Can't change default PDF viewer - Word app getting in my face

  • Replies:4
  • Answered
veryangryguy
  • Forum posts: 2

May 6, 2020, 5:16:45 PM via Website

Hello! So I'm dealing with this nagging issue - I've downloaded some pdf file from my email to my phone and when I try to open it the Word app says 'file is corrupted' and closes it automatically without displaying it. However, I know for sure that the file itself is OK - I tested it on a desktop computer where I have all major browsers installed and they open that simple pdf scan without a problem. So it must be the mobile Word app at fault. OK, so I'll try to open it with some other app - in the past there used to be multiple alternative options (among them the Firefox and Firefox Focus browsers, I clearly recall).

However, now none is available. I choose 'open with':

image

and instead of offering a list to choose from, the phone directly launches the Word app which repeats the embarassing annoyance. Then I figured out I probably need to remove its' default status for pdf files (though 'open with' is meant to override it, isn't it..)

So in the 'default apps' section of my phone settings menu, indeed Word is the default (mis)handler of pdf documents:

image

But again, it does not list any alternatives:

image

Then I went to the Word app settings to try clear defaults but even this is not available!!!

image

I'm literally mad with rage. Lost some two f*ckin hours dealing with this sh*t that should've been simple as hell!! Like one-tap simple. Can anyone help me, good ppl?

P.S> Idk why images appear so large. It may not look nice but I have no idea how to shrink them here..

— modified on May 6, 2020, 5:18:32 PM

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James Watson
  • Forum posts: 1,584

May 7, 2020, 9:04:40 AM via Website

veryangryguy

Hello! So I'm dealing with this nagging issue - I've downloaded some pdf file from my email to my phone and when I try to open it the Word app says 'file is corrupted' and closes it automatically without displaying it. However, I know for sure that the file itself is OK - I tested it on a desktop computer where I have all major browsers installed and they open that simple pdf scan without a problem. So it must be the mobile Word app at fault. OK, so I'll try to open it with some other app - in the past there used to be multiple alternative options (among them the Firefox and Firefox Focus browsers, I clearly recall).

However, now none is available. I choose 'open with':

![image][1]

and instead of offering a list to choose from, the phone directly launches the Word app which repeats the embarassing annoyance. Then I figured out I probably need to remove its' default status for pdf files (though 'open with' is meant to override it, isn't it..)

So in the 'default apps' section of my phone settings menu, indeed Word is the default (mis)handler of pdf documents:

![image][2]

But again, it does not list any alternatives:

![image][3]

Then I went to the Word app settings to try clear defaults but even this is not available!!!

![image][4]

I'm literally mad with rage. Lost some two f*ckin hours dealing with this sh*t that should've been simple as hell!! Like one-tap simple. Can anyone help me, good ppl?

P.S> Idk why images appear so large. It may not look nice but I have no idea how to shrink them here..

[1]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165425_1_com.hidisk.jpg
[2]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165532_1_com.android.settings.jpg
[3]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165539_com.android.settings.jpg
[4]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165604_com.android.settings.jpg

First of all, I completely understand your situation. In fact, it is more difficult to set the file associations (which file type is opened by which app by default) in Android. But in Windows, it's so easy. (smug)

The 'CLEAR DEFAULTS' button for Word app is disabled. So, I suggest that you install some better & free PDF viewer app such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google PDF Viewer and so on. Thus the default PDF viewer will be changed.

Download size < 0.15 MB. But also accurate enough, ad-free & free.
The minimalist app available on Play Store: https://goo.gl/ws42fN
Blog: https://okblackcafe.blogspot.com Your 5-star is appreciated.

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marco sarliveryangryguy
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veryangryguy
  • Forum posts: 2

May 7, 2020, 6:26:27 AM via Website

No one has a fix for that?

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marco sarli
  • Admin
  • Forum posts: 1,011

May 7, 2020, 6:47:30 AM via Website

Try this : Go to Settings. Go to Apps. Select the PDF app, that always opens up automatically.
Scroll down to "Launch By Default" or "Open by default". Tap "Clear Defaults" (if this button is enabled).
The next time you tap a PDF document, the app chooser should be shown, allowing you to select the desired app. Another option is to uninstall Word. There are free Office alternatives. But I would check on a computer if the pdf is corrupted and if the extension .pdf is correct. You could also try to rename it.

— modified on May 7, 2020, 6:51:42 AM

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James Watson
  • Forum posts: 1,584

May 7, 2020, 9:04:40 AM via Website

veryangryguy

Hello! So I'm dealing with this nagging issue - I've downloaded some pdf file from my email to my phone and when I try to open it the Word app says 'file is corrupted' and closes it automatically without displaying it. However, I know for sure that the file itself is OK - I tested it on a desktop computer where I have all major browsers installed and they open that simple pdf scan without a problem. So it must be the mobile Word app at fault. OK, so I'll try to open it with some other app - in the past there used to be multiple alternative options (among them the Firefox and Firefox Focus browsers, I clearly recall).

However, now none is available. I choose 'open with':

![image][1]

and instead of offering a list to choose from, the phone directly launches the Word app which repeats the embarassing annoyance. Then I figured out I probably need to remove its' default status for pdf files (though 'open with' is meant to override it, isn't it..)

So in the 'default apps' section of my phone settings menu, indeed Word is the default (mis)handler of pdf documents:

![image][2]

But again, it does not list any alternatives:

![image][3]

Then I went to the Word app settings to try clear defaults but even this is not available!!!

![image][4]

I'm literally mad with rage. Lost some two f*ckin hours dealing with this sh*t that should've been simple as hell!! Like one-tap simple. Can anyone help me, good ppl?

P.S> Idk why images appear so large. It may not look nice but I have no idea how to shrink them here..

[1]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165425_1_com.hidisk.jpg
[2]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165532_1_com.android.settings.jpg
[3]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165539_com.android.settings.jpg
[4]: https://fscl01.fonpit.de/userfiles/7689787/image/forum/Screenshot_20200506_165604_com.android.settings.jpg

First of all, I completely understand your situation. In fact, it is more difficult to set the file associations (which file type is opened by which app by default) in Android. But in Windows, it's so easy. (smug)

The 'CLEAR DEFAULTS' button for Word app is disabled. So, I suggest that you install some better & free PDF viewer app such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google PDF Viewer and so on. Thus the default PDF viewer will be changed.

Download size < 0.15 MB. But also accurate enough, ad-free & free.
The minimalist app available on Play Store: https://goo.gl/ws42fN
Blog: https://okblackcafe.blogspot.com Your 5-star is appreciated.

Helpful?
marco sarliveryangryguy
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Jack Martin
  • Forum posts: 10

Jul 14, 2022, 5:01:27 PM via Website

Great, thanks!

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