This article shows you how to view the content of a PDF file using an Android smartphone. The easiest way is to install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app which allows you to open PDF files stored on your device (downloaded from the web or received as an email attachment). Alternatively, you can use the Google Drive app to open a PDF file.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Install Adobe Acrobat Reader
Step 1. Access the Google Play Store by selecting the icon
It is characterized by a multicolored triangle placed on a white background. It is usually located within the "Applications" panel.
If the Google Play Store is split into multiple tabs, select the tab Games.
Step 2. Tap the search bar
It is located at the top of the screen.
Step 3. Type the keywords adobe acrobat reader
As you type, a small drop-down menu will appear below the search bar where results matching the criteria entered will be displayed.
Step 4. Tap Adobe Acrobat Reader
It features the Adobe logo and should have appeared at the top of the search results list. You will be redirected to the Play Store page for the Adobe Acrobat Reader program.
Step 5. Press the Install button
It is green in color and located on the right side of the screen. Adobe Acrobat Reader app will be downloaded and installed on your device.
Before the download starts, you may need to press the button as well I accept when required.
Step 6. Wait for Adobe Acrobat Reader to download and install on your device
When the download is complete you can use the app to open a PDF file you have downloaded on your smartphone or to view the content of a PDF directly online.
Part 2 of 4: Open a PDF File Stored on the Device
Step 1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Reader app
Push the button You open of the Google Play Store page or the red and white Adobe Acrobat Reader application icon in the "Applications" panel.
Step 2. Read the instructions in the tutorial
Scroll the pages of the latter from right to left using your finger until you reach the final screen.
Step 3. Press the Get Started button
It is blue and is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4. Select the On This Device tab
It is displayed at the top of the screen. The list of all PDF files stored on your Android device will be displayed.
This procedure only works if the PDF file to view has already been downloaded to your smartphone, but you don't know how to open it. If the PDF file is not stored on your device, you will need to use this method
Step 5. Press the Allow button when prompted
This will authorize the Adobe Acrobat app to have access to the file system of the Android device.
Step 6. Refresh the list
Swipe the screen from the center down to update the content of the card On this device.
The Adobe Acrobat Reader app may take several minutes to locate all PDF files on your device, so please be patient
Step 7. Select the PDF file you want to open
Tap the name of the file whose content you want to view. It will open immediately so you can consult the text inside.
Part 3 of 4: Open a File Stored on the Web
Step 1. Navigate to the location where the PDF file to open is located
Launch the app or browser that contains the PDF file you want to view.
For example, if you need to open a PDF that you received as an attachment to an e-mail, start the e-mail client you normally use (for example Gmail) and select the header of the e-mail message in question
Step 2. Select the PDF file
Tap the attachment name or the link that refers to the PDF to start the opening process.
-
If you are using the Google Chrome app, the PDF file will open directly within the browser, so you can skip all the remaining steps. If you wish, you can download the PDF file to your device by pressing the button Download characterized by the following icon
Android7download
Step 3. Select the Adobe Acrobat Reader app when prompted
A small pop-up window will appear containing a list of programs from which to choose which one to use to open the selected attachment or link.
If Adobe Acrobat Reader is the only app installed on your device that can view PDF files, it will automatically launch and you will not be prompted to make any selections. If so, skip this step and the next
Step 4. Select the Always option
This will set the Adobe Acrobat Reader app as your device's default program for opening PDF files.
Step 5. Wait for the PDF file to open
If this is your first time opening a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader, it may take several seconds to complete. When the content of the PDF appears on the screen you will be able to consult it as you normally would with any other file.
Step 6. Download a PDF locally if you are unable to view its contents
If you can't open a PDF file inside an app or web page, follow these instructions to download it directly to your device:
-
Attachment to an email '- press the button Download
Android7download placed inside the PDF preview screen, then confirm your action or choose the destination folder if required;
- Link to a web page '- select the link of the PDF, press the button ⋮ located in the upper right corner of the screen and choose the item Download, then confirm your action or choose the destination folder if prompted.
Part 4 of 4: Using Google Drive
Step 1. Install Google Drive if you haven't already
Just like Chrome, Google Drive can also be used to directly view the content of a PDF file, with the only difference that the document in question must first be uploaded to the Google Drive account in order to be opened. To install the Google Drive app, log in to Google Play Store by touching the following icon
then follow these instructions:
- Select the search bar;
- Type the keywords google drive and select the item Google Drive from the list of results that will appear;
- Push the button Install, then select the option I accept when required.
Step 2. Launch the Google Drive app
Select the corresponding icon characterized by a stylized triangle in green, yellow and blue. If you are still in the Play Store, simply press the button You open which will appear at the end of the installation. You will be redirected to the Google Drive login page.
Step 3. Log in with your account
Select the account you want to use to access Google Drive, then enter the security password if prompted.
- If only one Google account is set up on your device, you may be signed in to Google Drive automatically.
- If you've already installed and set up Google Drive on your Android device, skip this and the next step.
Step 4. Tap the Skip item
It is located in the lower left corner of the screen. This way you can skip the tutorial on how to use the Google Drive app and you will be redirected directly to your Google Drive folders.
Step 5. Upload the PDF file to Google Drive
The procedure to follow changes if you have chosen to use a computer or Android device:
- Computer - access the website https://drive.google.com/ and log in, then click on the button New one, click the option Uploading files, select the PDF file to upload and click on the button You open (on Windows) or You choose (on Mac);
- Android device - press the button +, touch the item Load, select the PDF file to upload and press the button Allow if requested.
Step 6. Select the PDF file to view
Find the document you just uploaded, then select it. The PDF will be opened directly within Google Drive allowing you to consult the content according to your needs.
