Fix Adobe Acrobat Reader Not Opening on iPad iOS 13.3.1
Question details
The user is unable to launch the Adobe Acrobat Reader application on their iPad after updating the operating system to iOS 13.3.1.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- iPadOS 13.3.1
- Scenario
- Attempting to open a PDF viewing application immediately following an Apple system update.
- Observed behavior
- The application fails to open, remains stuck on the launch screen, or crashes back to the home screen without loading the interface.
Verify your internet connection and ensure that any locally saved PDF files are safely synced to iCloud Drive or Adobe Document Cloud to prevent accidental data loss during the troubleshooting process.
Restart the iPad and Update Acrobat Reader
A simple device restart clears temporary memory glitches, while updating the app ensures compatibility with the new iOS version.
System updates can sometimes cause third-party apps to hang due to temporary cache conflicts. A quick restart combined with an app update is the safest and most effective first step.
Press and hold the power button and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off the device, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
Tap the App Store icon on your iPad home screen to check for available application updates.
Tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the App Store, scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section, and tap 'Update' next to Adobe Acrobat Reader if it is listed.
Check Storage and Update iPadOS
Insufficient storage or a pending minor system patch can prevent heavy applications from launching properly.
Uninstall and Reinstall Adobe Acrobat Reader
If the app installation was corrupted during the OS update, a fresh installation from the App Store will resolve the launch failure.
Open and Edit PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office on iPad
If your current PDF reader keeps crashing after an iOS update, WPS Office provides a stable, powerful alternative to open, view, and annotate PDF files directly on your iPad. It handles PDFs and Microsoft Office formats effortlessly.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Open the App Store on your iPad, search for 'WPS Office', and tap 'Get' to download the application for free.
- 2. Launch the application: Open the WPS Office app from your home screen and grant the necessary file access permissions when prompted.
- 3. Import your PDF: Tap on the 'Files' tab at the bottom of the screen, navigate to 'On My iPad' or 'iCloud Drive', and select the PDF file you want to open.
- 4. Read and Annotate: Your PDF will instantly open. Use the top toolbar to highlight text, add comments, or draw directly on the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do third-party apps crash after an iPadOS update?
Major OS updates can introduce new system architectures or alter permissions, causing older app cache files to conflict with the new system. This often prevents applications like PDF readers from launching successfully until they are updated or reinstalled.
Will I lose my PDFs if I delete and reinstall the Acrobat app?
Yes, if your PDF files are saved locally in the 'On My iPad' Acrobat directory. Deleting the app deletes this folder. Always use the Apple 'Files' app to move important documents to iCloud Drive or another cloud service before uninstalling.
How can I quickly open a PDF without downloading an app on iPad?
You can use the built-in Apple 'Files' app or 'Apple Books' on your iPad. Simply locate your PDF file in the Files app and tap it to preview and perform basic markup without needing additional third-party software.
