Other PDF Issues

Fix Acrobat Fill and Sign Tool Opening Send or Upgrade Options

Anum MushtaqAnum Mushtaq Oct 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is attempting to use the Fill and Sign tool but is instead redirected to send or upgrade prompts, sometimes resulting in an endless upgrade button loop.

How to Fix Acrobat Fill and Sign Tool Opening Send or Upgrade Options
Product
Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Trying to fill out a PDF document and add a personal signature.
Observed behavior
The application opens the 'Send for Signature' tool or repeatedly displays 'Upgrade' and 'Start Now' buttons in a loop instead of the expected Fill and Sign interface.
Before you start

Before proceeding, verify that your current subscription plan is active and ensure you are fully logged into your account.

Solution 1Recommended

Select the Correct Tool or Use the Web Version

Ensure you are clicking the correct Fill & Sign option rather than Send for Signature, or use the browser-based tool to bypass desktop application glitches.

1
Select Fill & Sign

Open Adobe Acrobat or Reader and carefully ensure you specifically click 'Fill & Sign' instead of 'Send for Signature' from the right-hand tools menu.

2
Access the Web Version

If the desktop app continues to redirect unexpectedly, open a web browser and navigate to https://cloud.acrobat.com/fillsign to access the Fill & Sign service online.

Select the Correct Tool or Use the Web Version
Tool Differences: 'Fill & Sign' is meant for signing documents yourself, while 'Send for Signature' is for requesting signatures from others and usually requires a paid subscription.
Powerful PDF Editor

Easily Fill and Sign PDFs for Free with WPS Office

If you are stuck in an upgrade loop or having trouble with Adobe Acrobat, WPS Office provides a lightweight and robust PDF editor. You can seamlessly fill out PDF forms and add your digital signature without unexpected redirects.

  1. 1. Open Your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you need to sign.
  2. 2. Access the Fill & Sign Tool: Navigate to the 'Protect' or 'PDF Edit' tab and select the 'Fill & Sign' option.
  3. 3. Create Your Signature: Click on 'Create Signature' to draw, type, or upload an image of your signature.
  4. 4. Place the Signature: Drag and drop your signature onto the appropriate line in the document and adjust the size as needed.
  5. 5. Save the Document: Click 'Save' or press Ctrl+S to finalize your signed PDF document.
Free and easy-to-use PDF Fill and Sign tools.Fully compatible with all standard PDF formats and Adobe files.Lightweight application that doesn't suffer from constant upgrade loops.Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Acrobat keep asking me to upgrade when I try to sign a PDF?

This typically happens if you click 'Send for Signature' instead of 'Fill & Sign', as sending for signature is a premium feature. It can also be caused by a session glitch, which can often be resolved by signing out and signing back into your account.

What is the difference between Fill & Sign and Send for Signature?

'Fill & Sign' is used when you need to add your own signature to a document. 'Send for Signature' is a feature used to request signatures from other people, which usually requires a paid Acrobat Pro or Adobe Acrobat Sign subscription.

Can I use the Fill and Sign tool online without the desktop app?

Yes, you can bypass the desktop application entirely by visiting Adobe's cloud service at cloud.acrobat.com/fillsign and logging in with your account credentials.

How do I fix the 'Start Now' and 'Upgrade' button loop?

If you are stuck in this loop, sign out of your account within the app, close the program, restart it, and sign back in. If the issue continues, check your subscription status on the official website or contact support.