A client emailed me a .msg file with the contract details. I am travelling and only have my Android phone. It shows "can not open file". Is there any way to read it on the phone?

A .msg file is an Outlook message saved as a file. Android has nothing built in that opens it and the Gmail app will not show it either.

What works, from easiest to hardest:

1. Ask the client to resend the content as a PDF or forward it as a normal email. Thirty seconds on their side.
2. If you can reach a Windows PC, open the file in Outlook and use File > Save As, choose PDF or HTML, then open that on the phone.
3. Some free "MSG viewer" apps on Google Play can read them. I have no favourite, quality varies. If you try one, check its permissions and do not use it for confidential contracts.

Asked for a resend. Is a .msg safe to open at all? A friend said they can carry viruses.

Fair question. A .msg itself is just a saved email, but the attachments inside can be anything, including macros or scripts, same as a normal email. On a phone the risk is low because the common Windows threats do not run on Android. Still, treat an unexpected message from an unknown sender with care and do not open attachments you were not expecting.

Since your client is a known contact and you are waiting for a contract, a resend as PDF is the right move.

Client sent a PDF this morning. Opened without trouble. Thanks everyone.