Fix Unsupported Images and Media Files in Acrobat Reader App
Question details
The user is unable to view certain embedded images and media files when opening PDFs in the Acrobat Reader mobile app.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile App
- Device & OS
- iOS and Android
- Scenario
- Attempting to view interactive PDFs containing embedded pictures or video files on a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- The images or media files fail to load, or the app displays an error indicating that the format is unsupported.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection to check for software updates, and try to identify the exact file extension (e.g., .jpg, .png, .mp4) of the media embedded in your document.
Verify File Compatibility and Update the App
Determine if your media file is natively supported and install the latest app updates to resolve compatibility rendering bugs.
Mobile PDF readers often have stricter limitations on media rendering compared to desktop versions. Keeping your application completely up to date is the best way to ensure maximum compatibility.
Determine the specific file format (such as JPEG, PNG, or MP4) of the embedded image or media causing the error.
Compare your file type against the official Guide to Image File Formats for Acrobat to see if it is natively supported by the mobile application.
Navigate to the Google Play Store on your Android device or the App Store on your iOS device.
Search for Adobe Acrobat Reader and tap the 'Update' button to ensure you are running the newest version with the latest format support patches.
Restart the application and attempt to open the PDF file again to see if the media now displays correctly.
Convert Media to a Supported Standard Format
If updating the app does not work, the embedded media format may be permanently unsupported on mobile and requires conversion.
View PDFs and Embedded Media Easily with WPS Office
If your current PDF reader struggles with certain media formats on mobile, try WPS Office. It includes a robust, built-in PDF viewer that handles a diverse range of documents and embedded media seamlessly.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- 2. Locate the PDF File: Launch the app, tap the 'Files' tab at the bottom, and navigate to the folder containing your PDF document.
- 3. View Media Content: Tap the file to open it in the built-in WPS PDF viewer, which natively supports a wide range of embedded media formats for smooth playback.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat Reader display an unsupported format error for my images?
The mobile version of Acrobat Reader has specific limitations regarding embedded media and primarily supports standard formats like JPEG and PNG. Proprietary or less common image formats will trigger this error and may need to be converted before viewing on mobile.
Can I view embedded videos in the mobile PDF app?
Yes, but it strictly depends on the video encoding and how the PDF was originally authored. Standard MP4 files are generally supported if the application is fully updated to the latest version.
How do I fix compatibility issues without modifying the PDF document?
Often, keeping the PDF reader app updated resolves temporary rendering bugs. Check for available software updates in your device's app store, clear the app cache, and restart your device. Alternatively, using a different PDF reader like WPS Office can bypass app-specific limitations.
Are audio files supported in mobile PDF readers?
Support for embedded audio files varies significantly between different mobile PDF reader applications. While some standard audio formats might play natively, many mobile apps restrict audio playback features to maintain lightweight performance.




