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How to Fix Unable to Mark Text in a Protected PDF on iPhone and iPad
Question details
The user is unable to mark or annotate text in a specific PDF file using an iPhone or iPad, despite the feature working on a desktop computer.
- Product
- PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- iOS / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to highlight, underline, or annotate text in a PDF document using a mobile app.
- Observed behavior
- The text marking tools are unavailable or fail to apply, likely due to document security restrictions enforced by the mobile PDF application.
Ensure you have the document password if the PDF is encrypted, and verify that your PDF app is updated to the latest version on your iOS device.
Check PDF Security Permissions on a Desktop
Determine if the PDF has editing restrictions that block annotations on mobile devices.
Mobile PDF applications often strictly enforce document restrictions that might be bypassed or handled differently on desktop software. By checking the document's properties on a PC or Mac, you can confirm if security settings are the root cause.
Transfer the problematic PDF file to a Windows or Mac computer and open it in a desktop PDF editor like WPS Office.
Right-click anywhere on the document or click the 'File' menu in the top-left corner, then select 'Document Properties'.
Navigate to the 'Security' tab. Look for 'Commenting' or 'Content Copying'. If these are set to 'Not Allowed', the document is restricted.
If you have the permissions password, click 'Change Settings' or 'Remove Security' to unlock the document and save a new, unrestricted copy for your iPhone or iPad.
Request an Unrestricted Copy from the Author
If the file is locked and you do not have the password, you must get an editable version from the source.
Easily Annotate and Mark Up PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF reader and editor for iOS, Windows, and Mac. Easily highlight, underline, and add comments to unrestricted PDFs across all your devices with a single account.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- 2. Open your PDF: Launch the app and open the PDF file you wish to annotate.
- 3. Access Annotation Tools: Tap the 'Edit' or 'Annotate' tab at the bottom of the screen to reveal the highlighting and marking tools.
- 4. Mark the Text: Select the highlight tool and drag your finger or Apple Pencil over the text to mark it, then save your changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I highlight a PDF on my computer but not my iPad?
Desktop applications sometimes handle minor permission errors differently, or you may be logged into a licensed account on your computer that bypasses certain restrictions. Mobile PDF apps generally strictly enforce 'Commenting' restrictions.
Can I remove password protection from a PDF on my iPhone?
If you know the password, you can use PDF utility tools or full-featured apps like WPS Office to unlock the document and save an unrestricted copy. Without the password, you cannot bypass the encryption.
Are there any free apps to mark text in PDFs on iOS?
Yes, WPS Office offers a free, built-in PDF reader for iPhone and iPad that includes robust annotation tools for highlighting, underlining, and adding notes to unrestricted PDFs.
What should I do if the highlight tool is grayed out?
A grayed-out highlight tool usually indicates that the document is read-only or secured against commenting. You will need to check the document's security properties on a desktop and remove the restrictions to enable the tools.
