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Problem: Can’t Open PDF on iPhone
In fact, you are not the only one who meets the PDF not opening on iPhone issue. Many users have reported this issue and here are some of the most common scenarios.
❗️ Can’t open PDF file in Safari
❗️ Can’t open PDF with iBook app
❗️ Can’t open PDF attachments in Mail
iPhone is designed to open PDF automatically. There is no need to install any additional apps. That means under normal circumstances, users can open PDF in Mail, Safari, or iBook. So you may ask, why can’t I open PDF on iPhone?
Why Can’t I Open PDF on iPhone?
Well, there are many reasons why PDF not opening on iPhone. Below are some common reasons.
- The PDF file is corrupted or it may not have been downloaded correctly.
- Some apps prevent your iPhone from opening PDF files.
- Unknown bugs and glitches will cause the PDF not opening on iPhone issue.
- The PDF file is encrypted, so you don't have permission to view it.
How to Fix Can’t Open PDF on iPhone
Let’s see how to fix this “can’t open PDF on iPhone” problem. You can try them in turn until the problem is solved.
Quick Fix: Use a PDF reader to open and view PDF
Fix 1. Determine If the PDF is Damaged
First, you need to determine if the problem is with the PDF document. If the PDF file is corrupted, it cannot be opened. You can either try downloading the PDF file again or have the sender resend it.
In addition, you can download and copy the PDF file to the iBook app to see if you can open it. If you are sure that the PDF file is fine, please continue with the following method.
Fix 2. Force Restart iPhone
Sometimes, a Force Restart may solve all the problems. It will free up memory and eliminate all the glitches. Therefore, when you can’t open PDF on iPhone, it's worth trying a force restart. The restart method varies from model to model. The detailed steps are as follows.
For iPhone 8 and later models:
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button > Press and quickly release the Volume Down button > Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 7:
Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button together until the Apple logo appears.
For iPhone 6:
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
Fix 3. Use A PDF Reader
If you don't want to spend time troubleshooting the problem and want to view the PDF file immediately, you can download the PDF on your iPhone and view it via a PDF reader. Simply go to App Store to get one like SwifDoo PDF for iOS.
With this app, you can view any PDF document without effort. It also allows you to type text, highlight text, add notes, draw on PDF, and more.
Fix 4. Uninstall Problematic Apps
Some apps will prevent the iPhone from opening PDF files The known ones are Alibaba, Aliexpress, Centrelink, and WinZip. If you have these apps installed, you can uninstall them and try again to see if you can open the PDF.
If you don't have any of these apps installed, check to see if you've recently downloaded some new apps. Maybe one newly downloaded app caused the PDF not opening on iPhone problem.
Fix 5. Try to Open Email in Browser
If you can't open PDF in email on iPhone, you can go to the web version of your email account. Open Safari or another browser > search the email login page and log in to your account. Then you can see if you can open the PDF attachment.
If that's possible, the problem is with the Mail app. You can try updating or reinstalling it.
Fix 6. Sign Out and In Your Account
Some users said the “can’t open PDF on iPhone” issue was resolved after logging out and logging back into their accounts. You can follow the steps below.
- Open Settings app.
- Choose Mail and tap Accounts.
- Tap your email account and choose Delete Account.
- After that, on the Accounts screen, tap Add Account to add your account.
Fix 7. Clear Safari History
If PDF not opening in Safari on iPhone, you can try clearing the history. Go to Settings > Choose Safari > Tap Clear History and Website Data > Select All history > Tap Clear History to confirm.
Fix 8. Check Safari Plug-ins
Maybe a plugin installed in Safari caused the can’t open PDF on iPhone issue. You can disable all the plugins to see if the problem can be solved.
If the PDF can be opened without problems after closing the plugin, then the next thing to do is to determine which plugin caused the issue. Once you've identified it, you can consider removing it completely.
Fix 9. Update App
Many people feel that updates are optional. However, keeping your system and apps up to date is key to ensuring your iPhone runs smoothly. When you are unable to open PDF on iPhone, you can go to App Store to update Mail, Safari, and iBooks.
Fix 10. Update iOS
Apple releases updates not only to release new features but also to fix bugs in the system. Therefore, you can try to update iOS and see if it solves the PDF not opening on iPhone problem.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update to see if an update is available. If it is, tap Download and Install to install it.
Final Words
Hope one of these fixes can help you get rid of the can’t open PDF on iPhone issue. If nothing works, you can contact Apple Support. Tell them about the problems you're experiencing and the actions you've already taken, and see what else they recommend.
