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How to Stop PDFs from Opening in the Default Print App on Android
Question details
The user needs to prevent downloaded PDF files from bypassing dedicated reader apps and automatically opening in the Android system's default print application.
- Product
- Android Settings
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Opening downloaded PDF files on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- PDF files bypass installed PDF reader apps and directly open in the system's default print application.
Ensure you have a dedicated PDF reader installed on your Android device before changing your default app settings, so you have an alternative application ready to open the files.
Clear App Defaults in Android Settings
Clear the default action assigned to your print application so Android prompts you to choose a dedicated PDF reader the next time you open a file.
Android remembers the app you select to open specific file types. By resetting the default settings of the print application, you force the system to ask for your preference again.
Navigate to your device's Settings menu and select 'Apps', 'App Management', or 'Apps & notifications' depending on your Android version.
Find the application that currently opens your PDFs automatically. This could be a default print service or a specific printer brand app. Tap on the app's name to view its information.
Scroll down and tap on 'Open by default' or 'Set as default'. Then, tap the 'Clear defaults' or 'Clear default preferences' button.
Navigate to your file manager and tap on a downloaded PDF file. Android will now ask which app you want to use. Select your preferred PDF reader and tap 'Always'.
Use WPS Office as Your Default PDF Reader on Android
Stop struggling with the default print app. WPS Office provides a powerful, built-in PDF reader and editor for Android, allowing you to view, annotate, and manage PDFs effortlessly on your mobile device.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office application from the Google Play Store.
- 2. Open a PDF File: Locate a PDF on your device using your system's file manager and tap to open it.
- 3. Set as Default App: When prompted with the 'Open with' system dialog, select WPS Office and tap 'Always' to set it as your permanent PDF reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my PDFs automatically open in the print app on Android?
This usually happens if you accidentally tapped 'Always' when initially prompted to select an app to open a PDF, unintentionally setting the print service as the default viewer for all PDF files.
Can I reset all app preferences on Android at once?
Yes. You can go to Settings > Apps > Manage Apps, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select 'Reset app preferences'. Note that this will clear default settings, disabled apps, and background data restrictions for all applications on your device.
What should I do if the 'Clear defaults' button is grayed out?
If the button is grayed out, the specific app you selected might not actually be set as the system default, or another app (like a web browser) is handling the request. Try finding the default browser app to clear its defaults, or simply install a new PDF reader to force Android to trigger the selection prompt again.
