How to Read PDF on iPhone? (4 Proven Ways)

Have you ever needed to open and read PDF files while on the go?

PDFs are widely used for ebooks, research papers, and legal documents. However, accessing them without a computer can be challenging. Luckily, a reliable PDF reader for iOS is all you need to stay connected to your important files.

This article will show you how to read PDFs on an iPhone using one such tool. Among the many options available, UPDF for iOS stands out for its seamless reading experience and flexible customization.

You can switch between dark and light modes, adjust backgrounds, change display settings, zoom in/out, and more. You can also add notes directly within the PDF for later reference.

UPDF's built-in AI assistant even helps you quickly span lengthy PDFs, saving time and effort. Whether you're a student or a professional looking for a faster, more efficient PDF reader on the go, UPDF for iOS offers the perfect solution.

Click the download button below or visit the App Store to get UPDF for your iPhone. Then, follow our guide to make the most of your PDF reading!

Part 1. How to Read PDF on iPhone with Customized Settings

UPDF for iOS allows you to adjust the PDF settings to read comfortably in your desired layout, background color, reading mode, zoom settings, and more.

Let's see how.

Step 1: Open UPDF and tap the "+" button in the lower right. Then tap "Files" to import your PDF.

Step 2: Once your PDF opens, tap the down arrow at the top left. Then select "Preferences" from the list.

Step 3: A menu to customize the PDF reading settings will appear on your screen. Under Page View, select between the "Single-Page" or "Two-Page" layout. You can also turn on/off "Scrolling" and "Vertical" navigation.

Step 4: You can also adjust zoom settings. Choose "Fit Page" for a full view of the page. Alternatively, choose Actual Size, Fit Height, or Fit Width options.

Note: You can pinch with two fingers to zoom in/out while reading. Tap the "Lock" icon next to the zoom percentage to fix the zoom settings.

Step 5: Go to the Read Mode section. Here, choose "Light" for a white background or "Night" for a darker one. The "Paper" mode adds a warm yellow background with dim light.

Step 6: Go to the Page Background menu for more background colors, and select the one you like. You have seven color options to read PDFs on iPhone.

Part 2. How to Read PDF on iPhone with Note-Taking?

Do you ever wish to take notes on your PDF while reading? With UPDF, you can! With integrated note-taking features, you can write down new ideas, additional research, or questions to explore. Here's how to read PDF on iPhone with notes.

Step 1:Tap the "Pencil" icon at the top right to enter Comment mode after opening a PDF. A menu will then appear on the screen.

Step 2: Here are many options for you to choose to take notes. You can use the "Pen" to draw, "Markup" to highlight, strikethrough, underline, "text box" to add text box, "Note" to add sticky notes, and "Shapes" to add shapes. For example, if you need to add the note to PDF, tap on the "Note" icon. Check which one option you need. Then, long-press it to customize the note's color and style.

Step 3: Go back and tap anywhere on the page to insert the note. Then, write your desired content and close it to save your changes.

Part 3. How to Read PDF on iPhone in Seconds with AI

Have you ever rushed to read a lengthy PDF file and only to miss crucial details and information? That can be frustrating. But don't worry. UPDF's AI assistant helps you read faster with accurate summaries, extracting key points, translations, and more.

Here's how to read PDFs on iPhone using it.

Step 1: Open UPDF. Then tap "UPDF AI" from the bottom.

Step 2: Switch to the "Ask Mode" and import your PDF by tapping on the "Select PDF". Once your file is uploaded to UPDF AI, it will be summarized automatically.

Step 3: To summarize specific pages, tap the bulb icon and choose "Summarize by Page." Then, specify the page range and tap "Go."

Step 4: Alternatively, copy/paste a section from the PDF and write the prompt asking for a summary.

• Prompt: Summarize this text [paste your text].

Step 5: If you're struggling to read a document in a foreign language, you can translate it using UPDF AI. To do this,

• Tap the Bulb icon and choose "Translate by Page." Select the page range and tap "Go."
• Alternatively, copy and paste a specific section of text and ask UPDF AI for translation. You can write, "Translate in [your desired language]." Then, paste the text.

Part 4. How to Read PDF Aloud on iPhone?

Reading PDFs for long with just your eyes can get tiring. Sometimes, it's nice to have someone else read it aloud. This not only helps you relax but also aids in retaining information longer.

UPDF's Speak feature on iOS makes it possible! Here's how to use it.

Step 1: Open UPDF and tap the "+" button. Select the method to import your PDF.

Step 2: Once your file opens, tap and hold the text to select it. Then, drag the selection handles and adjust the selection area manually to choose your desired text.

Step 3: A menu will pop up. Tap the right arrow from here until you see the "Speak" option.

Step 4: Tap "Speak." UPDF will start reading your PDF out loud.

That's it! Now, you know how to read PDF on iPhone quickly. UPDF makes it possible with its advanced PDF reading features. Whether it's a complex PDF document giving you a hard time or an ebook you want to read leisurely, UPDF for iOS has you covered.

If you want to learn more about it, watch the video below. You can also read this UPDF review to learn how other medias think about UPDF for iOS!

UPDF is also free to use all its features. You can click the below button to download UPDF for iOS.  If you want all its features without limitations after testing, get it at a cheap price here and enhance your reading experience!

Part 5. Why Can't Read PDF on iPhone?

Sometimes, a PDF file may not open. This can be annoying. Why does this happen? Here are some key reasons.

1. Lacking the Right PDF Reader: Some nonstandard PDF files, like dynamic forms, are created with specific PDF editors. They may not open with your default PDF reader.
2. Corrupted Files: The file's download was interrupted due to an unstable network connection. This leads to an incomplete download that prevents the file from opening.
3. Complex Formatting: The PDF has complex images, data, or formatting. iPhone's default PDF reader does not support heavy and complicated files.
4. Unsupported Features: The PDF may have interactive elements, such as multimedia or forms, which your PDF reader may not support.
5. Outdated Software: If the PDF file is created using a newer iOS version, it may contain elements not supported by outdated software.

Can't Read PDF on iPhone: Tips and Solutions

Now that you know why you cannot read PDFs on your iPhone, here's how to fix it.

1. Install a Dedicated PDF Reader: If you get a message that the PDF requires a specific PDF viewer, install it from the App Store. Then, open your file with it.
2. Check your Network Connection: If the PDF is not completely downloaded, connect to a stable network. Then, download the file again to avoid this issue.
3. Compress Large Files: If the PDF size is too large, use a file compressor tool to reduce its size. This makes it easy to open using your iPhone's default PDF viewer.
4. Flatten Complex PDFs: Is your PDF embedded with complex elements? Flatten the PDF by saving it as a Print PDF. Or use an online tool for this purpose.
5. Clear App Cache: Sometimes, the fault may lie with your PDF viewer. Clear the app's cache and restart your phone. Then, open the PDF again.

Ending Note

That's all about how to read PDFs on iPhone. While the iPhone has a built-in PDF viewer, if you want a more comfortable solution, consider UPDF for iOS. It offers a flexible PDF reading solution that is right on your iPhone. You can read your PDFs your way with advanced customization and integrated AI assistance! Try it yourself. Download UPDF on your iPhone for a faster PDF reading and more!