Can’t open some PDF files

This appears to be guidance that releates to a Mac - all of which has absolutely no relevance to iPad and iPadOS…

LotusPilot Said:

"This appears to be guidance that releates to a Mac - all of which has absolutely no relevance to iPad and iPadOS…"

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Copy & Paste Error:

Start with an Update:

Install and update, if the GUI is not operating correctly.

How to Update an iPad:

By using a compatible device, and reliable connection.

I. Start Here: If your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t Update - Apple Support

II. Verify Compatibility:

1. Go to: Settings
2. Tap: General
3. Tap: About
4. View: the model shown

Then, see if the device is shown here:

Go here iPad Models Compatible with iPadOS 15.2 - Apple Support

III. If compatible...

Use of a Computer to Update:

My User Tip: Making Use of a Computer for Updating an iOS Device - User Tip

Have you installed a PDF Reader App - or are you relying upon the built-in PDF support within iPadOS?

If you have a PDF App installed, see:

If an app on your iPhone or iPad stops responding, closes unexpectedly, or won’t open - Apple Support

If you don’t have a PDF App installed, consider using one - as contrary to expectation, PDF files are not necessarily universal. Many dedicated PDF Apps can successfully render more complex PDF documents. Perhaps try (at least for testing purposes) the ubiquitous Adobe Reader App (basic functionality does not require a subscription):

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/adobe-acrobat-reader-pdf-edit/id469337564

Otherwise, if using the iPadOS built-in PDF support, perform a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
• On other iPad models: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

"Can’t open some PDF files: I can’t open some PDF files from the internet or from within folders on my iPad . it just flashes up some black text when trying to open some DPF files"

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Troubleshooting the GUI:

Five Things to Try:

A. Try Relaunching Finder:

1. Go to: Apple menu
2. Select: Force Quit...
3. Select: Finder
4. Click: Relaunch button
5. Click: Relaunch button

B. Single Out this User:

For temporary use, create a new administrator, seeing if you still get this error. If so, then it is an error in the macOS. If so, then it is an error with the current user. So, what you would do is trasnfereverything over to this new user, and then trash this current user.

C. Right-Click:

Right right-click on the file, and see the top item.

1. Right-Click: the fuke
2. Hover Over: Open with
3. Select: Preview.app

As for the top item, does it read "Preview.app (default)"

D. Boot into Safe Mode:

Hold Down the Shift Key upon boot. Once at the login screen, release shift. See if it all now works. In Safe Mode, only necessary items load (i.e. the caches), and new preferences are set aside.

Better 👍