How to Open Downloaded PDFs in Apple Books Instead of GoodReader
Question details
The user needs to route downloaded PDF files to Apple Books on an iOS device because the files are defaulting to the GoodReader app.
- Product
- Apple Books
- Device & OS
- iOS (iPad/iPhone)
- Scenario
- Downloading PDF files from a browser or another app on an iOS device.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files are automatically opening in GoodReader instead of Apple Books.
Ensure that the Apple Books app is installed on your iPhone or iPad and that you are logged into your Apple ID before attempting to open the downloaded file.
Use the iOS Share Menu to Route the PDF
Use the built-in iOS Share extension to manually copy the downloaded PDF file directly into the Apple Books application.
On iOS devices, apps can sometimes hijack the default opening behavior for specific file types. Bypassing automatic routing by using the Share menu is the most reliable way to force a PDF to open in your app of choice.
Navigate to the PDF file link in Safari or your preferred browser. Instead of tapping the link directly, long-press the link to open the context menu and select 'Share'.
If you have already downloaded or previewed the PDF, locate and tap the Share button (a square icon with an upward-pointing arrow) at the top or bottom of your screen.
Scroll horizontally through the row of app icons in the Share menu and tap 'Books' or 'Copy to Books'.
If the Books app icon does not appear, scroll to the far right of the app list, tap 'More' (the three dots icon), and toggle on 'Books' to add it to your share options.
Read and Manage PDFs on iOS with WPS Office
Instead of struggling with default app routing between GoodReader and Apple Books, use WPS Office as your all-in-one PDF reader and document manager for iPad and iPhone. It offers advanced reading modes, annotation tools, and seamless file management.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- 2. Open the PDF: Use the iOS Share menu from any browser or app and select 'WPS Office' to open your downloaded PDF.
- 3. Read and Annotate: Enjoy smooth scrolling, eye-protection reading modes, and built-in markup tools directly within the WPS PDF viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PDFs automatically open in GoodReader on my iPad?
iOS often remembers the last app used to open a specific file type, or an app like GoodReader may have registered itself as the primary handler for PDFs. Using the Share menu lets you override this behavior manually.
How do I make Apple Books the default PDF reader on my iPhone?
iOS does not have a traditional 'default app' setting for PDFs like Windows or macOS. You must consistently use the Share menu and select 'Books' to train the system's Siri suggestions to prioritize Apple Books.
Where are my downloaded PDFs saved once I copy them to Apple Books?
Once you copy a PDF to Apple Books, it is saved directly into the Books app library. You can find it under the 'Library' tab, often automatically categorized in the 'PDFs' collection.
Can I temporarily delete GoodReader to force PDFs into Apple Books?
Yes. If you temporarily uninstall GoodReader, iOS will automatically route downloaded PDFs to Apple Books or the built-in Safari viewer by default.
