Fix PDF Will Not Open on iPad with an Unknown Error
Question details
Users encounter an unknown error message when trying to reopen a PDF file on an iPad, preventing access to the document.
- Product
- Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to reopen a PDF file stored in cloud services like OneDrive after making notes or edits and closing it without properly saving.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF fails to open, and the application displays the message: 'The file cannot be opened due to an unknown error. Please try again later.'
Ensure you have a stable internet connection so your iPad can properly sync with your cloud storage provider, and check that you have your Apple ID password handy in case you need to update the app.
Update the PDF Reader Application
Updating to version 18.12.00 or later resolves known compatibility issues with cloud storage services like Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive.
Software developers frequently release patches to fix syncing issues between their apps and third-party cloud storage. Installing the latest update ensures you have the official fix for this specific 'unknown error'.
Tap the App Store icon on your iPad home screen to launch the application.
Tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the App Store to view your account details and available updates.
Scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section, find Acrobat Reader, and tap the 'Update' button next to it.
Force Download the PDF via the Files App
If updating is not an option right now, use the native iPad Files app to force the document to download locally as a workaround.
Use WPS Office to Open and Edit PDFs on iPad
Avoid syncing errors and file crashes by using WPS Office. It provides a highly stable, seamless experience for viewing, editing, and saving PDF files on your iPad, integrating perfectly with your favorite cloud storage services.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Open the App Store on your iPad, search for WPS Office, and download the application.
- 2. Open the App: Launch WPS Office and tap on the 'Files' tab at the bottom of the screen.
- 3. Select Cloud Storage: Choose your preferred cloud storage service or browse your local iPad folders.
- 4. View and Edit: Tap on your PDF file to open it instantly. You can now reliably view, edit, and save your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPad show an unknown error when opening a PDF?
This is typically caused by a syncing glitch between the PDF application and third-party cloud storage services (like Microsoft OneDrive) when a file is edited and closed quickly before the save process completes.
Will I lose my edits if the PDF fails to reopen?
If the document was closed and the application failed to push the save to the cloud, your most recent unsaved edits might be lost. Downloading the file locally via the Files app usually helps recover the last successfully saved version.
Can I open OneDrive PDFs in other apps on my iPad?
Yes, you can use the native iPad Files app to view the PDF, or you can use alternative and highly compatible productivity suites like WPS Office to view and edit the document without encountering the same error.
