Other PDF Issues

How to Fix Acrobat Reader and Adobe Scan Apps Closing on Android

Steve KSteve K Nov 3, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing persistent crashes where both Acrobat Reader and Adobe Scan close briefly after launching, even after reinstalling and clearing cache.

How to Fix Acrobat Reader and Adobe Scan Apps Crashing on Android
Product
Acrobat Reader Mobile and Adobe Scan
Device & OS
Android
Scenario
Attempting to launch PDF reading or document scanning applications on an Android smartphone or tablet.
Observed behavior
The applications open briefly and then unexpectedly force close. Standard troubleshooting steps like clearing the cache and reinstalling the apps have not resolved the crashing behavior.
Before you start

Before proceeding with system updates or further troubleshooting, ensure your Android device is connected to Wi-Fi and backed up so you do not lose locally saved PDF files or pending scans.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Android OS and Adobe Applications

Outdated application versions or incompatible system software often cause unexpected app closures. Updating both the apps and the operating system patches known bugs.

Software developers frequently release patches to fix app crashes caused by new OS security updates. If clearing the cache did not work, ensuring you are on the latest build is the most critical next step.

1
Update Apps via Google Play Store

Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right, select 'Manage apps & device', and tap 'Updates available'. Find Acrobat Reader and Adobe Scan, then tap 'Update'.

2
Check for Android System Updates

Open your Android device 'Settings', scroll down to select 'System' (or 'Software Update'), and tap 'System update' to check for and install any pending OS updates.

3
Restart Your Device

Once the updates are successfully installed, press and hold the power button on your device and select 'Restart' to apply all system changes cleanly.

Update Android OS and Adobe Applications
Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates in the Google Play Store settings to prevent version mismatch issues from recurring in the future.
Reliable PDF Reader & Scanner Alternative

Use WPS Office as an All-in-One PDF Reader and Scanner

If standalone PDF apps continue to crash on your Android device, switch to WPS Office. It combines a powerful PDF reader, editor, and intelligent document scanner into a single, highly stable application.

  1. 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office app directly from the Google Play Store.
  2. 2. Scan Documents: Open WPS Office, tap the '+' icon or select the 'Scanner' tool to instantly capture, crop, and convert physical documents into PDFs.
  3. 3. Read and Edit PDFs: Navigate to the 'Files' tab within the app to browse your device storage and securely open any existing PDF document.
  4. 4. Annotate and Share: Use the intuitive toolbar to highlight text, add signatures, or share the finalized PDF via email or messaging apps directly from the interface.
All-in-one platform to scan, read, and edit PDFs without constantly switching between apps.Highly stable performance optimized for a wide variety of Android devices.Fully compatible with Adobe PDF formats as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Lightweight alternative that saves storage space compared to installing multiple separate apps.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do PDF reader apps close immediately after opening on Android?

This behavior typically occurs due to a corrupted application cache, outdated software, insufficient device RAM, or underlying conflicts with a recent Android system update.

Does clearing the cache always fix crashing Android apps?

While clearing the app cache resolves many temporary performance glitches, deeper software bugs or system incompatibilities often require a full app update or a device restart to be completely fixed.

How do I find out my exact Android version for troubleshooting?

You can find your exact Android OS version by navigating to your device 'Settings', scrolling down to 'About phone', and tapping on 'Software information'.

Can I scan physical documents using alternative apps if my primary scanner crashes?

Yes, comprehensive mobile office suites like WPS Office feature built-in document scanners that can quickly capture physical papers and convert them into high-quality PDFs without needing standalone scanning apps.