Other PDF Issues

Fix Adobe Reader iOS Not Using Outlook for PDF Form Submit

Elise Williams Oct 18, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs the Adobe Reader iOS app to use the Outlook email client for submitting PDF forms instead of defaulting to the native Apple Mail app.

How to Fix Adobe Reader iOS Not Using Outlook to Submit PDF Forms

Product: Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile
Device & OS: iOS
Scenario: Submitting a completed PDF form via email on an iPhone or iPad.
Observed behavior: Tapping the Submit Form button opens the native iOS Mail app, completely ignoring the iOS system setting that designates Outlook as the default mail client.

Before you start

Ensure your iPhone or iPad is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and that you have your Apple ID password ready, as you will need to download application updates from the App Store.

Solution 1Recommended

Update iOS, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Outlook to the Latest Versions

A known routing bug preventing Adobe Acrobat from recognizing the default Outlook mail setting has been fixed. Applying the latest software updates resolves the issue.

Software developers frequently release patches to address app interoperability issues. Adobe has confirmed that the mail client routing issue on iOS has been solved in recent patches for Acrobat Mobile.

Update your iOS system

Open the 'Settings' app on your iPhone or iPad, navigate to 'General', tap 'Software Update', and install any available system updates.

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader

Open the 'App Store', tap your profile icon at the top right, scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section, locate Adobe Acrobat Reader, and tap 'Update'.

Update Microsoft Outlook

In the same 'Available Updates' list within the App Store, locate Microsoft Outlook and tap 'Update' to ensure you have the latest version.

Restart your device

Hold down the power button and volume button to turn off your device, then turn it back on. Open your PDF form in Adobe Reader and try tapping the Submit Form button again.

Update iOS, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Outlook to the Latest Versions

Issue Resolved via Patch: Updating all three components (iOS, Acrobat, and Outlook) ensures the new API configurations for default mail clients sync correctly.

Powerful PDF Tool

Effortlessly Fill and Share PDFs with WPS Office

Avoid compatibility glitches by using WPS Office for iOS. It offers robust PDF form-filling capabilities and seamless sharing options that integrate perfectly with your preferred email clients, including Microsoft Outlook.

1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Download WPS Office from the App Store, open the app, and tap on your PDF file to view it.
2. Fill out the form fields: Tap the 'Fill & Sign' option or simply tap on the interactive form fields to enter your text data.
3. Share the document: Once the form is completed, tap the 'Share' icon located at the bottom of your screen.
4. Select Outlook as your email client: Choose 'Share as File' and tap the 'Outlook' icon from your iOS share sheet to send the completed form directly.

Free and lightweight PDF editor for iOS devicesSeamlessly share files via Outlook or other email clients directly from the appHigh compatibility with standard PDF formats and interactive formsBuilt-in document scanner, annotation, and digital signature tools

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does an iOS app ignore my default email app setting?

This happens when an application uses outdated code to call the email composer instead of adopting Apple's newer APIs that respect system-wide default app preferences.

How do I ensure Outlook is set as the default mail app on iOS?

Go to the Settings app, scroll down and tap on Outlook. Tap on 'Default Mail App' and ensure Outlook is checked instead of the Mail app.

Can I manually share a filled PDF to Outlook without using the submit button?

Yes. You can save the filled PDF locally to your iPhone or iPad, open the Outlook app, compose a new email, and manually attach the saved PDF file.

PDF Troubleshooting