Until recently, opening PDF files in Chrome on Android meant downloading them and using a separate app. Now, Google has added built-in support to open PDFs directly in your browser — no extra app required.
Note: This feature is currently available only on Android 15 and 16 (beta versions). Make sure your Chrome app is updated before trying it out.
How to View PDFs in Chrome on Android
- Open Chrome on your Android device.
- Visit any website with a PDF link and tap to open it.
Chrome will now display the PDF right in the browser, instead of downloading it or asking you to choose another app.
Here’s what you can do:
- Zoom in and out using pinch gestures.
- Search inside the PDF (tap the three dots ⋮ and select Find in page).
- Open with another app if you prefer (Open with option in the menu).
- Download the PDF to your device (tap the arrow icon at the top).
- Annotate the PDF — highlight or draw by tapping the pencil icon, then Save copy when done.
Note: Digital signatures and advanced edits aren’t supported yet.
Using Android 14 or Below?
The old chrome://flags trick no longer works on Android 14 and below, even with Chrome Beta or Canary. This is because the feature needs Chrome version 134, which is outdated now.
Best alternatives:
- Try Microsoft Edge or Firefox — both let you view PDFs directly in-browser, even on older Android versions.
- While they don’t have Chrome’s built-in editing, they let you quickly view PDFs without downloading.
More Chrome Tips
Chrome keeps adding new features — like tab splitting on PC for better multitasking. Need to restart Chrome without losing your open tabs? That’s possible too.
