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Fix Acrobat Reader for iOS Not Displaying PDF Attachments After Update
Question details
Users cannot view or access attachments embedded in encrypted PDF files using Acrobat Reader on iOS devices following a recent application update.
- Product
- Acrobat Reader for iOS
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Opening an encrypted PDF file on an iPhone or iPad to view embedded attachments.
- Observed behavior
- The paperclip icon is missing, and the attachments menu displays 'No files in this location', despite the attachments functioning correctly on desktop versions.
Ensure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the internet and that you have your Apple ID password ready in case it is required to download application updates.
Update Acrobat Reader to Version 18.11.00 or Later
The missing attachments issue in encrypted PDFs is a known bug that was successfully patched in version 18.11.00. Updating your application will immediately restore this functionality.
Software updates often contain essential bug fixes for known issues. Adobe released version 18.11.00 specifically to address the problem of missing attachments in encrypted PDFs on iOS devices.
Navigate to the home screen of your iPhone or iPad and tap on the App Store icon.
Tap the Search tab at the bottom right corner, type 'Acrobat Reader' into the search bar, and select it from the results.
Tap the 'Update' button next to Adobe Acrobat Reader. If it says 'Open' instead of 'Update', you are already on the latest version. Wait for the installation to finish.
Launch the updated app, open your encrypted PDF file, and check for the paperclip icon or navigate to the three dots menu in the upper-right corner to access your attachments.
Use an Alternative PDF Viewer
If updating your current app is not possible, using a robust alternative PDF reader can help you view embedded PDF attachments immediately.
View Encrypted PDF Attachments Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office for iOS provides a powerful, lightweight PDF reader that effortlessly handles encrypted PDFs and embedded attachments. Bypass version-specific bugs in other apps and manage all your documents in one reliable place.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- 2. Open the Encrypted PDF: Launch WPS Office, navigate to your files, and tap on the encrypted PDF document you need to view.
- 3. Unlock the Document: Enter the required password to decrypt and open the PDF file securely within the app.
- 4. Access Attachments: Tap the tools menu at the bottom of the screen to quickly view, extract, or share the embedded PDF attachments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do PDF attachments disappear on mobile but show correctly on desktop?
Mobile PDF viewers sometimes lack full feature parity with their desktop counterparts or experience version-specific bugs. The issue with missing attachments in encrypted files was a specific bug in older versions of the iOS app, whereas the desktop version remained unaffected.
How do I check which version of Acrobat Reader is installed on my iOS device?
Open the Acrobat Reader app on your iPhone or iPad, tap on your profile icon or the settings menu, and select 'About Acrobat'. The current version number will be displayed on this screen.
Does this missing attachment bug affect unencrypted PDF files as well?
No, the specific bug that requires the version 18.11.00 update primarily affected encrypted PDF files. Unencrypted standard PDFs typically display their attachments normally across most versions of the application.
What should I do if updating doesn't fix the missing attachments?
If updating to the latest version does not resolve the issue, try completely uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Alternatively, switch to a reliable PDF reader like WPS Office for iOS to view your encrypted files and attachments.
