3 Easy Ways to Open PDF on Android
Do you need to access and open PDF on Android fast? Well, do not worry because I am here to help you out! This is a fact: One of the most popular file formats that people use worldwide is the Portable Document Format or PDF.
Now, if you are wondering why PDF is the most popular file format, well it’s because the PDF format supports a lot of different styles of documents, including e-books, manuals, bank statements, and application forms. Most people use this type of file to distribute a read-only version of a document and preserve its layout. On top of that, you can easily open this file type with any computer.
If you do not have a pre-installed PDF reader on your device, there is nothing to worry about! Here is a guide on how to open PDF on Android devices.
Must Read:
- How to change default PDF viewer on Android: A quick 3-step guide
- Free Book Reading Apps for Android
- 5 Best PDF Scanner for Android: Apps for Document Scanning
Check out our video guide above or follow our step-by-step process below!
How to View PDF Documents on Your Android?
The latest phones usually come with a built-in PDF reader. So if you can’t open PDF on Android out of the box, check out these apps below:
1. Adobe PDF Reader for Android
This app is from Adobe, the creator of PDF file format itself. Adobe Reader is quite popular on Windows PCs and is one of the best Android PDF apps available on the Google Play Store.
The app is easy to use, and it lets you open PDF on Android within seconds. It also comes with various advanced features, such as brightness lock and night mode.
Adobe Reader also lets you fill in forms that are in PDF format and print them through Google Cloud Print. One of the best features of this app is that it allows you to sign PDF files with your finger. That is pretty useful!
To get started with open PDF on Android using Adobe PDF Reader, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Download and install the Adobe Reader app on your Android smartphone or tablet.
Step 2:
Open your PDF file using file manager or Adobe PDF Reader.
Using File Manager
Make sure that the PDF that you want to open is on your Android phone or tablet. If the file is on your computer, connect your Android device to the PC using the appropriate USB cable and transfer the file to your phone or tablet afterward.
Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the folder where the PDF file is stored.
- Tap on the file.
- Adobe Reader automatically opens the PDF file on your phone.
Using Adobe Reader App
- Tap the “Files” button on the bottom part of your screen.
- Select “On This Device.” If the document is on cloud storage, tap the corresponding service.
- Browse and scan through all your PDF files there.
- Open any document by tapping on it.
If you know the file name of the PDF, use the “Search” feature on the bottom left part of your screen to find the document faster.
2. Librera PDF Reader
Like Adobe Reader, the Librera app is also one of the best Android PDF reader apps you can download from the Google Play Store. This Android PDF reader is easy to use and highly customizable.
It features Night and full-screen mode. Librera also lets you translate text using online dictionaries.
Step 1:
Download and install the PDF Reader app on your Android smartphone or tablet.
The ad-free pro version of the app includes a search filter as a bonus feature.
Step 2:
Make sure that the document is saved on your Android device.
Step 3:
Open the document using your File Manager
- Look for the PDF document that you wish to view on your device.
- Tap on the file.
- PDF Reader will open up the PDF document.
You can also open the PDF file after launching the Librera app manually.
- Under the Library tab, browse the PDFs you have on your Android device.
- Tap on the PDF file that you want to open.
- You can also locate and open the file manually by going to the BROWSE tab and navigating to the folder that contains the document.
3. All PDF Reader & PDF Viewer:
The PDF Reader is one of the best free office file manager programs. If you are looking for a simple document reader application app that supports your studies and at work, you can choose to download the PDF Reader app more conveniently.
To add on, you can open pdf on Android, take notes, make changes, edit the documents, and make several copies of your documents. Let me show you how the PDF Reader app works:
Step 1:
Start Open PDF app on Android device.
Step 2:
Open the PDF app and click the + icon.
You can scan, create a new PDF or convert images to PDF in that space.
Step 3:
If you want to review old documents already stored on your device, click the Browse option.
Step 4:
Under the Browse option, you can click on Google Drive, DropBox, or On this Phone option and find your document to review it.
Read Your PDFs And E-Books Anywhere!
Related: Android PDF – Replace Piles of Paper with a PDF file!
All-New Kindle
With this device, you don’t have to look for an app that can open PDF on Android. Meant to look like the old version of Kindle, this fairly recent version of the Kindle provides us with that nostalgia factor that we all love. The refurbished Kindle has all the functionalities of the old one with improved viewing features.
The refurbished Kindle has an adjustable front light that you can use to read even in low-light areas, it has a glare-free display for reading outdoors, and a battery charge that will last more than a week. It is everything that the old version had to offer, and more.
It is definitely a must-buy for literature buffs and bookworms.
Check out the All-new Amazon Kindle on Amazon!
Suggested reads:
- 6 Best PDF Editor Apps for Android: Fill, Edit, Annotate!
- Android PDF – Replace Piles of Paper with a PDF file!
- 7 Best PDF Viewer App for Android: View Important Books & Docs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I open PDF on Android phone?
If you can’t view PDF documents on your device, check if the file is corrupted or encrypted. If that isn’t the case, use different reader apps, and see which one works for you.
My PDF File is on my PC, how do I transfer it on my Android phone?
The easiest way to transfer files from your computer to your Android phone is by connecting both devices using the appropriate USB cable.
Where are my PDF files stored on Android?
You can find your PDF files in the File Manager app on Android. Go to File Manager > Docs > PDF. Here, you’ll find all your PDF files.
Why are PDFs opening in Chrome?
PDFs open in Chrome because Chrome is set to use its integrated PDF viewer when files are downloaded by default. You will need to turn this off to make it go away.
How can I open a PDF file without Adobe?
To open a PDF file without Adobe, you need to right-click your PDF and select Properties. then select Change, followed by Google Chrome. Then select Apply.
Final Thoughts on Ways to Open PDF on Android
Most of – if not all – the latest Android smartphones and tablets usually come with a built-in PDF reader. If for some reason you are unable to open PDF on Android, check the document for signs of corruption or encryption using your PC or other devices.
Make sure to follow all instructions properly and feel free to shoot us your questions in the comments area below.
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What is the best and recommended free pdf viewer..?
Any recommendation?
Thanks
I can’t open my PDF from my cell phone network is cell c. how to open the PDF.
Hi! Did you have an issue with the instructions in the post?
I have to open PDF file using PDF reader.
Not useful.
I have a new samsung galaxy tab a
I have downloaded pdf files from dropbox into a file called documents
I can see my files in MyFiles
I have installed adobe reader, and it comes up fine
but when I tap on a file I wish to open in MyFiles
nothing happens
and when I bring up Adobe reader, it seems to have a folder of its own
and will only open the file in there
clearly something I don’t understand
hi ,
such a great article thanks for sharing, but why you share google play link to download pdf reader , you should share direct download link , thanks
Hi I want open my pdf
Hi Gopi. Can we know more details please to help you.
I no longer can auto download and open pdf files on my android
Hi Jane,
Can we know what is the error you’re getting?
Hai
Great job.I installed PDF on my Android and here we go,now I can open any PDF file.
Thank you very much. Vielen Danke.
Thanks. Quickly helped. It kept saying downliad unsuccessful. I already had Adobe and following your instruction i was able to find the way to see in just by going to my device!!
Hi Snowbug! Glad we could help!