Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →On a Samsung phone, use My Files to find a PDF by filename. To look for a word inside a PDF, open the document in a viewer with in-document search; Samsung Notes may offer that control, but its availability depends on the app and document. These are separate searches, so choose the workflow that matches what you need.
Find a PDF by its filename in My Files
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Open My Files. If you do not see the app, search for “My Files” from the apps screen.
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Tap Downloads if the PDF came from a browser or a downloaded message attachment. Samsung’s regional guide to downloaded files describes Downloads as the place for downloaded content.
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Tap the Search icon and enter all or part of the PDF’s filename. Choose the matching result to open it. Samsung also says My Files can search by name and filter files by type or time in its UK My Files guide.
#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
If the PDF does not appear
Check other My Files categories and storage locations, such as Documents or internal storage. A file may have been saved somewhere other than Downloads, and Samsung notes that some downloaded content is available only inside the app that downloaded it. Open that originating app and check its downloads or saved files.
Search for a word inside an open PDF
A filename search finds the document, not a word on its pages. Samsung confirms that PDFs can be opened or imported in Samsung Notes, but its PDF instructions cover import, annotation, and export rather than documenting a universal text-search control.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
A 2022 answer in the Samsung Members community describes opening a PDF in Samsung Notes, tapping the magnifier, and entering a word to search. Try those steps if the magnifier or search control appears in your version of Notes. This is community guidance, not a guarantee that the control is present on every Galaxy phone or Notes version.
When the search finds nothing
A PDF may be a scan: its pages are images rather than selectable text. The community answer says its described Notes search does not work on scanned PDFs in the same way it does on text PDFs. A scan needs optical character recognition (OCR) to turn image text into searchable text. If the search control is missing or the document is a scan, try another PDF reader or an OCR-capable workflow; the steps and availability depend on the tool, and Samsung’s cited help does not establish one universal OCR procedure.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Choose which app opens a PDF
Samsung says that starting with One UI 8.5, PDFs opened from My Files open in the My Files viewer by default. To select Samsung Notes instead, use Edit or More options > Open with, where offered. Samsung notes that screens and settings can vary by model and software; its PDF viewer guidance describes the option. If your phone does not show that menu, available choices may differ on your device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Save a camera scan as a PDF
If you are creating the document rather than searching for an existing file, Samsung says camera scans can be saved in Gallery, opened for editing in Samsung Notes, and imported or exported as PDFs. Its guide to scanning documents also names Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive as document storage or sharing options. A camera scan is not automatically searchable text: whether you can search its words depends on whether the PDF contains recognized text or only page images.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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