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Fix Acrobat Reader Not Opening PDFs from Google Drive on iPhone/iPad
Question details
Users encounter an unknown error when attempting to open PDF files stored in Google Drive using the Adobe Acrobat Reader app on iOS.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Drive
- Device & OS
- iOS (iPhone/iPad)
- Scenario
- Trying to access and read PDF documents hosted on Google Drive directly through the Acrobat Reader mobile application.
- Observed behavior
- The Acrobat Reader app displays an unknown error message and fails to load the selected PDF document.
Ensure your iPhone or iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, as you will need to access the App Store to download critical software updates.
Update Google Drive and Adobe Acrobat Reader
Updating both apps to their latest versions resolves the known bug that causes the unknown error when opening PDFs.
Software conflicts between specific versions of cloud storage apps and PDF readers can often cause file opening failures. Adobe has addressed this exact Google Drive interaction bug in later releases of Acrobat Reader.
Navigate to your iOS home screen and launch the App Store.
Tap on your Apple ID profile picture located at the top right corner of the screen.
Scroll down to the 'Upcoming Automatic Updates' or 'Available Updates' section and look for Adobe Acrobat Reader and Google Drive.
Tap the 'Update' button next to each app, or tap 'Update All' to ensure all your apps are running the latest versions.
Once the updates are complete, open Google Drive and try to open the PDF file in Acrobat Reader again.
Resave the PDF Document on a Desktop
If updating the apps doesn't immediately work, resaving the problematic file on a computer can reset its properties and bypass the error.
Easily Open and Edit PDFs on iOS with WPS Office
Bypass third-party app conflicts by using WPS Office. It natively integrates with cloud storage services, allowing you to access, read, and annotate your PDF files directly from Google Drive on your iPhone or iPad without errors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the App Store on your iOS device.
- 2. Open the app: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the 'Open' tab at the bottom of the screen.
- 3. Connect Google Drive: Tap on 'Cloud' or 'Locations', select Google Drive, and sign in to link your account.
- 4. Open your PDF: Browse your Google Drive folders within WPS Office and tap on any PDF to instantly open and read it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I getting an unknown error opening PDFs from Google Drive on my iPhone?
This is usually caused by software bugs or version conflicts between the cloud storage app and the PDF reader. Adobe acknowledged this issue in older iOS versions (like 18.10.02) and resolved it in subsequent updates.
How do I report persistent PDF opening bugs to Adobe?
If updating your app does not fix the issue, you can report it by going to Adobe's official bug reporting forum. Provide your iOS version, app version, a screen recording, and the affected PDF file if possible.
Can I read Google Drive PDFs offline on iOS?
Yes, but you must open the Google Drive app first, locate your PDF, tap the three dots next to the file name, and select 'Make available offline'. After it downloads, you can open it in your PDF reader without an internet connection.
