In today's digital world, PDFs have become the go-to format for sharing documents, whether it's for work, school, or personal use.
But what happens when your Android device doesn't offer the most efficient way to view these files? Enter Google Drive—the solution for seamless cloud storage integration and easy access to your PDFs across all devices.
In this post, we’ll show you how to set Google Drive as your default PDF viewer on Android, making document management simpler and more efficient than ever.
Does Android have a built-in PDF viewer?
Android has a built-in PDF viewer that allows you to open PDF files directly from the file manager or apps. It’s simple and works well for basic viewing.
However, for more advanced features like annotations or editing, you may need a third-party app like Adobe Acrobat or Google Drive. These apps offer additional functionality for a richer PDF experience.
Which PDF reader is best for Android?
The best PDF reader for Android depends on what you need. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable reader, Google Drive is perfect for viewing and storing PDFs, especially with cloud integration. For more advanced features and tools for annotating, editing, and filling out forms.
Here’s a list of some top options:
Adobe Acrobat Reader: Great for viewing and editing PDFs.
Google Drive: Easy access and cloud storage.
Xodo: A feature-rich option for annotation and signing.
Foxit PDF Reader: lightweight, fast, and full of features.
WPS Office: Ideal for both PDFs and other office documents.
How to Clear the Default PDF Viewer on Android
Before setting Google Drive as the default PDF viewer on your devices first you need to clear the default PDF viewer on Android and then you can set Google Drive as the default PDF Viewer or any other app as a default app to open PDF files.
Step 1: Open Settings > Apps.
- The first step is to navigate to your device’s Settings. You can do this by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the gear icon or finding Settings in your app drawer. You can directly access it by opening the Settings App.
- Once in Settings, scroll down and tap on Apps or Apps & Notifications (depending on your Android version). This is where you can manage all the apps installed on your device.
Step 2: Select The Current PDF Viewer App
- In the Apps section, find and tap on Default Apps in my case it is Samsung Notes as a default PDF Viewer. So, I selected Samsung Notes your's can be different.
- Note: To find your default PDF Viewer app you can check by opening any PDF file and the App in which your PDF file will open is your default PDF Viewer App.
Step 3: Set as Default
- After Tapping on the Current Default PDF Viewer App, Scroll down and Tap on Set as Default options.
Step 4: Select Clear Defaults.
- To change Google Drive to the default PDF Viewer app first, you need to Clear or Remove the default PDF Viewer App.
- Then Tap on "Clear" as shown in the above Screenshot to Clear Defaults Apps. This will allow you to select your new default PDF viewer when opening a PDF file.
How to Set Google Drive as the Default PDF Viewer in Android
Step 5: Clear Previous Default (if necessary)
If a different PDF viewer is already set as the default (like Adobe Acrobat or another app), you’ll need to clear that default first. Here’s how:
Go back to Settings > Apps.
Find the currently set PDF viewer app, and tap on it.
Under App Info, tap Open by default.
Then, tap Clear defaults. This will reset the default settings and allow you to select Google Drive as your new PDF viewer.
Step 6: Open Any PDF
- After Clearing the Previous Default PDF Viewer App.
- Open any PDF file on your device,
- Then a popup will appear it which your device will ask in which you would like to open your PDF file.
- Then Select Google Drive and then tap on "Always" to Set Google drive as default PDF viewer and it confirms that it opens automatically in Google Drive always. You should no longer be prompted to choose an app each time you open a PDF.
Advanced Tips and Customization
How do I make a file read-only in Google Drive?
To make a file read-only in Google Drive, open the file, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Share. Then, under the sharing settings, set the permissions to Viewer.
This will allow others to view the file but not edit it. If you want to ensure that no one can modify the file, avoid giving them Editor access and only provide Viewer access.
How do I get Google to only show PDF files?
To get Google Drive to show only PDF files, go to the Search bar at the top of Google Drive and type in "type:pdf". This will filter and show only PDF files in your drive.
Alternatively, you can use the Advanced Search options by clicking the filter icon in the search bar, selecting PDF under "Type," and clicking Search. This will display only your PDFs.
How do I change the view when a PDF opens?
To change the view when a PDF opens in Google Drive, open the PDF, tap on the three dots in the top-right corner, and select Open with. Choose your preferred PDF viewer or set it as the default.
If you want to adjust the display settings, most PDF viewers, including Google Drive, allow you to switch between different views like fit to screen or actual size for better readability.
How do I disable the Mi PDF Viewer?
To disable the Mi PDF Viewer on a Xiaomi phone, go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps. Find Mi PDF Viewer, tap on it, and select Disable.
Disabling the app will prevent it from opening PDFs by default, allowing you to use another PDF viewer like Google Drive or Adobe Acrobat. If you ever want to re-enable it, just follow the same steps and tap Enable.
How do I change the default PDF viewer in Chrome?
To change the default PDF viewer in Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Additional content settings > PDF documents, then toggle to open PDFs with a different viewer.
In Chrome, you can set it to open PDFs directly in the browser or download them. If you prefer using an external PDF viewer like Adobe Reader, make sure "Download PDF files instead of automatically opening them in Chrome" is enabled. You can also customize this in Settings > Content Settings for more control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, setting Google Drive as your default PDF viewer on Android offers seamless access, cloud integration, and easy sharing, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.
Customizing your device for a smoother PDF viewing experience can save time and effort. We encourage you to follow the steps in this guide and enjoy a more efficient way of managing PDFs.
What’s your favorite way to handle PDFs on Android? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I open PDF files in Google Drive without an internet connection?
Yes, you can open PDF files offline by enabling offline mode in Google Drive. Simply select the PDF and mark it for offline access.
How do I sync my PDF files across multiple devices using Google Drive?
PDFs sync automatically across devices when you log into your Google account. Any changes made are reflected on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Is it possible to annotate PDFs in Google Drive on Android?
Yes, you can annotate PDFs using Google Drive’s integrated Google Docs viewer. For advanced edits, you may need to use third-party PDF editing apps like Adobe Acrobat.
Can I set Google Drive as the default PDF viewer for email attachments?
Yes, you can set Google Drive as your default PDF viewer for email attachments by changing the default app settings on your Android device.
How do I manage large PDF files in Google Drive?
You can organize and share large PDF files in Google Drive. Using “Save to Drive” ensures they are backed up and accessible across all your devices.