Google Chrome, by default, automatically opens PDF files once they are downloaded. While this can be convenient for quick viewing, it can also interrupt workflow, especially if you prefer using a dedicated PDF reader or saving files for offline use. Whether you’re on a desktop or mobile device, it is possible to stop Chrome from automatically opening PDFs after download. This guide explains how to disable this feature on both PC and mobile platforms.
Disabling Automatic PDF Opening on PC
On a desktop or laptop, Chrome offers users the ability to adjust its behavior for PDFs. By changing these settings, you can ensure that downloaded PDFs do not open automatically within the browser.
To stop PDFs from opening automatically in Chrome, start by launching the browser on your computer. In the top-right corner, click on the three-dot menu icon to open the main menu. From there, navigate to Settings.
Once in the settings, scroll down and click on Privacy and Security. Under this section, locate and select Site Settings. Scroll further to find the Additional Content Settings option, and click on it to expand the menu. Here, you will see an option labeled PDF Documents.
Click on PDF Documents to access the PDF settings. You will find a toggle option that says Download PDFs instead of automatically opening them in Chrome. Enable this option by switching the toggle on. Once enabled, Chrome will download PDF files to your device instead of opening them automatically in the browser.
To test the changes, try downloading a PDF. It should now save the file directly to your downloads folder without opening it in Chrome.
Preventing PDFs from Opening on Chrome Mobile
On mobile devices, Chrome does not open PDFs in the browser but instead relies on the system’s default PDF viewer. However, if PDFs are opening automatically, you can adjust a few settings on your mobile device to change this behavior.
For Android users, start by accessing the Chrome browser on your device. Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and go to Settings. Scroll down to find Downloads or Site Settings, depending on your Chrome version. Under the settings, ensure there is no default behavior forcing PDFs to open automatically.
If PDFs still open automatically, the issue may be with your phone’s default app settings. To change this, go to your device’s Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Look for the option to manage defaults for file types, and ensure no app is set to automatically open PDFs. If an app is selected, clear the default so that PDFs prompt you for a choice when opened.
For iOS users, Chrome relies on Apple’s built-in PDF viewer. To prevent PDFs from opening automatically, save the file directly to your device by tapping the Share icon when viewing the PDF. Select Save to Files or another location to store the PDF without opening it.
Why Stop PDFs from Automatically Opening?
There are several reasons users prefer to disable this feature. For example, some users want to save PDFs for later use without viewing them immediately, while others prefer third-party PDF readers with advanced features. Automatic opening can also slow down workflow or interfere with bandwidth if multiple PDFs are downloaded simultaneously.
Stopping Chrome from automatically opening PDFs is easy, whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device. On PC, Chrome’s PDF settings allow you to download files directly instead of opening them. On mobile devices, managing app defaults ensures PDFs are saved without being forced open. By customizing these settings, you can take full control over how Chrome handles your PDF downloads and streamline your browsing experience.