How to use Ask the Manual
From downloading your PDF to finding the right source page.
Your manual stays on your device.
Your PDF contents, searches, search results and personal information are not uploaded to Ask the Manual or sent to Firebase Analytics or Crashlytics.
Download your manual
Download a PDF copy of the manual you want to use and save it to your Android device. Manuals are often available from the manufacturer's or supplier's website. Ask the Manual does not supply or bundle manuals.
Import the PDF
Open Ask the Manual, choose an available manual slot and select the PDF from your device. The manual is processed locally.
Enable AI Search
Enable AI Search for the imported manual. This helps find relevant information even when your wording is not an exact match. Preparation only needs to be completed once for each manual.
Set the lead pages
PDF page numbers do not always match the page numbers printed inside a manual. Use the Lead pages setting to align them.
Search the manual
Enter what you are looking for. Results show relevant excerpts and source pages.
Open the source page
Open a result to jump to the relevant PDF page and read the information in context.
Manage your manuals
Use the manual carousel and settings to select, replace or delete manuals. Available slots depend on your tier.
Upgrade when you need more
Free supports one manual. Premium supports up to five manuals and adds result sorting and match-detail controls. Professional supports up to ten manuals and includes all Premium features.
Tips for better searches
Use the manual's terminology
Start with words you expect the manufacturer to use.
Try a related term
If there is no close match, try another word or phrase for the same thing.
Be more specific
Add another useful term when a short search is too broad.
No close match?
Try different wording before assuming the information is not in the manual.