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Forum Discussion
How do I open PDF files from Dropbox on Android devices?
Hello :-)
There is a problem with PDF files. They do not open when downloading in android devices :-(
The dropbox link is ?dl=1
There isn't any problem when downloading in Desktop PC and Apple ...
Thanks for the reply Giannis F. and sorry to hear this persists.
Do you notice the same behavior on other browsers other than the one you used so far?
Remember the "dl=1" parameter at the end of shared links should tell the browser to download the file(s) instead of attempting to display it so this seems to be an issue caused by the browser you use (as you say, the files and links are working fine).
Let me know what you find.
Thanx again Walter.
It has nothing to do with my personal mobile device. A lot of users of my website and friends complain that they can't open pdf files on android devices.
I dont' t use any app in my mobile, just Google Chrome to visit my site.
The pdf files open normally when using ?dl=0 or ?raw=1 but they don't when using ?dl=1. So that is the problem. I have checked it many times in different android devices, it has nothing to do with greek characters or anything else. Everything is OK with ?dl=1 links in my desktopo computer, or in iPhone iOS, but there is problem with android devices.
Please look for a solution with your team. Help us :-)
Walter
Dropbox Staff
Dropbox StaffThanks for the reply Giannis F. and sorry to hear this persists.
Do you notice the same behavior on other browsers other than the one you used so far?
Remember the "dl=1" parameter at the end of shared links should tell the browser to download the file(s) instead of attempting to display it so this seems to be an issue caused by the browser you use (as you say, the files and links are working fine).
Let me know what you find.
This problem happens with opening a shared PDF link from Gmail on an Android device as well. It is incredibly frustrating that Dropbox doesn't seem to be compatible with Google and Androids. Works perfectly fine on a desktop, but try to open it on an Android through the Gmail app or a browser is impossible. Both my students and I have the problem. Instead of walking them through the tech of this all, I'm learning that it's just easier to share their course material through another sharing site. It's unfortunate that Dropbox's suggested solution is to just "use a different browser" when there is a need for Dropbox to update the coding in their shared files, especially since I like Dropbox otherwise.
my issue is fixed now. I have LG G8 Android phone.
I used to get same message when I tried opening a dropbox link in Gmail. I think I found my issue and it is fixed now.
Every time I clicked the dropbox link, it used to open via Google Drive as default (not asking my for any options)
I went to Settings - Apps & Notifications - App Info - Dropbox - Open by default
try changing the settings to Open in this app OR Ask Every Time (switch to what is not select from these two)
When I played with these options, and tried to open the link... it asked me if I want to open in Chrome, Dropbox, Drive PDF Viewer.
When I chose Dropbox or Chrome, no issue
when I chose Drive PDF Viewer, I got same error, so I learned what was causing it.
I just downloaded 2 other browsers apps in my android mobile: Mozilla + Opera
Everything is working fine in both browsers. PDF files now open!
There is problem only in Google Chrome, the default browser of my android mobile.
:-)
- Walter
Glad to hear this worked out well after all Giannis F. - I appreciate you taking the time to update me on this matter too!
Should you ever stumble upon a Dropbox issue or you come up with a question, feel free to reach out again; we'll be happy to assist.
Thanks again for using Dropbox and enjoy the rest of your day.
Cheers!
I really apreciate your help Walter.
Is there anything that we can do for users that have Chrome in their devices?
:-)
- Walter
Well, at this point, as this issue seems to be affecting only Chrome, I would suggest using a different browser whatsoever.
Another thing you could try is clearing your browser's cache, running an incognito instance or even restoring the browser to its default settings.
Obviously switching browsers is the best course of action here yet this would be up to them.
If you have any more Dropbox questions, please let me know Giannis.
Exactly same as below works with my Mate 20 PRO
desi2p
"my issue is fixed now. I have LG G8 Android phone.I used to get same message when I tried opening a dropbox link in Gmail. I think I found my issue and it is fixed now.
Every time I clicked the dropbox link, it used to open via Google Drive as default (not asking my for any options)
I went to Settings - Apps & Notifications - App Info - Dropbox - Open by default
try changing the settings to Open in this app OR Ask Every Time (switch to what is not select from these two)
When I played with these options, and tried to open the link... it asked me if I want to open in Chrome, Dropbox, Drive PDF Viewer.
When I chose Dropbox or Chrome, no issue
when I chose Drive PDF Viewer, I got same error, so I learned what was causing it."
This does not solve the problem, because I have no influence what happens on the receiver's side and would be ridiculous to attach a user manual to every shared pdf file.
