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Why Does Adobe Reader for Android Require Identity Permission?
Question details
Users are seeking clarification on why the latest Adobe Reader app update on Android requests access to device identity permissions and whether the app will function without it.
- Product
- Adobe Reader
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Updating the Adobe Reader app via the Google Play Store on an Android device.
- Observed behavior
- The update requires users to grant 'Identity' permission, raising privacy concerns about data tracking, cross-app syncing, and the consequences of declining the update.
Check your current Android settings and app permissions to see what access Adobe Reader currently holds on your device before deciding to apply the update.
Understand the Identity Permission and Decline the Update
Learn what the Identity permission does and how to handle the app update if you prefer not to grant it to protect your privacy.
The 'Identity' permission in Android allows an application to find accounts on the device. For Adobe Reader, this is primarily used to facilitate single sign-on (SSO) across multiple Adobe applications and services.
If you are concerned about privacy and do not use other Adobe apps, this permission may feel unnecessary. You can choose to skip the update and continue using your current setup.
Open your Android 'Settings', navigate to 'Apps' or 'App Management', and find 'Adobe Acrobat Reader'. Tap on 'Permissions' to review what the app is currently allowed to access.
If prompted to update in the Google Play Store with new permission requests, tap 'Cancel' or simply do not tap 'Update'. This allows you to maintain your current privacy settings.
You can keep using your existing installation to read PDFs. Note that while it will work temporarily, future security patches and format compatibility might eventually require an upgrade.
Revoke Permission After Updating
If you have already updated the app, you may be able to restrict this permission in your Android settings depending on your OS version.
Read and Edit PDFs Securely with WPS Office on Android
If you are uncomfortable with the new permission requirements of Adobe Reader, you can use WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, secure, and privacy-friendly way to view, annotate, and manage PDFs on your Android device without unnecessary account-syncing permissions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the Google Play Store, search for 'WPS Office', and install the free app on your Android device.
- 2. Open Your PDF File: Launch WPS Office, tap on the 'Files' tab or use the top search bar to locate your PDF documents saved on your device.
- 3. View and Edit Securely: Tap the PDF to open it. You can immediately start reading, highlighting text, or adding notes using the secure mobile PDF viewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the 'Identity' permission do on Android?
The Identity permission allows an app to discover and manage user accounts on your device. For Adobe, it allows automatic sign-in across various Adobe apps using the same credentials, saving you from typing your password multiple times.
Will Adobe Reader stop working if I do not accept the update?
Not immediately. Your current installed version will continue to work normally for a while, but you may miss out on bug fixes, security patches, and new features. Over time, older versions might lose compatibility with newer Android OS updates or newer PDF standards.
Can I view PDFs on Android without creating an Adobe account?
Yes. Many alternative apps, including WPS Office, allow you to open and view PDF files locally on your Android device without requiring an account login or invasive syncing permissions.
Is it safe to grant Identity permission to Adobe Reader?
Generally, Adobe is a reputable developer, and the permission is strictly used for account convenience. However, if you highly value privacy and do not need cross-app syncing, it is understandable to prefer apps with fewer permission requirements.
