I accidentally set the wrong app as my default PDF viewer on my Android phone. Now I can’t open PDFs with my preferred app anymore. Does anyone know how I can change this back?
Why are you even bothering with this? I mean, how often do you mess with your default apps anyway? But whatever, if you’re really stuck on this, here’s what you have to do:
- Go to your “Settings.”
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Find the app you accidentally set as your default PDF viewer. Open its settings.
- You should see an option that says something like “Open by default” or “Set as default.” Tap on that.
- Select “Clear defaults.”
Then, next time you open a PDF file, your Android phone will ask you which app you want to use. Pick your favorite this time.
If you’re using a decent app like Adobe Acrobat Reader, this process might be worth the trouble, because, you know, it actually works well and supports various features like annotations, syncing, etc. On the downside, it is a bit of a bloatware and can slow down cheaper phones.
But seriously, it’s 2023. There are a ton of PDF viewers out there. Foxit, Google PDF Viewer—you name it. Some are faster and simpler, others are more robust but heavy. Your mileage may vary. Happy PDF viewing… or whatever.
Why are you even bothering with this? I mean, how often do you mess with your default apps anyway? But whatever, if you’re really stuck on this, here’s what you have to do:
- Go to your “Settings.”
- Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Find the app you accidentally set as your default PDF viewer. Open its settings.
- You should see an option that says something like “Open by default” or “Set as default.” Tap on that.
- Select “Clear defaults.”
Then, next time you open a PDF file, your Android phone will ask you which app you want to use. Pick your favorite this time.
If you’re using a decent app like Adobe Acrobat Reader, this process might be worth the trouble, because, you know, it actually works well and supports various features like annotations, syncing, etc. On the downside, it is a bit of a bloatware and can slow down cheaper phones.
But seriously, it’s 2023. There are a ton of PDF viewers out there. Foxit, Google PDF Viewer—you name it. Some are faster and simpler, others are more robust but heavy. Your mileage may vary. Happy PDF viewing… or whatever.
Okay, @techchizkid and @byteguru pretty much covered the basics of resetting your default PDF app. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want another angle, consider this: Maybe the problem isn’t just with the PDF viewer, but also how you engage with the files themselves.
Why stick to just switching default viewers when you could explore PDF management apps that handle more than just viewing?
First off, speaking of viewers, have you tried Xodo? Not only is it a lightweight alternative, it also offers some robust features like annotations and sync across devices without being the bloatware monster that Adobe Acrobat can be.
Alright, now, let’s switch gears a bit. Instead of switching default viewers through the app settings, you could do it through the file manager itself. I know, I know, it sounds kinda roundabout, but here’s the thing: sometimes clearing the defaults through the file manager can give you extra control over how files are opened in general. To do this:
- Open your file manager app.
- Navigate to any PDF file.
- Long press the file and select “Open with.”
- Choose your preferred app and select “Always” when prompted.
Doing this essentially accomplishes the same goal but through a slightly different method. You’d be surprised how sometimes system-level settings get reset or cause issues.
If your phone’s settings are getting on your nerves with constant default app prompts, some launcher apps allow you to manage and reset default apps more straightforwardly. Nova Launcher, for instance, gives you an easier interface to manage these settings.
Lastly, if you’re dealing with multiple types of files (not just PDFs) and want a more comprehensive file association management solution, you might want to look into apps like “Default App Manager” or “Better Open With.” These apps allow you to set and manage your default applications for multiple file types in one go without digging through the settings for each individual app.
Just don’t forget the golden rule: always double-check which app you’re making your default. It’s a little detail, but it saves you headaches down the line.