PDF Opening Issues

How to Open PDF Files in Adobe Reader on iPhone (iOS 7)

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs instructions on how to transfer and open PDF files into Adobe Reader on an iPhone running iOS 7 from various sources like Mail, Safari, and cloud storage.

How to Open PDF Files in Adobe Reader on an iPhone Running iOS 7

Product: Adobe Reader
Device & OS: iPhone, iOS 7
Scenario: Attempting to view or save PDF documents received via email, downloaded from the web, or stored in other iOS apps into Adobe Reader.
Observed behavior: The user requires specific steps to trigger the iOS 'Share' or 'Open In' functions to successfully route the PDF file to Adobe Reader.

Before you start

Ensure that the Adobe Reader application is already downloaded and installed on your iPhone from the App Store before attempting to open files.

Solution 1Recommended

Open PDFs from Mail and Safari

Use this method to open PDF attachments from your emails or documents downloaded directly from the web browser.

Both the native iOS Mail and Safari apps provide built-in tools to transfer PDF documents to third-party readers using the 'Open In' feature.

Open from Mail

Open the email containing the PDF. Tap the attachment to preview it, or press and hold the attachment icon, then select 'Open in Adobe Reader' from the share menu.

Open from Safari

Tap on the open PDF document in Safari to reveal the document toolbar at the top. Tap 'Open in...' or 'Open in Adobe Reader', and select Adobe Reader from the app list.

Missing Option: If the 'Open in Adobe Reader' option is not immediately visible, look for the standard iOS Share icon (a square with an upward arrow) to access additional apps.

Solution 2

Open PDFs from Cloud Storage Apps

Access PDF files saved in external cloud services like Dropbox or Acrobat.com.

Solution 3

Transfer PDFs from iBooks or a Computer

Workarounds for apps that do not support direct 'Open In' functionality, or for local computer transfers.

All-in-one Office App

Use WPS Office to Seamlessly View and Edit PDFs on iOS

If you are having trouble opening or managing PDFs on your iPhone, WPS Office provides a robust, easy-to-use alternative. It smoothly integrates with iOS sharing features, allowing you to open, read, annotate, and manage PDFs effortlessly.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office app from the iOS App Store.
2. Select the PDF File: Open your PDF in Mail, Safari, or your preferred file manager, and tap the iOS 'Share' icon.
3. Open with WPS: Swipe through the app list and select 'WPS Office' (or 'More' if it is hidden) to instantly open and edit your PDF.

Easily open PDFs from Mail, Safari, and other iOS applicationsFully compatible with Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office formatsLightweight app with built-in annotation, signing, and editing toolsFree to download and optimized for iPhone and iPad

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find the 'Open In' option in iBooks on iOS 7?

The iBooks app in iOS 7 does not support natively exporting PDF files to third-party apps via the 'Open In' menu. To get a PDF out of iBooks, you must use the share button to email the file to yourself, and then open the email attachment in your preferred PDF reader.

What should I do if the document toolbar in Safari disappears?

When viewing a PDF in Safari, the toolbar often auto-hides to give you a full-screen reading experience. Simply tap once anywhere on the center of the document to make the toolbar reappear, which will reveal the 'Open In...' option.

Is it possible to transfer multiple PDFs to my iPhone at once?

Yes. The most efficient way to transfer multiple PDFs without emailing them individually is to use iTunes File Sharing. Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB, open iTunes, click on your device, go to the 'Apps' section, scroll down to File Sharing, select your PDF reader, and drag-and-drop multiple files into the documents area.

PDF Troubleshooting