Can't open PDF files in iBooks on my iPad

It's a bug...not a capacity or file issue. Hopefully Apple will fix this for us soon.

Without this functionality - becomes a major issue for business users of iPads - as it is much more functional and faster than most biz apps.

I have been having the same problem on my ipad2 (and iPhone4 as well). I am not sure if it is because of iBooks 2.1 update or iOS 5.1 update. Anyway, the problem extends to ePub files as well. There is no way to get them loaded via gmail, safari, or dropbox. I used to be able to open one PDF file at a time after 3 tries; then I would have to do a hard reset to be able to do another file. Now this method no longer works at all. I have resorted to using stanza, but that is problematic because: 1) it tends to freeze PDF files requiring a reset, and 2) it will no longer be updated. So I am sometimes using kindle app for PDF files. Regardless, none of these temporary measures are satisfying because I can't sync across devices (i am not tech savvy so if there's not an easy way forget it). I don't think it's a capacity issue (<150 pdfs and <75 books) nor a file issue (retried with files that previously worked flawlessly). When i tap open in ibooks from any of those above mentioned sources, the ibooks app launches and either closes and goes to home screen or the pdf or book shows up, flickers and then disappears. The files seem to have a problem "sticking" for lack of better word. For those few seconds the files are visible, they are clear, readable, and seem to be formatted correctly. I hope someone finds a workaround or apple fixes this app.

I too am having this same problem. iBooks worked fine for a while and now exact same behavior as described in these posts. I would beg to differ with James Ward4's contention that it is no a 'widespread problem". What data compilation have you performed to coem to this conclusion?

I also believe it has something to do with either the number of files that are stored in iBook or the amount of storage space they make take.

This problem did not begin for me untial after I upgrade to iOS 5.1 (iPad2).

mchaelprice wrote:

I too am having this same problem. iBooks worked fine for a while and now exact same behavior as described in these posts. I would beg to differ with James Ward4's contention that it is no a 'widespread problem". What data compilation have you performed to coem to this conclusion?

I also believe it has something to do with either the number of files that are stored in iBook or the amount of storage space they make take.

This problem did not begin for me untial after I upgrade to iOS 5.1 (iPad2).

What data compilation have YOU performed?

I stand by my statement

This issue started after updating to iOS 5.1 for me, too. It's a bug in the app according to the Genius Bar. The odd thing about it is that it isn't everyone. For example, it works on my iPhone 4 but not my iPad classic. Figuring out what configurations are glitching or not will take the some time. I think it has to do with the iOS. You should have seen the blip of horror on the Genius guy's face when I said that. I hit a nerve of some sort. It's clear they know about it and are having to field an increase of complaints on this issue. I'm hoping for an update with a fix will happen soon.

In the meantime check out OrganiDocs. It's a nicely developed app that provides better functionality than iBooks for PDFs and managing all files doubled with the ability to function like a flash drive, too. It's stable and that's what counts.

The only thing that works at all is to open a pdf iBooks on my iphone4, mail it to myself and then it will open from a message in my iBooks on iPad. This is sooooo frustrating because I save many PDFs to iBooks for work and now I cannot. When do we got a fix on this. BTW I took this problem to the genius bar, he spent ten minutes of my time in the Mac forums and said he had NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. And I said can you ask another genius. He called out across the table, "hey, have you ever heard of this problem?" "no?". I guess I can't help you, then.

I've been having the same issue even loading pdfs that were less than 1MB. I am using a new iPad 64GB iOS 5.1 and the latest iBooks. What I noticed is that I had only 2GB of free space on my device (lots of movies and pictures) anyhow I deleted some movies raising the amount of free space to about 7.5GB and I have not had an issue yet. To test, I've added numerous additonal pdfs ranging from 1MB all the way up to almost 40MB in size with no other issues.

So it seems like iBooks likes to have a bit of a buffer in order to load even the smallest of pdfs.

is anyone running 5.0 and having this issue? looks like everyone is running 5.01.

cavison wrote:

is anyone running 5.0 and having this issue? looks like everyone is running 5.01.

5.0 was never released to the general public. 5.0.1 was, but it is not the current version. 5.1 is.

excuse me......let me rephrase my question. is anyone running 5.0 and having the issue? looks like everyone is running 5.1. (that better?)

same problem

ibooks 2.1.1

ipad 1 IOS 5.1

I am using Bluefire reader and it works (slower than ibooks) but works

I have the iPad2 and the new iPad. Both running the same IOS and iBooks. I have the problem on the new iPad and not the iPad 2 ???? What the heck? I use the new iPad for work and cant transfer pdfs that i use daily. Guess I'll have to spend more money on a new app to view and share pdf's. It's not the $5.00, its the principle of the thing.

I have had the same issue in my iPad 2. I fixed by deleting PDF Reader Pro Edition, and now iBooks shows up as the default “open in”. Apparently there is something in the PDF Reader Pro Edition that was blocking iBooks.

Don't have PDF reader pro edition on my pad. And the problem remains.