Fix Acrobat Reader Automatically Uploading PDFs to Google Drive on Android
Question details
Users need a way to stop Adobe Acrobat Reader from unnecessarily triggering Google Drive file uploads after viewing an offline PDF.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Drive
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Opening and closing offline or synced PDFs from Google Drive using the Android Back button.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat Reader alters the file upon closing, causing Google Drive to detect a change and repeatedly upload the file, which leads to synchronization delays and out-of-sync errors.
Check your Android device's connection to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid unnecessary mobile data charges when downloading application updates.
Update Acrobat Reader to the Latest Version
Updating the Acrobat Reader app resolves the known bug that causes false file modifications and triggers unwanted Google Drive synchronizations.
Adobe has addressed this specific synchronization bug in its newer software releases. Upgrading your application to version 25.2.0.37438 or newer stops the background modifications that force Google Drive to upload the file repeatedly.
Navigate to your Android home screen or app drawer and tap on the Google Play Store icon.
Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, select 'Manage apps & device', and tap on 'Updates available'.
Locate Adobe Acrobat Reader in the list and tap the 'Update' button to install version 25.2.0.37438 or higher. If you see Google Drive in the list, update it as well.
Press and hold the power button on your phone or tablet, then select 'Restart' to ensure all software updates are applied correctly.

Use WPS Office to View and Manage PDFs Seamlessly
Avoid unexpected Google Drive sync issues by using WPS Office as your default PDF reader on Android. It allows you to view, edit, and manage your PDF documents smoothly without triggering false file modifications.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office application from the Google Play Store on your Android smartphone or tablet.
- 2. Set as Default PDF Reader: Open a PDF file directly from Google Drive, select WPS Office from the pop-up app list, and choose 'Always' to make it your default reader.
- 3. Read and Edit Offline: Use WPS Office to read or annotate your PDF documents offline without worrying about unwarranted file uploads or Google Drive sync hangs.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Google Drive say my offline PDF is 'out of sync'?
This happens when an app subtly modifies the file's background metadata upon closing. Google Drive detects this change and tries to upload the new version, which conflicts with the offline status and causes synchronization hangs.
How can I check my current Acrobat Reader version on Android?
Go to your device's Settings, tap on Apps, and select Acrobat Reader. Scroll to the bottom of the App Info page to see the currently installed version number.
Will clearing the app cache fix the Google Drive upload bug?
Clearing the cache may temporarily resolve minor app glitches, but this specific upload behavior is a known bug in older app versions. You must update Acrobat Reader to version 25.2.0.37438 or newer for a permanent fix.
How do I stop Google Drive from syncing files over cellular data?
Open the Google Drive app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, go to Settings, and toggle on 'Transfer files only over Wi-Fi' under the Data Usage section.




