How to Reset Default App for Opening PDFs in OneDrive on Android
Question details
The user wants to change the default application used to open PDF files from OneDrive on an Android device after accidentally setting a permanent default.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- The user previously tapped 'Always' when selecting an app to open a PDF file from OneDrive, preventing Android from asking for an app choice on subsequent files.
- Observed behavior
- Future PDF files automatically open in the previously selected application without prompting the user to choose their preferred PDF viewer.
Before proceeding, identify which application is currently opening your PDF files automatically, as you may need to clear the defaults for either that specific app or the OneDrive app itself.
Clear App Defaults via Android Settings
Use this method to quickly remove the default association without losing any data or needing to uninstall your applications.
When you select 'Always' upon opening a file, Android saves this preference in the app's settings. Clearing the defaults for the OneDrive app (or the specific PDF app currently being launched) will force Android to prompt you for an app choice the next time you open a PDF.
On your Android device's home screen or app drawer, press and hold the OneDrive icon, then tap the 'App info' icon (usually an 'i' in a circle).
Scroll down in the App info menu and tap on 'Set as default' or 'Open by default' depending on your Android version.
Tap the 'Clear defaults' button to remove the automatic file association.
Open the OneDrive app and tap on a PDF file again. You should now be prompted to choose a new application to open the file.
Reinstall the OneDrive App
A fresh installation of OneDrive will reset all related file associations and behaviors if clearing defaults manually fails.
Set WPS Office as Your Default PDF Reader on Android
Once you have cleared your default app settings, choose WPS Office as your new default PDF viewer. WPS Office provides a lightweight, smooth reading experience with powerful annotation and editing tools directly on your mobile device.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the Google Play Store.
- 2. Trigger the App Prompt: Open a PDF file from your OneDrive app to trigger the 'Open with' Android prompt.
- 3. Select WPS Office: Tap the WPS Office icon from the list of available applications and select 'Always' to set it as your new default PDF viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Android stop asking me which app to use for PDFs?
This happens because the 'Always' option was selected instead of 'Just once' when a PDF file was opened previously. Android remembers this choice and bypasses the selection prompt for future files.
Can I change the default PDF viewer without uninstalling my apps?
Yes. You can easily reset this behavior by navigating to your device Settings, finding the app that currently opens the PDFs, and tapping 'Clear defaults' in the App info menu.
What if clearing OneDrive's defaults doesn't bring back the prompt?
If clearing OneDrive's defaults doesn't work, Android is likely using the default settings of the target app. You need to find the specific app that is actually opening the PDF (such as Kindle, your browser, or a built-in reader) and clear the defaults for that application instead.
How do I set a new default app after clearing the old one?
Once you have successfully cleared the defaults, simply tap on any PDF file. The Android system will prompt you with a list of compatible apps. Tap your preferred PDF reader and select 'Always' to set it as the new default.
