How to Prevent Adobe Acrobat Reader from Accessing iCloud Files
Question details
The user wants to stop Adobe Acrobat Reader from accessing files stored in iCloud or other connected cloud storage services on their Apple devices to maintain file privacy.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- Apple iOS / iPadOS
- Scenario
- Managing cloud storage connections and file privacy within a mobile PDF reader application.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat Reader currently has access to iCloud files, and the user needs to revoke or disable this connection to ensure restricted access to their cloud documents.
Ensure your Apple device is updated to the latest iOS or iPadOS version, and verify that you have your device passcode handy in case you need to modify system-level privacy settings.
Disable iCloud Drive Access via iOS Settings
Revoke Acrobat Reader's permission to read or write data to iCloud Drive directly from your device's system settings.
The most effective way to block an app from accessing your iCloud files on an Apple device is through the native iOS Settings. This revokes the app's permission at the system level.
Navigate to your iPhone or iPad home screen and open the 'Settings' app.
Tap on your Apple ID profile name at the very top of the Settings menu, then select 'iCloud'.
Tap on 'iCloud Drive' or 'Apps Using iCloud' (depending on your specific iOS version) and select 'Show All Apps'.
Scroll down the list to locate 'Acrobat'. Toggle the switch next to it to the off (gray) position to instantly remove its access to your iCloud files.

Remove Connected Storage within Acrobat Reader App
Manage connected cloud services natively within the Adobe Acrobat Reader app to disconnect unwanted storage locations.
Try WPS Office for Secure PDF Management
If you are looking for a secure, all-in-one suite that lets you tightly control file access and cloud storage integration, WPS Office is a fantastic, lightweight alternative to Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office.
- 1. Install the App: Download and install WPS Office from the App Store on your iOS device.
- 2. Configure Storage Preferences: Launch the app and go to the settings menu to manually select which cloud storage services, if any, you want to link.
- 3. Open PDFs Securely: Use the local file browser to open and edit your PDF files directly from your device storage without forced cloud synchronization.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Adobe Acrobat Reader ask for iCloud access in the first place?
Acrobat Reader requests iCloud access to seamlessly sync your PDFs, annotations, and document edits across all your Apple devices using iCloud Drive, allowing you to pick up where you left off.
Will disabling iCloud access in settings delete my PDF files?
No, disabling iCloud access only stops the Acrobat Reader app from reading or writing to the cloud. Your existing files remain safely stored in your iCloud Drive; you just won't be able to view them directly inside the Acrobat app until access is restored.
Can I block Acrobat from accessing other cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox on iOS?
Yes. You can manage and remove third-party cloud connections directly within the Acrobat app under the 'Locations' menu. By tapping 'Edit', you can unlink any previously connected cloud service.




