Why Are My PDF Files Greyed Out on iPhone? (Fixed with Effective Ways)

Have you ever encountered the grievance of trying to open a PDF file on your iPhone, only to find it greyed out? If yes, and still wondering, why are my PDF files greyed out on iPhone, you have landed just at the right place.

This article will explore all the possible reasons for file inaccessibility and how to fix greyed-out files. It’s time to introduce you to a magical PDF application that will fix all your problems in a wink. Brace yourselves before we delve into further details.

Part 1. Why Are My PDF Files Greyed Out on iPhone?

We have discussed a few common reasons of why your PDF files greyed out on iPhone here.

1. Unsupported by App/File Opening Tool

This is our prime suspect with greyed-out files. The app you are using lacking of the features to open the PDF makes your documents unclickable.

PDFs require specific PDF-viewing applications to open it. So, first, check the type of document viewing application you are using.

2. It is not in the PDF Format

PDF viewing apps only support PDF formats. It is most likely that your file might have a different format than PDF. This problem is common with PDF/A documents and other formats that are like PDF but indeed not the same.

3. PDF File is Faulty

The final reason that we could conclude is a faulty PDF. Files with technical glitches are hindered from being accessible to the user. Besides, many PDFs protected by passwords are also greyed out, until you know the password to access it. Encrypted PDFs have an intricate protection mechanism that is most likely obstructing their access.

But just because your iPhone greyed out some files, doesn’t mean you’ve lost access to them! In the next part, let’s discuss how to address this problem.

Part 2. How to Fix PDF Files Greyed Out on iPhone?

Greyed-out files only mean you have lost access to them temporarily. Once, you figure out and correct the underlying cause, you can always get back on track.

This part will introduce you to a revolutionary application to quickly fix your problem.

1. Use UPDF to Open PDF Files

Whether the problem is your viewing tool or file encryptions, UPDF can help you seamlessly open your file anywhere, anytime. A dedicated PDF tool like UPDF offers support for a plethora of formats and can open all types of PDF files.

Besides, it can effortlessly bypass the complex encryption coding and open files in a snap.

How To Use UPDF Open PDF Files?

Setting up UPDF on iPhone is very simple. But to get the app, make sure the iOS system is 14.0 or higher.

1. Click the below button to download UPDF on your iPhone or on the App Store, search for UPDF. In the app view window, click Install.

2. After the app has been installed, click Open to launch the app.
3. Sign up to create an account with UPDF.

4. From the bottom right corner, tap on the ‘+’ icon to Import your greyed out PDF file. Choose the Import method from Photos, Files or Computer.

5. Once your file is opened, you can adjust the viewing mode. From the top menu, select the ‘v’ icon to open the drop-down menu and select Page View.

6. A window will illustrate viewing options. Select the Viewing mode that you best like.

And that’s it! Working with UPDF is simple. But why UPDF? We are going to discuss a few standout features of this app that justify our choice.

1. Edit PDFs

UPDF is extremely versatile and lets you effortlessly edit documents. It offers a wide range of editing features that allow seamless text and image editing, page ordering, header and footer modification, background modification, and much more. The app caters to the needs of beginners and professionals.

2. Annotate PDFs

Underline, highlight, or even add free-hand scribbles to your PDF document with ease. Drag and drop stamps and stickers to enhance your dull, monotonous files. For adding personalized notes, UPDF offers a sticky note and Comment feature to assist you.

3. UPDF AI

The feature that has even thrilled big PDF giants is UPDF AI. With the AI, you can effortlessly summarize, rewrite, explain, or analyze PDF files. Additionally, AI offers reliable and precise translation in over 150+ languages. AI integration streamlines the workflow and greatly improves efficiency.

4. Cross-Platform Support

UPDF’s interface is child’s play. It is made to cater for beginners and professionals alike. Besides, it extends support for all platforms like Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone. With so much versatility at hand, accessibility is not an issue.

UPDF has many other features. For any further queries on UPDF, read through this UPDF review article, review the video below, or download the UPDF via the below button to test all features.

If you like UPDF features and want to upgrade to pro version, you can click the below button to upgrade to pro version.

2. Convert it to PDF

If the problem with your greyed-out file is solely the format, you can easily convert it with dedicated file conversion apps like the brilliant Convertio app.

Convertio is a no-fuss, simple and ready-to-convert application, available on the App Store. It supports a wide range of formats and compresses them without compromising the quality. Here is how to use it:

1. From the App Store, download the Convertio app.

2. After opening the app, select your Input file.

3. Choose an output format for your file. For image files, you can alter the resolution as well.

4. Click Convert!

In seconds, your file has been transformed to another format. Let’s get to our last fix for the day: File Merge.

3.Merge PDF with Other File

If there are issues with the PDF, merging it with another PDF may fix this issue. Use UPDF to effortlessly combine two or more files into one:

Here’s how to do it:

1. In the top right corner, tap on the checkbox to select files for merge. You can select files irrespective of the format. (Images or documents)

2. On the bottom of the screen, tap on More > Merge. The files will be combined and converted to PDF. You can access the new file in the same location as the original files.

Final Words

And with that, we've come to an end! We hope you've uncovered the answer to 'Why are my PDF Files Greyed Out on iPhone'. With an in-depth discussion of each available solution, you can easily open your inaccessible files.

UPDF stands as a comprehensive solution for all PDF needs. Download the app from the App Store and give it a try! Take the opportunity to explore some of the cool features it offers!