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How to Turn Off PDF Notifications in Microsoft 365 Android App
Question details
Users want to stop the Microsoft 365 Android app from sending delayed notifications that suggest opening downloaded PDF files, especially when a different app is already set as the default PDF viewer.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Android App
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Downloading a PDF file to an Android device and receiving an unwanted prompt to open it with Microsoft 365.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft 365 app triggers a delayed alert offering to open the downloaded PDF, ignoring the system's default PDF viewer settings. Users struggle to find a specific setting to disable only these prompts without turning off all app notifications.
Ensure your Android device is updated to the latest OS version so you can access the most granular notification categorization settings available for installed apps.
Manage Notification Categories in Android Settings
Check if Android has grouped the Microsoft 365 notifications into specific categories, allowing you to disable just the file suggestions.
Starting from recent Android versions, developers can categorize notifications. If Microsoft has properly categorized these PDF prompts under 'Suggestions' or 'Files', you can disable them without affecting essential app alerts.
Go to the 'Settings' app on your Android smartphone or tablet.
Tap on 'Apps' or 'App Management', scroll through the list, and select 'Microsoft 365 (Office)'.
Tap on 'Notifications'. Scroll down to view the specific notification channels or categories.
Look for a category named 'File Recommendations', 'Suggestions', or something similar. Toggle the switch off. If no such category exists, you may need to rely on disabling all notifications.
Disable All Notifications for the Microsoft 365 App
If granular control is unavailable and the PDF alerts are too disruptive, you can block the app from sending any notifications at all.
Switch to WPS Office for a Distraction-Free PDF Experience
If invasive background notifications from other apps are disrupting your mobile workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, unified office suite with a built-in PDF viewer that respects your device settings and won't spam you with unwanted pop-ups, while maintaining excellent compatibility with Microsoft Office formats.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- 2. Open a PDF File: Navigate to your device's file manager or downloads folder and tap on any PDF document.
- 3. Set as Default: When the Android system asks which app to use, select 'WPS Office' and tap 'Always' to make it your default PDF viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft 365 ignore my default PDF app setting?
The Microsoft 365 app sometimes uses its own background services to scan for newly downloaded documents. Instead of letting the Android system handle the file through the default PDF viewer intent, the app pushes its own notification offering to open it.
Can I stop PDF notifications without turning off all Microsoft 365 notifications?
This entirely depends on the specific version of the Microsoft 365 app and your Android OS version. If the app's notification settings menu under Android Settings does not list a specific category for 'Suggestions' or 'Files', you cannot separate these alerts from general app notifications.
How do I change my default PDF viewer on Android?
Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Alternatively, find the app currently opening your PDFs, go to its 'App info' page, tap 'Open by default', and select 'Clear default preferences'. The next time you open a PDF, Android will ask you which app you want to use, allowing you to choose a new default by tapping 'Always'.
