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Fix Cannot Read Original PDF Comments on iPhone Through OneDrive
Question details
The user is unable to view or read pre-existing comments on a PDF file when opening it through the OneDrive app on an iPhone.
- Product
- OneDrive
- Device & OS
- iOS (iPhone)
- Scenario
- Accessing and reviewing a previously annotated PDF file using the built-in previewer of the OneDrive mobile app.
- Observed behavior
- Original comments created before the PDF was uploaded to OneDrive are completely unreadable or hidden when viewed on the iPhone.
Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable internet network so OneDrive can fully sync and download the latest version of your PDF file without rendering errors.
Troubleshoot File Specifics and Update Software
Determine if the bug is isolated to a specific PDF document and ensure your operating system and app are up to date.
Often, PDF previewers in cloud storage apps struggle with specific types of annotations created in third-party software. Testing multiple files helps isolate whether the file's formatting is the problem or if the OneDrive app is experiencing a bug.
Upload a different PDF containing standard comments to your OneDrive account. Open it on your iPhone to see if the comments are visible. If they are, the original file may contain complex annotations unsupported by OneDrive's previewer.
Open the App Store on your iPhone, tap your profile icon, and scroll down to check for updates. If an update for Microsoft OneDrive is available, tap 'Update'.
Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. Download and install any pending iOS updates to ensure maximum compatibility.
If the issue persists across multiple updated devices, open the OneDrive app, go to Settings > Help & Feedback, and submit a detailed report about the PDF comment rendering failure.
Use WPS Office to View and Edit PDF Comments on iPhone
WPS Office for iOS provides a powerful built-in PDF reader that perfectly retains and displays original comments, annotations, and highlights. You can easily link your OneDrive account directly inside WPS Office to access and read your files without rendering issues.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the Apple App Store and launch the application on your iPhone.
- 2. Connect your OneDrive account: Navigate to the 'Files' tab, select 'Cloud Storage' (or Add Cloud), and log in with your Microsoft OneDrive credentials.
- 3. Open the PDF: Locate your target PDF file within your synced OneDrive folders and tap to open it.
- 4. View original comments: Tap the 'Annotation' or 'Comment' icon located in the bottom toolbar of the PDF viewer to reveal and read all original comments perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some PDF comments disappear on mobile cloud apps?
Mobile cloud storage apps often use simplified preview engines to load files quickly. These engines sometimes lack full support for advanced PDF annotation layers, causing sticky notes or comments created in desktop software to be hidden or rendered incorrectly.
Can I edit PDF comments directly in the OneDrive iOS app?
The OneDrive app includes basic PDF markup tools, but it may not allow you to edit or reply to pre-existing comments made using professional PDF software. For full editing, a dedicated PDF app like WPS Office is required.
How do I ensure PDF comments are always visible on any device?
You can use a desktop PDF editor to 'flatten' the PDF before uploading it to OneDrive. Flattening merges the comments and annotations directly into the document's visual layer, ensuring they display on any device, though they will no longer be editable.
