Can’t open PDFs in email

Each time I receive a PDF via email I can’t open it since IOS 17. I tap the PDF to download it and it takes a few seconds, appears to download but then when you tap it to open it just starts downloading the PDF again.


keeps doing this over and over.


i have the new iPhone 15 pro max.

Posted on Oct 20, 2023 09:58 AM

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Posted on Oct 21, 2023 11:12 AM

Hi Ben,

thank you for the reply.


My phone is updated to all the latest updates, pdfs open normally in other applications.


My partner has the same issue on her iPhone 12 Pro Max. You tap to download the pdf, it appears to have downloaded but when you tap it again to open it just starts it downloading again.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 21, 2023 11:12 AM in response to Ben_Z1

Hi Ben,

thank you for the reply.


My phone is updated to all the latest updates, pdfs open normally in other applications.


My partner has the same issue on her iPhone 12 Pro Max. You tap to download the pdf, it appears to have downloaded but when you tap it again to open it just starts it downloading again.

Oct 21, 2023 12:12 PM in response to Comus01

Hey Comus01,


Have you checked the Downloads folder in the Files app on your iPhone? It would be in iCloud Drive > Downloads. It's possible that the PDF files are being downloaded there, so if you're able to locate them here then you'd be able to view them normally.


If that doesn't do the trick, then you may want to contact Apple Support directly. If support is available in your region, this will let you work directly with an AppleCare Advisor who specializes in resolving this exact type of issue. You can begin by reaching out here: Get Support


We hope this does the trick for you!


Cheers.

Oct 21, 2023 11:07 AM in response to Comus01

Hi there Comus01,


If you are having issues viewing PDFs in the Mail app, are you able to view them in other apps or does something similar happen? That will help us start to isolate this behavior. This shows how to view PDFs in the Books app on your iPhone: Save and edit PDFs to the Books app on your iPhone or iPad


Let's also ensure your iPhone is fully updated since this installs feature improvements and fixes that can resolve unexpected behavior like this. These steps from Update your iPhone or iPad show how to back up and update:

1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.
5. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.


Cheers!


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Can’t open PDFs in email

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