You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces powerful new iPad mini built for Apple Intelligence. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Greyed out Word files

I have tried suggestions. Still, documents are grey. Cannot even click on them. Mainly pdf documents

iPad, iPadOS 16

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 8:51 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 7:59 PM

Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try if you're having trouble opening PDF documents on your iPad:


  1. Restart your iPad. This can often fix minor software issues that can cause problems with opening files. To restart your iPad, press and hold the power button until you see a slider appear. Then, drag the slider to turn off your iPad. Once your iPad is turned off, wait a few seconds before turning it back on.
  2. Check your internet connection. If you're trying to open a PDF document that's stored in the cloud, you'll need to have an internet connection. Make sure that your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
  3. Update your iPad's software. Apple releases software updates for the iPad on a regular basis. These updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can improve the performance of your iPad and fix problems with opening files. To check for software updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
  4. Force quit the Files app. If the Files app is having trouble opening PDF documents, you can try to force quit it. To do this, double-click on the Home button to bring up the App Switcher. Then, swipe up on the Files app to force quit it.
  5. Reset your iPad's settings. If you've tried all of the above steps and you're still having trouble opening PDF documents, you can try resetting your iPad's settings. This will reset all of your iPad's settings, including your Wi-Fi network settings, wallpaper, and other settings. To reset your iPad's settings, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.


If you're still having trouble opening PDF documents after trying all of these steps, you can contact Apple Support for help.


I hope this helps!

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 7, 2023 7:59 PM in response to kayfrombemidji

Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try if you're having trouble opening PDF documents on your iPad:


  1. Restart your iPad. This can often fix minor software issues that can cause problems with opening files. To restart your iPad, press and hold the power button until you see a slider appear. Then, drag the slider to turn off your iPad. Once your iPad is turned off, wait a few seconds before turning it back on.
  2. Check your internet connection. If you're trying to open a PDF document that's stored in the cloud, you'll need to have an internet connection. Make sure that your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
  3. Update your iPad's software. Apple releases software updates for the iPad on a regular basis. These updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can improve the performance of your iPad and fix problems with opening files. To check for software updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
  4. Force quit the Files app. If the Files app is having trouble opening PDF documents, you can try to force quit it. To do this, double-click on the Home button to bring up the App Switcher. Then, swipe up on the Files app to force quit it.
  5. Reset your iPad's settings. If you've tried all of the above steps and you're still having trouble opening PDF documents, you can try resetting your iPad's settings. This will reset all of your iPad's settings, including your Wi-Fi network settings, wallpaper, and other settings. To reset your iPad's settings, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.


If you're still having trouble opening PDF documents after trying all of these steps, you can contact Apple Support for help.


I hope this helps!

Greyed out Word files

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.