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Fix Acrobat Reader Automatically Uploading PDFs to Google Drive on Android

John WilsonJohn Wilson Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need a way to stop Adobe Acrobat Reader from unnecessarily triggering Google Drive file uploads after viewing an offline PDF.

How to Fix Acrobat Reader Automatically Uploading PDFs to Google Drive on Android
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.
Before you start

Check your Android device's connection to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid unnecessary mobile data charges when downloading application updates.

Solution 1Recommended

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.

1
Open the Google Play Store

Navigate to your Android home screen or app drawer and tap on the Google Play Store icon.

2
Search for Available Updates

Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, select 'Manage apps & device', and tap on 'Updates available'.

3
Update Acrobat Reader

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.

4
Restart Your Device

Press and hold the power button on your phone or tablet, then select 'Restart' to ensure all software updates are applied correctly.

Update Acrobat Reader to the Latest Version
Update Confirmed: Users with Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy S22 devices have reported that installing this specific update successfully stops the unexpected Google Drive uploads.
Read PDFs without Sync Errors

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. 1. Download WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office application from the Google Play Store on your Android smartphone or tablet.
  2. 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. 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.
Smooth PDF viewing and editing without unwanted background sync triggers.Fully compatible with all standard PDF formats and Microsoft Office documents.Lightweight, all-in-one app that won't clutter your Android device's storage.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

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.