Learn how to stop images and PDF documents stored in the Files app on your iPhone and iPad from opening in Apple’s new Preview app on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
Why you may want to do this
Before iOS 26, tapping a photo or document in the Files app would open it right there, allowing you to see the item on full screen, use Markup tools, edit the PDF, share it, and so forth.
But with iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, tapping an image or PDF in the Files app automatically opens it in the separate Apple Preview app. Here are three major problems I have with this:
- There is an obvious delay when opening a file from one app to another.
- You can’t swipe left and right to view other adjacent images.
- You can no longer swipe down anywhere on the screen to close the item and return to viewing all your files. You’ll instead have to swipe on the bottom Home bar or tap the tiny “Files” button in the upper left corner of the screen to return to the Files app. Neither of these gestures is as convenient as a simple swipe-down gesture.
So, if you want to quickly view multiple files without going back and forth between the Files and Preview apps, then this tip is for you.
Stop opening images and PDFs in the Preview app
Use these steps to set a default app for opening photos and PDF documents stored in the Apple Files app:
- Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest version of iOS 26 or iPadOS 26. It won’t work on initial builds.
- Open the Files app, touch and hold a PDF, then select “Open With” and choose “Preview with Quick Look.” Now, all PDFs will open in Files instead of the Preview app.
- Repeat the above step for an image as well.
Use the Quick Look option
You can also view an image or PDF in the Files app instead of Preview, by touching and holding the item and selecting Quick Look in the menu.
Delete the Preview app
Like several other built-in Apple apps, you can also delete the new Preview app from your iPhone or iPad running iOS 26. Ideally, this should make PDFs or photos in the Files app open right there, but in many cases, they may open in other apps like Apple Books or Google Chrome (if installed). So, it’s best to use the above two methods to view the PDF or image in the Files app.
Trust me, you won’t miss much by deleting the new Preview app. Compared to Files, Preview doesn’t have any notable new features. Plus, you can always re-download Preview from the App Store if you change your mind.
What are your thoughts on the new Mac-like Preview app on iOS 26 and iPadOS 26? Do you think it makes sense on the iPhone and iPad?
Also new in iOS 26: How to set any audio file in the Files app as your ringtone