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How to Fix Acrobat Reader for iOS Not Allowing PDF Comments
Question details
The user is unable to add comments or notes to PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Reader on iOS.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader for iOS
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to annotate or add comments to a PDF document that has certain security restrictions applied.
- Observed behavior
- The iOS app restricts the ability to add comments or notes to the PDF, even when annotation permissions are seemingly enabled, which differs from the behavior on desktop versions or other iOS PDF readers.
Before making any changes, ensure you have the document owner's permission to modify the PDF's security settings.
Modify PDF Security Settings on a Desktop Editor
Change the security permissions of the PDF using a desktop computer to allow annotations across all mobile devices.
Acrobat Reader for iOS interprets PDF security restrictions (like print or copy protections) more strictly than desktop software. Removing these restrictions on a computer usually resolves the commenting issue on iOS.
Transfer the restricted PDF to a Windows or Mac computer and open it with a desktop PDF editor such as Adobe Acrobat or WPS Office.
Navigate to the 'File' menu, select 'Properties', and click on the 'Security' tab to view current restrictions.
Change the Security Method to 'No Security' or adjust the detailed permissions to explicitly allow commenting, copying, and pasting. Click 'OK' and save the document.
Send the updated PDF back to your iPhone or iPad and open it in Acrobat Reader to successfully add your comments.
Use an Alternative iOS PDF Reader
Use a different PDF application on your iPhone or iPad that interprets document security permissions more flexibly.
Annotate and Edit PDFs Easily on iOS with WPS Office
Bypass rigid annotation restrictions and effortlessly add comments, notes, and highlights to your PDF documents on your iPhone or iPad using the powerful PDF tools in WPS Office.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install the WPS Office app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- 2. Open the PDF File: Launch WPS Office, tap 'Open', and select the restricted PDF you want to annotate.
- 3. Access PDF Tools: Tap the 'Tools' menu at the bottom of the screen and navigate to the 'Annotation' tab.
- 4. Add Your Comments: Select the Note, Highlight, or Text tool to insert your comments directly into the document, then tap 'Save'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I comment on a PDF on Windows but not on iOS?
Different operating systems and applications interpret PDF security permissions differently. Adobe Acrobat Reader for iOS is known to restrict commenting if printing or copying restrictions are applied to the file, whereas the Windows desktop version might be more lenient.
Can I remove security restrictions from a PDF directly on my iPhone?
Most mobile PDF readers, including Acrobat Reader for iOS, do not support changing or removing security properties. You typically need to use a desktop PDF editor to adjust the security settings and save an unlocked version.
Will comments added in an alternative iOS app show up in Adobe Acrobat later?
Yes. As long as you use a standard PDF reader like WPS Office to annotate your document, the comments and highlights are saved natively into the PDF file and will be fully visible when opened in Adobe Acrobat on any device.
