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Can’t open PDF, Docs, txt files on iOS

Can’t open PDF, Docs, txt files on iOS

Culturedna
Explorer | Level 4
I can’t view my .pdf, .docs, .txt files. I haven’t a tried other extensions. I can open and view photos though.

When I go to Dropbox app —> files —> open .pdf file —> it loads forever. (Spin wheel)

The problem started around 2019 Jan 13.

I am on iOS version 12.1.2.
I am on Dropbox app 126.2.2.
I am on a paid user of Dropbox.

I have restarted iPhone a couple of times.
I have deleted Dropbox and reinstalled a couple of times.
I checked and there isn’t any new iOS updates available.

Could someone help me?

10 Replies 10

Zynthos
New member | Level 2

Have you tried making that file available offline and seeing if it makes a difference? 

 

If you email it to yourself can you open it on your phone?

Culturedna
Explorer | Level 4
I just tried emailing to myself. I can view the attachment.

I tried making it offline. It works too.

Culturedna
Explorer | Level 4
Hi, I still can’t open my Dropbox files on iOS without making offfile. See problem above.

Hope someone can help.

benjavalero
Helpful | Level 5
Same issue. Adding the file offline works as a work-around.

Culturedna
Explorer | Level 4
Dropbox team helped to figure out a solve. It worked for me.

On iOS devices, go to General —> Reset —> Reset Network Settings.

It should work after that.

Let me know.

qwertz75
Explorer | Level 4
I have the same problem and the workaround didn’t work for me.

drno74
New member | Level 2
I have the same problem. In my case it helped to let DB to load the file until the „unable to download file“ message came. After that I was able to open all of the files. Another workarounds mentioned here didn‘t work for me.

frankdonovan
Explorer | Level 3

I've had a similar problem and it was solved by downloading and installing the standalone version of Adobe PDF Reader DC  from rocketfiles.com. Also, try to open the same file using the Dropbox website or open it with the desktop tool. Do not forget to close the VPN. Sometimes the problems may occur because of such IP changes-manipulations. 

wenhaoli
New member | Level 2

I have the same issue and this workaround does not work for me. 

 

Cannot view any PDF, word, or powerpoint files. 

Need more support?
Who's talking

Top contributors to this post

  • User avatar
    Daphne Dropbox Staff
  • User avatar
    wenhaoli New member | Level 2
  • User avatar
    frankdonovan Explorer | Level 3
  • User avatar
    drno74 New member | Level 2
  • User avatar
    qwertz75 Explorer | Level 4
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