Until recently, users on Android had to rely on third-party apps to view PDF files. Now, Google has finally introduced native PDF support in the Chrome browser for Android. This means users can open PDF documents directly in Chrome without needing to switch apps.
The feature, internally known as Open PDF Inline on Android, was first referenced in Chromium code back in February 2024. However, it remained blocked until now. The native viewer is currently guaranteed to work on devices running Android 15. Unfortunately, support for earlier Android versions is not available yet, although we’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.
The first signs of this feature appeared as far back as Android 12, under the label Open PDF Inline on Android pre-V. However, actual implementation had been postponed until this recent update.
Built-in Tools and Viewing Features
The new PDF viewer comes with several useful built-in tools for annotation. Users can access a panel with options such as pen, highlighter, eraser, undo, redo, and a visibility toggle. These tools allow for flexible document editing directly within Chrome. It’s also possible to adjust the thickness and color of lines and scroll through the document to select annotation areas. By default, the annotation panel appears at the bottom of the screen, but users can move it to the top if preferred.
Chrome’s PDF viewer also includes a full-text search feature. This allows users to search the entire document and view all instances of a word or phrase at once. Navigating between search results is straightforward, making it easier to find relevant information quickly.
Although native PDF viewing is now officially supported in Chrome for Android, full functionality still depends on the Android version, notes NIX Solutions. Users with Android 15 can already take advantage of these features, but others will have to wait. Yet we’ll keep you updated as more Android versions gain compatibility with the new viewer.
This update marks a significant improvement in usability for Android users who regularly handle PDF files and prefer staying within the browser. It removes the need for additional software and brings Chrome for Android closer in line with the desktop version in terms of functionality.