverse this, you must clear the default permissions directly from the app management menu.
Navigate to your device's home screen or app drawer, tap on 'Settings', and locate the 'Apps' or 'Applications' menu.
Scroll through the list of installed applications and tap on the app that is currently opening your PDFs by mistake.
Tap on 'Open by default' or 'Set as default' within the app's info page, then select the 'Clear defaults' button.
Navigate back to your files and open a PDF document. When prompted, select a proper PDF reader such as WPS Office and choose 'Always' to establish your new default preference.
Make WPS Office Your Default PDF Reader
WPS Office provides a powerful, built-in PDF reader that allows you to easily view, edit, annotate, and manage your PDF files seamlessly on any device.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the official app store or website.
- 2. Clear Old Defaults: Clear the default settings of your current incorrect PDF application via your device settings.
- 3. Open a PDF File: Tap on any PDF file stored on your device to trigger the 'Open with' dialogue.
- 4. Choose WPS Office: Select 'WPS Office' from the list of available applications.
- 5. Set as Default: Tap 'Always' to successfully make WPS Office your permanent default application for viewing PDF documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my device no longer ask me which app to use when opening a PDF?
This happens because an application was previously granted the 'Always' permission to handle PDF files. You must clear this default setting in your device's App Management menu to restore the selection prompt.
Can I change the default PDF viewer on a Windows PC?
Yes. On a Windows computer, right-click a PDF file, select 'Open with', click 'Choose another app', select your preferred PDF reader like WPS Office, and check the box that says 'Always use this app to open .pdf files'.
What if the 'Clear defaults' button is grayed out?
If the button is grayed out, it means the application is not currently set as the default for any actions. Double-check your app list to ensure you have selected the exact application that is improperly opening your PDF files.
Will clearing app defaults delete my PDF files?
No, clearing default app settings only resets the system's preference for which application opens a specific file format. Your actual PDF documents and internal app data remain completely safe and untouched.
