How to Delete the Welcome PDF File in Acrobat Reader for iOS
Question details
The user is unable to delete the default, pre-installed Welcome PDF document from their file list within the app.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Organizing the document library and attempting to remove unwanted default tutorial files from the app.
- Observed behavior
- The delete function is either missing or unresponsive for the pre-installed Welcome PDF document in older app versions.
Ensure your iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and that you have enough storage space to download application updates from the App Store.
Update Acrobat Reader via the App Store
Updating to version 18.10.02 or a newer release removes the restriction, allowing you to easily delete the pre-installed Welcome PDF.
In older versions of Acrobat Reader for iOS, the Welcome PDF was locked as a core system file to ensure new users always had access to the tutorial. Adobe removed this restriction in version 18.10.02, giving users full file management control.
Navigate to your iPhone or iPad home screen and tap the App Store icon.
Tap your Apple ID profile picture located at the top right corner of the screen to view your account details and pending updates.
Scroll down to the 'Available Updates' section. Locate Adobe Acrobat Reader and tap the 'Update' button next to it. Alternatively, search for the app manually and update it from its store page.
Once the update finishes installing, open Acrobat Reader. Locate the Welcome PDF document, tap the three dots (More menu) next to the file name, and select 'Delete' from the options provided.

Use WPS Office for Unrestricted PDF Management on iOS
If you want a lightweight, ad-free mobile application that gives you complete control over your document library without forcing undeletable files on you, WPS Office is the perfect solution. It features a robust built-in PDF reader and editor directly optimized for iPhone and iPad.
- 1. Download the App: Open the App Store on your iOS device, search for 'WPS Office', and download the application for free.
- 2. Import Your PDFs: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the 'Files' tab to easily import and view your existing PDF documents.
- 3. Manage Files Freely: Long-press any document in your library to access management options, allowing you to instantly rename, move, or delete files without any restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Welcome PDF locked in older versions?
Adobe initially locked the Welcome PDF as a permanent system file to ensure that users could always refer back to the basic app instructions, preventing accidental deletion by new users.
Will updating Acrobat Reader delete my personal PDF files?
No, updating an app through the iOS App Store only replaces the core application files. All of your saved documents, custom folders, and personal settings will remain completely safe.
What if the update doesn't appear in the App Store?
Try pulling down from the top of the 'Updates' page in the App Store to manually refresh the list. If the update is still missing, your iOS device may be running an outdated operating system that does not support the newer version of Acrobat Reader.
Can I get the Welcome PDF back after deleting it?
Once deleted, the Welcome PDF cannot be restored from the in-app trash. However, you can read the same introductory material on Adobe's official help website, or it may reappear if you completely uninstall and reinstall the application.




