Question from Barry: I need to do some maintenance on my leaf blower so I downloaded the owner’s manual to my phone.
The file downloaded just fine but when I try to open it I get an error message saying there’s no app for opening PDF files on my device.
What am I doing wrong? I really need to open this file so I can work on my leaf blower.
Rick’s answer: Barry, most recent smartphones have an app on them for opening PDF files. In fact, there are usually at least two or three to choose from.
However, it’s apparent that yours doesn’t since you were unable to choose an app for opening the file you downloaded.
Luckily, your phone’s app store will have several PDF reader apps to choose from for opening PDF files on your device.
You didn’t specify which brand and model of phone you have so I’ll give you instructions for installing an app on both an iPhone and a Google device.
If you have an iPhone I would recommend installing the Adobe Acrobat Reader app. Just follow the steps below:
Note: These instructions will also work on an iPad.
1 – Open your Safari browser and type the words adobe acrobat reader into the address bar.
2 – Tap the Go button.
3 – Scroll down a bit and tap Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
4 – Tap the blue Download link.
5 – Tap the blue Get button.
6 – Tap Install and follow the prompts at they appear.
7 – After the installation is complete simply tap on the PDF file you want to open.
If you have an Android phone I would recommend installing Google’s own Google PDF Viewer. Just follow these steps:
Note: These instructions will also work on Android tablets.
1 – Open the Google Play Store app.
2 – Type the words google pdf viewer into the Search box and then tap the magnifying glass icon. Details for the Google PDF Viewer app should now be displayed on your screen.
3 – Tap the Install button.
4 – Close the Play Store app after the installation is complete.
5 – Tap on the PDF file you want to open.
That’s all there is to it. The user manual you downloaded should now be displayed on your phone’s screen.
I hope this helps, Barry. Good luck!
Update from Barry: I installed the app as you directed and it worked great. Thanks for your help.
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