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Fix Adobe Acrobat Disappearing When Opening PDFs from Synology on iPad
Question details
Users are experiencing an issue where the Adobe Acrobat Reader app suddenly disappears, crashes, or requires a fresh installation when attempting to open and sign PDF documents directly from the Synology DS File app.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader / Synology DS File
- Device & OS
- iPad Pro / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Opening and signing a PDF file stored on a Synology NAS via the DS File application on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The Adobe Acrobat app unexpectedly vanishes from the screen, forces a crash, or prompts the user to reinstall the application instead of displaying the selected PDF.
Ensure your iPad has a stable Wi-Fi connection and back up any unsaved local files, as you may need to update or reinstall your applications during the troubleshooting process.
Disable App Offloading and Verify iPad Storage
Prevent iOS from automatically removing Adobe Acrobat Reader in the background by disabling the automatic app offloading feature and ensuring adequate storage space.
Apple's iPadOS includes a feature that automatically offloads unused apps to save space. If your iPad is running low on storage, it might temporarily delete Acrobat Reader, causing the app to 'disappear' when a third-party app like DS File tries to call it.
Tap on the 'Settings' app on your iPad Pro home screen and navigate to the 'General' section.
Tap on 'iPad Storage' to view your device's current capacity and available space.
Look for the 'Offload Unused Apps' recommendation. If it is enabled, disable it to prevent the system from automatically removing your PDF reader.
Hold the power button and volume button to turn off the iPad, then turn it back on to refresh the system cache.
Use the iOS Share Menu Instead of Direct Integration
Bypass outdated or broken direct app integrations by using the native Apple 'Share' sheet to transfer the PDF from DS File to your PDF reader.
Update Apps and Verify Permissions
Resolve compatibility bugs between iPadOS, Synology DS File, and Adobe Acrobat by installing the latest updates.
Open, Read, and Sign PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
If your current PDF reader continues to crash or disappear, switch to WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, feature-rich PDF reading and editing experience on iPadOS, allowing you to smoothly open files from network drives like Synology and sign them with ease.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the iPad App Store.
- 2. Share from Synology: Open your Synology DS File app, locate your PDF, and tap the 'Share' or 'Open In' option.
- 3. Select WPS Office: Choose 'WPS Office' from the app list to instantly and securely load your document.
- 4. Sign the PDF: Navigate to the 'PDF Edit' or 'Annotation' tab within WPS Office to quickly draw or insert your digital signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are apps like Adobe Acrobat randomly disappearing from my iPad?
Your iPad likely has the 'Offload Unused Apps' setting enabled. This feature automatically deletes apps you haven't used recently to free up storage space, while keeping their data intact. When another app tries to open a file with it, the offloaded app may fail to launch or prompt for reinstallation.
What is the most reliable way to open files from a Synology NAS on an iPad?
Instead of relying solely on the DS File app's built-in viewer, it is often more reliable to use the native iPadOS 'Files' app. You can connect your Synology NAS directly to the Apple Files app as a network server, allowing seamless integration with robust apps like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat.
How do I save a signed PDF back to my Synology NAS?
After signing the document in your PDF editor, tap 'Share' or 'Save As', select 'Save to Files', and navigate to your connected Synology drive folder to overwrite the original or save a new copy.
How can I check if my iPad Pro has enough storage space?
You can check your available storage by navigating to Settings > General > iPad Storage. A bar chart at the top of the screen will display your total capacity and how much space is currently being used by apps, media, and system files.
