Q: Can't view pdf attachments within mail apps
iPhone 6P / iPad Air 2
both running iOS 9.3.1
Previously, when I tapped on an attachment in the Mail app I could view it. Now, it only downloads an image of the first page (which means I don't even have the option of opening into a pdf reader. All other attachment types can be previewed as always (including images and spreadsheets.
This also occurs to some extent in other mail apps, but the behaviour differs - sometimes it is just an image, at other times the whole pdf downloads but opens with a placeholder saying "PDFReader File", with its size, on a grey background. At least I can then open into another app. The apps that behave this way are Outlook, Dispatch and Airmail.
Spark works as previously - I can view pdf files within Spark without opening into another reader.
I tried deleting Spark, in case it was the issue, but nothing changed.
All pdf readers are behaving normally (PDF Expert and Documents). I tried deleting Documents because it was a recent install, but it also made no difference.
This is occurring on both iOS devices I use, and my husband's iPhone 6 as well.
What I have noticed in Mail that when I tap to download the iBooks icon fleetingly appears and I'm wondering if it has something to do with that.
I've tried a few other things, looked in settings, rebooted etc etc, but to no avail. It only started a few weeks ago so am wondering if something was introduced in the last update.
Many thanks if you can offer any advice or next steps.
Deb
iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.3.1
Posted on Apr 17, 2016 2:14 PM
Try resetting your Mail Account on one of the devices to test it.
First close your Mail App completely from the app switcher window by double clicking the Home button and swiping up the Mail preview pane up until it disappears from the screen. You may have to look for the Mail pane by scrawling to the left. Then go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > locate your email provider and click on the account. On the next page Delete Account. Then do a forced restart. Hold down the Home and Wake/Sleep buttons at the same time for about 15-20 seconds until the Apple logo appears. Then go back to Settings > Mail… and add the account again
Posted on Apr 19, 2016 12:56 PM