PDFs suddenly asking for owners permission only on iPad and iPhone app but not on Mac.

Report · Jan 22, 2023

I've been using AR for years, as with most people, and have had no issues until January 2023. I am sent pdfs that I need to fill in and have no problems on my Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Now, this year, when I attempt to open and fill in one of these on my iPhone or iPad, it's now asking for owners password after I've already opened it with the protected password. I don't want to edit it, I just want to fill it in and send it back. Everything still works fine on my Mac.
I've looked around the forums and have found the same complaint but with crickets coming from Adobe on how to fix this.
so, if you know what's wrong, please tell me, or please fix it.
Thanks in advance,

Patrick

Report · Jan 24, 2023

I authorize you to do what you need to do for everything to work properly and connect properly please.

Report · Jan 25, 2023

Hi @T. Patrick28053159738r @Heather28023385skq0,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry for your experience with Acrobat Reader Mobile.

We are trying to understand the workflow that you are trying to achieve. With password-protected files, this is design behavior for reader mobile as certain limitations aren't for the desktop version.

As you mentioned, you were able to fill in password-protected files earlier. Would you mind sharing a few pieces of information with us to investigate further:

1. The application version of Acrobat Reader Mobile installed;

2. The iOS version you are using;

3. A sample file for both the cases where you were previously and cannot currently fill in the form fields;

4. A screenshot or a screen recording of the error.

Look forward to hearing from you.

-Souvik.

Report · Mar 08, 2023

I am using Acrobat 23.02.00 and iOS version 16.3.1. This is simple. I used to be able to enter my password and fill in my PDF and send it back to work. Now, things have changed since my original email. The PDF opens fine when I enter my password.

The problem now is that I cannot fill in my blank areas. I can click anywhere in the document with NO response. Please help.

thanks in advance

Report · Mar 08, 2023

Hi @T. Patrick28053159738r,

Thank you for getting back with the information.

This is designed behavior. Any file that is password protected or made read-only by the creator will not behave the same as it would on the web or desktop versions due to limitations on the mobile version.

We would love to hear more about your feedback on the application. Please feel free to fill out the feedback form: https://acrobat.uservoice.com/

Hope this clarifies the question.

-Souvik.

Report · Mar 08, 2023

It is NOT read only. We are SUPPOSED to be able to fill it out. And it worked fine until recently. If you can’t understand what the issue is, then please pass it upstairs to someone who can help.

Thank you,

Patrick Waters

Report · Feb 26, 2024

Was this issue ever resolved? Because I have the same issue that only started recently after updating to iOS 17. I'm currently using iOS 17.2.1 and my Adobe is version 24.02.00

I am now asked for password from file creator for fillable forms, which was never the case before!

Report · Feb 27, 2024

Hi @Shahab3569590259cr,

Thanks for writing in!

If the situation you mention is similar to the above, and assuming that the file is not password protected, this shouldn't be happening.

Would you mind sharing a few pieces of information for further investigation:

1. A screen recording of what are the steps you follow;

2. The sample file over a private message to test in-house.

[To send a private message, click on my profile name followed by the blue "Send a Message" button on the next page]

Look forward to hearing from you.

-Souvik

Report · Aug 20, 2024

What don't you understand? I spent a gob of hours creating an application that people could fill out and send back to me, and it worked FINE before. Last night I send out 40+ applications and there is a password lock that I am trying to work around. Now I have to resend all of those applications.

Please stop with the standard tech support script, read our comments, and tell us what we need to do to allow the person we send our forms to fill it out and send it back!

Report · Aug 20, 2024

I just figured out what the issue is.

1.I originally created a form that was password protected, but allowed applicants to fill out fields.

2.Since then, I canceled my Pro subscription.

3.Adobe made a change and broke my form.

4.I CANNOT SET THE PERMISSIONS TO "OPEN" WITHOUT PAYING FOR PRO AGAIN.

I am doing a 7-day trial to fix this mess and unlocking the form. Then, I am registering a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's office. You would think that the lawsuit you're in would have taught you a lesson...

Report · Jun 16, 2025

This issue persists this is really frustrating I've subscribed for something that has bug. Acrobat is newly downloaded today and its sure that this is latest version using iPhone 15Pro Max OS version 18.4.1. My son can't proceed the summer class enrollment!!!

if you want repro ask your Ops team to have test device and download this document https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Forms-and-Brochures/2019/I-L/LIC700.pdf?ver=2... and try to edit it.

Report · Jun 16, 2025

Hi there

Hope you are doing well and sorry for the trouble.

Would you mind sharing the steps/workflow that you were trying and got this error message? A small video recording of the steps and the issue occurring would be very helpful for more clarity and replicating the same at our end.