Why does Android Fail to Open an MSG File?
An MSG file is an Outlook message saved as one file. The file contains the text, the sender data and the attachments.
Android has no built in app for MSG files. A tap on the file brings the message about no app that can open it.
Outlook for Android does not fix this. Microsoft states on its Q&A page that opening an EML file is not available in Outlook for Android. User reports show the same result for MSG files.
| Method | Needs | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Forward the email | Outlook | Free |
| Print to PDF | Outlook | Free |
| Converter | A Windows PC | Paid |
| Viewer app | A Play Store app | Varies |
How do You Read the Email by Forwarding It?
Method #1: Forward From Outlook (Free)
Who it suits. Anyone with Outlook on a PC and one or two MSG files. Extra application. None.
- Double click the MSG file on the PC. Outlook opens the message.
- Select Forward and enter your own email address.
- Send the message and open it in the Gmail app on the phone.
The message arrives as a normal email with its text and attachments. Do not attach the MSG file to a new email, because the phone shows only a file icon.
How do You Save an MSG File as a PDF?
Method #2: Print to PDF (Free, Built in)
Who it suits. People who want a copy that opens in any Android app. Extra application. None.
- Open the MSG file in Outlook on the PC.
- Select File and then Print.
- Choose Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer and select Print.
- Save the PDF and send it to the phone by email, a USB cable or cloud storage.
The PDF retains the text and the layout. Attachments do not travel inside the PDF, so save them from Outlook first.
Read the guide to batch convert MSG files to PDF when you have many files.
Which Converter Opens MSG Files for a Phone?
Method #3: Convert on a PC (Paid)
Who it suits. Teams with hundreds of MSG files. Extra application. Converter software.
A converter reads many MSG files and saves them in PDF, EML or another format that a phone reads. Use it when Outlook is absent on your PC.
The MSG converter guide for Mac and Windows lists the formats and the steps. Use the guide to extract attachments from MSG files when you need only the attachments.
Can a Viewer App Read MSG Files?
Method #4: MSG Viewer App (Free or Paid)
Who it suits. Users who accept the risk of a third party app. Extra application. A Play Store app.
- Search Google Play for an MSG viewer.
- Install an app with many reviews and a clear privacy page.
- Open the Files app, tap the MSG file and choose the viewer in the Open with list.
Results vary by app and Android version. An MSG file can contain private mail, so avoid an app from an unknown developer.
Where Else do You Go From Here?
- Fix an MSG file that fails on a PC with the guide for an MSG file that is not opening in Outlook.
- Add MSG files to a mailbox with the guide to import MSG files to Outlook.
- Open the file on a Mac with the guide to convert MSG to EML on a Mac.
- Read about the format on the MSG file extension page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Android Read an MSG File?
Not with a built in app. Forward the email from Outlook, print it to PDF or convert it on a PC.
Does the Outlook App for Android Open MSG Files?
No known setting makes it open MSG files. Microsoft states that EML files do not open in Outlook for Android either.
How do You View an MSG File on a Phone Without a PC?
Install an MSG viewer app from Google Play. Results vary and a PC method is safer.
Do the Attachments Remain in a PDF Copy?
No. The PDF holds the text and the layout. Save the attachments from Outlook first.
Why does Android Say No App can Open the File?
Android has no app registered for the MSG format.
Is an MSG Viewer App Safe?
Install an app with many reviews and a clear privacy page. An MSG file can contain private mail.
How do You Open Many MSG Files on Android?
Convert them to PDF in one batch on a PC and copy the PDF files to the phone.
Author's Verdict
Forward the email from Outlook on a PC for one message. Print to PDF when you want a PDF that opens in any app.
Convert in a batch for many files and use a viewer app only as the last option.
Key Takeaways
- Android has no built in app for MSG files.
- A PDF copy opens on every phone.
- A viewer app carries a privacy risk.
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