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Re: PDF files do not open on Android devices (smartphons + tablets)

How do I open PDF files from Dropbox on Android devices?

Giannis F.
Helpful | Level 7
Go to solution

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 iOS, there is problem only in Android.

Look here for the PDF file as an example: https://www.openbook.gr/se-mia-olympia-traveller-79/

There is nothing wrong with tha PDF files. If I download the same files from e.g. Gmail to my Android devices they open normally !

Can you please check it?

1 Accepted Solution

Accepted Solutions

Walter
Dropbox Staff
Go to solution

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.


Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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View solution in original post

28 Replies 28

Walter
Dropbox Staff
Go to solution

Sorry to hear about this @Giannis F. - could you please let me know how are you generating those shared links to begin with?

Could you try replacing the "?dl=1" parameter to "?dl=0" (or to "?raw=1" if you'd like these files to render on other websites) and let me know if the issue persists? 

Thanks!


Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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Giannis F.
Helpful | Level 7
Go to solution

 

Thanx for the immediate answer.

I generate them through the "Share" button > "Create a link" into Drobox.

When I use ?dl=0 file opens normally

When I use "?raw=1" it downloads normally and opens the PDF file !

>> But please don't tell me to chance the urls to ?raw=1 in my 5.000 files 😞  I did that again in previous year when you changed the share method > It took me 2 months, not againg please.

Please help me 😞

and fix the ?dl=1 link

 

 

 

 

Walter
Dropbox Staff
Go to solution

Thanks for the reply @Giannis F.!

When I click on the "Share" button on my end, the shared links that are generated end in "?dl=0" by default - are you seeing this behavior on shared links you created in the past or new ones? 

If this is not too much of a problem for you, could you please share a link that's giving you this problem here with me so I can investigate further? 


Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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Giannis F.
Helpful | Level 7
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Thanx again for the interesting Walter 🙂

No, the old links were Ok, only the new links have that problem.

I change manually the ?dl=0 to ?dl=1 because I want the files to download in user's device, not just to open.

This is an example link that downloads the file in android smartphons, but the file does not open:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xgncoaff8as540c/OlympiaTraveller.pdf?dl=1

🙂

 

Walter
Dropbox Staff
Go to solution

Sorry to hear about this @Giannis F. - what app are you using to open those files to begin with?

I can see no problem with the link you provided me with - I was able to download and open the file normally.

Also, I couldn't help but notice that your PDF is in Greek - do you use Greek characters for your PDF files' names maybe? 

Moreover, as per the difference between the "dl=0" and "dl=1" parameters, take a look at this thread where Rich has provided some additional information about it. 

Note that, as you say you're able to open those links normally and download as well, the issue you're experiencing might be caused by something outside our scope; the mobile app you'd be opening your PDF files maybe? Your mobile itself perhaps? 

In any case, please keep me posted on your progress Giannis. Oh, and happy Monday!

 


Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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Giannis F.
Helpful | Level 7
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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
Go to solution

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.


Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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Giannis F.
Helpful | Level 7
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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
Dropbox Staff
Go to solution

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! 


Walter
Community Moderator @ Dropbox
dropbox.com/support


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