How to Fix Cannot Delete a Read-Only PDF on an Android Tablet in WPS Office
Question details
The user cannot delete a read-only PDF on a Samsung Android tablet and needs to determine whether the target is a standalone PDF file or a PDF linked or embedded in a Word document, then clear the relevant permission or document restriction.
- Product
- WPS Office for Android / Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Android (Samsung tablet)
- Scenario
- The user is trying to delete a read-only PDF from a Samsung Android tablet, either from local storage, a file manager, or inside a Word document.
- Observed behavior
- A permission error appears and the read-only PDF cannot be deleted, or the delete option does not work for a PDF linked or embedded in a Word document.
Before you start, confirm whether the PDF is a standalone file in a folder or an object embedded/linked inside a Word document. Also check whether the file is stored in a protected location such as Secure Folder or a write-protected SD card.
Delete a Standalone Read-Only PDF on an Android Tablet
Use this when the PDF is saved as a separate file in local storage or an SD card and Android blocks the delete action with a permission error.
A standalone PDF usually becomes read-only because of file permissions, a protected folder, or an SD card write-protection setting. Clearing the read-only property or moving the file out of the protected location restores the delete option.
Tap the WPS Office app icon on your Samsung Android tablet, then tap the Files tab at the bottom to open the file manager.
Browse to the folder containing the PDF, long-press the file, and tap More or Properties. Look for a Read-only or Protection option and turn it off if available.
Long-press the PDF again, tap Delete, and confirm the deletion. If the option is grayed out, open Samsung My Files and delete the file from the same location.
Remove a PDF Embedded or Linked in a Word Document
Use this when the PDF is not visible as a separate .pdf file in storage but appears inside a Word document as an envelope, link, or object.
Check Android Storage Permissions and Samsung File Restrictions
Use this when the file still cannot be deleted after clearing read-only status, or when Android or Samsung-specific storage controls are blocking changes.
Delete Read-Only PDFs on Android with WPS Office
WPS Office for Android combines a file manager, Word-compatible editor, and PDF tools so you can clear read-only restrictions, remove embedded PDF objects, and manage files without switching between Microsoft Word and a separate file app.
- 1. Install or open WPS Office on your Android tablet: Download WPS Office from the Google Play Store, open the app, and accept the storage permission prompt when it appears.
- 2. Go to the WPS Files file manager: Tap the Files tab at the bottom of WPS Office and navigate to the folder that contains the read-only PDF.
- 3. Clear read-only protection or check properties: Long-press the PDF, tap More or Properties, and turn off Read-only or protection if the option is available.
- 4. Delete the PDF or the embedded Word object: For a standalone PDF, long-press the file and tap Delete. For a PDF inside a Word document, open the document, select the object, and press Delete.
- 5. Confirm the file is gone: Refresh the folder or reopen the document to verify the PDF is no longer present on the tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does deleting a read-only PDF on Android show a permission error?
It usually means the file is marked read-only, stored in a protected folder such as Secure Folder, located on a write-protected SD card, or embedded inside a Word document. Check the file location and properties first.
How do I know if a PDF is standalone or embedded in a Word document?
If the PDF appears inside the Word document but is not listed as a separate .pdf file in Samsung My Files or WPS Files, it is embedded or linked. Open the document and select the object to remove it.
Can I delete a read-only PDF without Microsoft Word on Android?
Yes. WPS Office can open the folder in its Files tab, clear read-only properties where supported, and delete standalone PDFs. It can also open Word documents and remove embedded PDF objects.
What should I do if the Delete option is grayed out in WPS Office?
Grant storage permission under Android Settings > Apps > WPS Office > Permissions, move the file out of Secure Folder or a write-protected SD card, and then try deleting it again.
Do I need to contact Samsung Support for this issue?
Only if the file remains locked after checking read-only status, WPS Office storage permissions, Secure Folder, and SD card protection. Samsung Support can check device-specific storage restrictions.
