Fix PDF reader not working on Chrome

Viewing PDF files directly is a great feature of Google Chrome . However, sometimes it can stop working. Let's learn with Download.vn how to fix the error of not being able to read PDF files on Chrome simply but effectively !

Before starting, reset Google Chrome

Before trying complicated solutions, try resetting Chrome. This process only takes a few minutes but can fix the problem. Here are the steps:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the 3-dot icon in the top right corner of the browser.
3. Select Settings .
4. Open the Advanced menu .
5. Select Reset and clean up from the left menu bar.
6. Under Reset and clean up , click Restore settings to their original defaults .
7. Select the Reset settings button .

While resetting Chrome won't affect your bookmarks or saved passwords, it will remove all pinned tabs, browsing data, and cookies. Additionally, this action also disables all browser add-ons. Therefore, you need to re-enable them if necessary.

How to fix Chrome not loading PDF

Instead of opening the PDF file, Chrome PDF Viewer may display a black screen like when downloading a PDF file. In this case, your Internet connection speed may be slow or incompatible with some third-party utility.

Before changing Chrome settings, check your Internet connection. If this is not the cause, now is the time to check which extensions are preventing the PDF reader from working on Chrome.

To check for faulty extensions, switch to incognito mode. To open it, click the 3-dot icon in the top right corner and choose to open a new incognito window or press Ctrl + Shift +N .

If the PDF can be viewed while in incognito mode, the problem is definitely caused by a browser extension. To find it, turn off all extensions and re-enable each one in turn.

You can find a list of add-ons here:

1. Select the 3-dot icon in the top right corner of the browser.

2. Click More tools > Extensions .

3. Here, you can see a list of utilities. Enable/disable the widget you want. Select Remove to delete it completely.

Use a cleanup tool

If the PDF cannot be opened even in incognito mode, malware may be the cause of the problem. Luckily, Chrome has malware detection and removal tools in place in this case. Usage is as follows:

1. Open a new tab.
2. Type chrome://settings/cleanup in the URL bar, press Enter .
3. Click the Find button to start the scanning process.

When this process is complete, try opening the PDF file with Chrome in normal mode.

How to fix PDF not fully displayed error on Chrome

Sometimes Chrome's PDF reader has difficulty displaying files, such as missing images, messy text, or even lag when scrolling. The problem may be because you are using an old version of Chrome. This browser usually updates automatically. However, if you have to manually update, click the 3 vertical dots icon in the top right corner of the browser > click Help > Select About Google Chrome .

If an update is available, Chrome will automatically install it.

Clear cache

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear browsing data window .
2. Select the Basic tab .
3. For the Time Range section , select All Time .
4. Check the Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files boxes .
5. Select the Clear data button .

Note, this action will delete all browser cookies. Make sure you remember your login information for all sites you're using.

Turn off hardware acceleration

Compatibility error between Chrome PDF reader and video driver may affect PDF display ability. While hardware acceleration is the default feature on Chrome, turning it off may fix this issue.

1. Open Chrome menu > Click Settings .
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Advanced .
3. In System, turn off the button for Use hardware acceleration when available .
4. Remember that when this feature is turned off, opening content on Chrome may be slow. Turn it back on after completing PDF-related work.

Prevent Chrome from downloading PDF files

This is the most common and annoying error viewing PDF files on Chrome. Chrome has a setting to download PDFs instead of previewing them. It is disabled by default. However, it is possible that some third-party app or you accidentally changed its status, leading to this problem. To fix it, follow these steps:

1. Open Chrome menu > Click Settings .

2. Open the Privacy and security menu > Select Site Settings .

3. Scroll down and click Additional content settings .

4. Click PDF documents .

5. Turn off the Download PDF files button instead of automatically opening them in Chrome .

Above are some ways to fix the error of viewing PDF files directly on Chrome not working . Hope the article is useful to you.