PDF Editing Issues

Fix Adobe Acrobat Reader Text Annotation Jumping on Android

Adam Davis Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need a fix for text annotations that unexpectedly jump to other locations or disappear when attempting to move them.

How to Fix Adobe Acrobat Reader Text Annotation Jumping on Android

Product: Adobe Acrobat Reader
Device & OS: Android 8.0.0 on Samsung Galaxy SM-A520F
Scenario: Repositioning text annotations created via the Comment menu, particularly when zoomed into the PDF document.
Observed behavior: The text annotation jumps to a different location on the page or disappears completely outside the visible area instead of dragging smoothly to the intended spot.

Before you start

Ensure your Android device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before attempting to download app updates to prevent excessive cellular data usage.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader via Google Play Store

This specific annotation bug was officially resolved in version 18.4.1 and newer releases of the Adobe Acrobat app.

Software bugs related to touch coordinates and zooming are often patched in subsequent app updates. Upgrading to the latest version replaces the flawed code with the patched release while keeping your local files safe.

Open Google Play Store

Locate and open the Google Play Store app on your Android device's home screen or app drawer.

Locate Adobe Acrobat Reader

Tap your profile icon in the top right, select 'Manage apps & device', and look for Adobe Acrobat Reader under the 'Updates available' section. Alternatively, use the search bar to find the app directly.

Install the Update

Tap the 'Update' button next to the app to install version 18.4.1 or later. Wait for the download and installation to complete.

Verify the Fix

Open a PDF in the updated app, create a text annotation from the Comment menu, and try repositioning it while zoomed in to ensure it moves smoothly.

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader via Google Play Store

Keep Apps Updated: Enabling auto-updates in the Google Play Store settings can prevent similar software glitches in the future.

Solution 2

Use the Fill & Sign Tool as a Workaround

If you cannot update the app immediately, use the Fill & Sign feature, which processes text differently and is unaffected by this bug.

Seamless PDF Annotation

Annotate PDFs Smoothly with WPS Office on Android

Avoid frustrating zooming and dragging bugs by using WPS Office for Android. Its robust built-in PDF editor allows you to add, move, and modify text annotations seamlessly, providing a stable experience even when heavily zoomed in.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the Google Play Store, then open your PDF file within the app.
2. Access PDF Annotation Tools: Tap 'Tools' at the bottom of the screen, navigate to the 'PDF Edit' or 'Annotation' tab.
3. Add Text: Select the Text tool, tap anywhere on the document, and type your notes.
4. Reposition Precisely: Simply tap and hold the text box to drag it smoothly to the exact location you need, regardless of your zoom level.

Stable and precise text annotation tools without jumping glitchesFully compatible with standard Adobe PDF formatsLightweight app combining Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF editingFree to download and easy to use on almost any Android device

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do PDF text annotations jump or disappear on my Android device?

This is typically caused by a known software bug in older versions of PDF reader apps (like Adobe Acrobat Reader version 18.3.0). The touch coordinates become miscalculated when the document is zoomed in, causing the app to throw the annotation off-screen or to a random location.

Will updating my PDF reader delete my existing files or annotations?

No, updating an app through the Google Play Store only replaces the application's core files to fix bugs. Your locally saved PDFs and any existing annotations will remain fully intact.

Are there other ways to add text to a PDF on Android if the comment tool fails?

Yes, most modern PDF editors offer a 'Fill & Sign' or 'Form' feature. These tools insert standard, flat text boxes that process screen coordinates differently and usually bypass annotation-specific glitches entirely.

Can I edit PDF annotations made on Android when I move to a PC?

Yes, as long as you use standard PDF tools. Text annotations created using Adobe Acrobat or WPS Office on Android conform to standard PDF formatting, meaning they can be freely edited, moved, or deleted using desktop PDF editors on Windows or Mac.

PDF Troubleshooting