Samsung Galaxy S3: How to Solve Can't Download PDF Files from Browser

Previously, I would like to say thanks to Cheryl for giving me an idea to write about this. A few days ago, Cheryl write me an email which contains about her Galaxy S3 was unabled to download PDF files from the browser. After visiting on several websites to find relevant solutions, I finally found one that I think could solve her problem.

Image Credit: pcadvisor.co.uk

From the xda-developers forum, some Galaxy S3 users reported that they are having problems to download the PDF files from the browser. From all reply that i was read, below I have outlined in a few points:
  1. By default browser on the Galaxy S3 is set to download to SD card. So, this problem may be caused by corrupted SD card.
  2. Try to move a folder to your SD card, and if the results failed means that your SD card is in trouble.
  3. Move all the data on your SD card to a PC or any external storage you have, then format your SD Card. If you do not know how to format the SD card, please visit our url about how to format SD card here.
  4. Once you have finished formatting your SD card, you can restore your data to your SD card.
  5. Now try again to download the PDF file from the browser on your phone.

So, I hope this solution can help to solve Cheryl's problem and those of you who may be experiencing the same problem. If you find this articles useful for you then let me know your feedback through the comment below :)
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51 comments:

  1. Unknown20 June 2013 at 17:22

    I have the same problem, but I don't use a sd card. What is wrong with my s3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan20 June 2013 at 21:10

      Hi Kevin Holsappel,
      Thanks for the visit and comment.
      Have you ever tried to use another browser? At least it will tell you whether the problem is the browser or not.
      Hope it helps :)

      Delete
  2. Anonymous26 July 2013 at 11:50

    But what about my problem sir. Even I failed to download any application from play store?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan26 July 2013 at 20:23

      Hi Sanjay Airen,
      Thanks for coming.
      Did you made any changes on your phone before you were realized that you encountered this problem?

      Delete
  3. Kim jae seo2 August 2013 at 05:21

    My phone still can't download.......
    Please help...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan2 August 2013 at 19:38

      Hi Kim Jae Seo,
      Thanks for coming.
      Have you ever tried to use another browser? Did you still unable to download PDF through that browser?

      Delete
  4. Unknown15 August 2013 at 07:21

    Hello I have the same problem and I don't use an sd card...I can download mp3 files and even pdf files with other Internet apps but not with the browser...what do I do now?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan16 August 2013 at 19:56

      Hi Tosin Olanrewaju,
      Thanks for coming.
      Have you ever tried to download pdf files in another website? or, does it happen in all pdf files?

      Delete
  5. Unknown9 October 2013 at 08:28

    I've tried downloading them through three different browsers and it won't let me. I don't use an sd card and I have plenty of storage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan23 October 2013 at 20:41

      Hi Franchesca Parras,
      Thanks for coming.
      Did you received alert while you failed to download?

      Delete
  6. Unknown2 December 2013 at 13:29

    I can't download any files when I'm using the mobile data. I can download using wifi. On mobile data everything seems to be working, except for the download. Not from Google play, not from any browser and not only pdf files, any kind of file wont download. I recently did a factory reset and restored it using Samsung Kies. I tried unmounting my sd card, formatting it but nothing has worked so far. I have plenty of capacity in both device and micro sd card. I cleared the cache from my Internet browser and it still won't download files. What's up with that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan2 December 2013 at 18:00

      Hi Mohamad El Jundi,
      Thanks for coming.
      Seems that you've been done the needed steps to fix the problem. However, have you tried to use the SIM card in another phone to download something--if available--? just to make sure that the problem is not the SIM card. Else, try to check in the Settings> Application manager> swipe to the All screen> Scroll to the bottom then see whether Download or Download manager is labelled as disabled. If so, tap the row then tap Enable button to enable them. Once you finish, restart the phone then see whether it helps. Ohh, you can also try to call your network provider to ask them whether there are some settings or configurations you need to do on your phone to allow you download using the mobile data.

      Delete
    2. Unknown24 January 2014 at 01:30

      Well man, I tried everything. I thought it was a Google problem and waited for a while but still nothing. When I use my WiFi hotspot on my phone, other phones and laptops can download anything they want, even from Google play. I, on the other hand only can download through Flash Fox, used to be able to using Samsung Apps (only the ones downloadable through Samsung Apps and not Google Play), and sometimes Google Chrome (couldn't before)
      The SIM is fine and was working perfectly before the factory reset. I received a couple of errors including 905 and 923 when I was trying to download using Google Play and cleared the data of Downloads in the App Manager.

      Delete
    3. Rehan26 January 2014 at 03:51

      Hi Mohamad El Jundi,
      Thanks for getting back here.
      Have you ever tried to use another Google account on your phone?
      However, try to uninstall update of the Google Play Store through the Application manager. Also while you're in the Application manager, tap the Menu key then select Reset app preferences and then restart the phone.

      Delete
    4. Unknown27 January 2014 at 06:47

      Will you marry me? Brother, I love you .. thanks a million... all I did was clicking on the "Reset app preferences" from the App manager and then resetting the phone. I didn't uninstall updates on Google Play and I have never used any other Google account on my phone. I don't know what was blocking the download. Hell it's been hard man, it's been really hard.

      May the force be with you, never put the one ring on, and I swear by the old Gods and the new to serve you.

      Delete
    5. Rehan27 January 2014 at 15:13

      Hi Brother,
      Thanks to let me know about it.
      I'm more than happy to know that you finally be able to fix this annoying problem. Well, enjoy downloading anything with your precious Galaxy S3 :)

      Delete
    6. Unknown26 April 2014 at 09:05

      Omg can we have a double wedding I have been searching and trying to figure out how to get my phone to work I have done everything with SD cards the only thing that works is just what you said about resetting my app manager and reset my phone thank you so much

      Delete
    7. Rehan26 April 2014 at 14:15

      Hi Dj Hood,
      Thanks for coming and let me know that you can find something useful here :)

      Delete
    8. Unknown31 May 2014 at 15:48

      where is the rest app preferences located..having hard time finding it

      Delete
    9. Rehan1 June 2014 at 21:14

      Hi Mohamed Abdirahman,
      Thanks for coming.
      I'll write the complete steps for you. Here they are:
      1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notifications panel and then tap the Settings icon (cogwheel icon) at the top of the screen to enter the settings menu.
      2. Tap "More" tab.
      3. Tap "Application manager".
      4. In the Downloaded tab, tap the Menu key and then select "Reset app preferences".
      5. If needed, you can restart your phone. In some cases, the problem will go away by restarting the phone after you did reset app preferences.

      Delete
    10. Barry5 October 2014 at 17:39

      That fixed me thanks.

      Delete
    11. Rehan5 October 2014 at 18:21

      Hi Barry,
      Thanks for coming.
      I'm so happy to know that you can find something useful here :)

      Delete
    12. Unknown7 February 2016 at 22:57

      Thank you so much... i was ttying to solve this problem for whole day long, eventually i got it because of you
      ..

      Delete
  7. Anonymous7 December 2013 at 23:04

    I cant download frim whole world wide web i cant download anything from play store to savefrom.net please help i have s3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan9 December 2013 at 01:14

      Hi Vinko Rakić,
      Thanks for coming.
      Please check my reply in the comment right above you, and then see whether that helps :)

      Delete
  8. Unknown4 January 2014 at 07:51

    Hi,

    Everytime I am on my browser and try downloading a picture or mp 3 file to my phone it says it's downloading at the bottom but it really isn't. I do not have an SD card either and I hace tried restarting my S3 to solve the issue but it keeps happening. Help please!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan4 January 2014 at 12:43

      Hi Cristalyne S,
      Thanks for coming.
      Try to take a look in the Application manager in the Settings menu. If you run Android 4.3, go to the "Turn off" screen then see if the Downloads or Download manager is turned off, if so turn them back on. If you run below the Android 4.3, go to the "All" screen and scroll to the very bottom and see if the Downloads or Download manager is labelled as disabled, if so enable them. Once you've done, try to download a picture through the Browser then see whether it works :)

      Delete
    2. Unknown14 January 2014 at 10:05

      I have the same problem, it says starting download... at the bottom, but doesn't download. I've tried what you said but still no luck

      Delete
    3. Rehan14 January 2014 at 13:32

      Hi Stu Morris,
      Thanks for coming.
      If you have check your SD card and it's not corrupted and have done all the suggestions here but with no luck, then you might be have to try an app called Download Blazer (here's the link:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mdjsoftware.download&hl=en)
      I have tried this app and it's great. Help you to download any files easily from the supported browser app (including with the stock). Just click the download link in the browser app and then select Download Blazer. Tap Save download to download that file.
      Hope this helps :)

      Delete
    4. Unknown22 April 2014 at 13:41

      Ive done everything that u said and its not working please help

      Delete
    5. Rehan22 April 2014 at 15:10

      Hi Stephanie Rico,
      Are you able to download other file types using the same method? Have you tried to clear cache and data of the Internet app? and, have you ever tried to download pdf using another Browser app?

      Delete
    6. Unknown2 June 2014 at 15:23

      Hi Rehan, I had the same problem and after trying your suggestion, it finally works again! Thank you so much.

      Delete
    7. Rehan2 June 2014 at 20:08

      Hi Bae Sun Young,
      Thanks for coming and let me know that one of the suggestions listed here has worked on you :)

      Delete
  9. BexE13 January 2014 at 11:21

    Worked a treat, thank you! I had all these 'u' files appear on my SD card e.g. uAMAZON, uCIM, uData. Not sure where they came from but presume related to the corrupted card. Thanks for your help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan13 January 2014 at 13:27

      Hi BexE,
      Thanks for coming.
      I'm more than happy to know that this post was useful for you :)

      Delete
  10. AwesomeDanny6 February 2014 at 21:00

    i have the same problem, i can download mp3 files, but not video files as i used to, i used Chrome and Firefox but those dont give me the option to choose if i want to watch or download, on the factory browser it gives me the option, then it says "starting download" but doesn't show up on my notifications or download at all. please help.

    ReplyDelete
  11. prophecyfire/ D. gansmann14 March 2014 at 11:25

    go to google play get an app...like to open manage files

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan15 March 2014 at 14:26

      Hi Buddy,
      Thanks for coming and share your thought here.
      But, I think it'll be more useful if you give us a specific app name(based on your experience) that works well associated with this problem. However, some users sometimes don't want to use third-party app with their own reason.

      Delete
  12. Unknown7 April 2014 at 16:09

    Hi I recently was able to download photos off my s3 stock browser now all of a sudden I cant! Now when I try screen crashes goes black, freezes n says Internet has stopped working.. pls help me.. dunno if something like a virus got downloaded but I have all the norton things etc.. what do I do???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan7 April 2014 at 17:54

      Hi Muslim Saleem,
      Thanks for coming.
      Did you make any change before encountering this problem(install any third-party app, change the settings or update OS)?
      However, try to do these following steps to fix your problem:
      1. Try to clear cache and clear data and force stop the Internet app through application manager or app info screen and then restart your phone. Once the phone is on, try to download photo using the stock Browser app.

      2. If the #1 didn't work, try to open Download app and then clear download histories.

      3. If the #1 and #2 didn't work, try to go to Settings> tap "More" tab> tap "Application manager"> swipe the screen to the right until you see "All" tab and then scroll the screen to the very bottom and see whether there are apps(especially an internet-related app) labelled as "Disabled". If you didn't disable any app before, tap the disabled app and then tap "Enable" button. FYI, an app sometimes is linked with other app, that's why when certain app is disabled then other app that is related with the disabled app may encounters errors.

      Delete
    2. Unknown12 July 2014 at 11:20

      Go to app manager reset app prefrences and you go thats it

      Delete
    3. Rehan13 July 2014 at 21:14

      Hi Devendra Yadav,
      Thanks for coming.
      Yes, I agree with you. In some cases, reset app preferences can solve the problem. If necessary, restart the phone once you finish resetting the app preferences.

      Delete
  13. Unknown15 June 2014 at 01:08

    I am facing the same exact problem. When I try to download some pdf on my s3, it says starting download but does nothing. My sd card is almost full. Can't I save the downloads on my internal memory instead of saving it on my sd card??? Please do provide a solution to my problem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan15 June 2014 at 22:51

      Hi Amani Addepalli,
      Thanks for coming.
      You can save downloaded files to your internal storage by using the following steps:
      1. Open Internet app.
      2. Tap the Menu key and then select "Settings".
      3. Tap "Advanced".
      4. Tap "Default storage" and then select "Device".

      As a note, you can move your files (either in the phone storage or SD card) to your PC periodically to make sure that your phone has free space enough to work well.

      Delete
    2. Unknown28 June 2014 at 07:41

      Thank you so much for your reply...I have followed your instructions but I am still unable to download pdf's..Would be great if you can help me out with this.

      Delete
    3. Rehan28 June 2014 at 16:56

      Hi Amani Addepalli,
      Thanks for coming back here.
      Make sure your internal memory has free space enough so that your phone can work well. If you don't mind, can you please tell me how much space left in your phone storage?
      However, did you receive any error or notification when you downloaded that pdf file?
      Have you ever downloaded a pdf file by using other browser apps (e.g: Chrome, Firefox, etc)?

      Delete
    4. Unknown2 July 2014 at 07:23

      Hello Rehan..I have abt 8gb left in my internal memory. I did not receive and error notification when I tried to download the pdf file..just got a small note at the bottom saying "starting download" but as I said before, the phone isn't able to actually download the file. I have read in your previous replies to others , to use a different browser instead...so I did the same. I am using Chrome now and I am able to download pdf's now :) Thank you so much for that. So do you think I have some problem with my samsung browser? Is there anyway I can get that fixed?

      Delete
    5. Rehan2 July 2014 at 20:52

      Hi Amani Addepalli,
      Thanks for updating your issue here.
      In case you have not done, try to clear Internet app cache and data and then try to reset app preferences from the application manager. Once done, restart the phone and then re-try.
      Other way, you may have to try wiping cache partition from the recovery mode. If it didn't do the trick, then I have no more idea.

      Delete
  14. Unknown6 December 2014 at 08:49

    Hi I have a galaxy s5 and I can't download any pdf documents but I could download pictures and music

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rehan6 December 2014 at 13:10

      Hi Stephanie Ruiz,
      Thanks for coming.
      Did you receive any notification or error message when downloading a pdf file?
      What app did you use to download that pdf file?
      Have you ever tried downloading a pdf file using other browser apps?

      Delete
  15. Unknown18 January 2015 at 16:23

    It says starting download but I check everywher its not downloading though

    ReplyDelete

Hi the insiders,
Thanks for coming and I hope you can get something useful here.
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