badloHow to Fix a PDF That Won't Open
Updated
An error message when you open an important PDF is worrying, but the file isn't always damaged. Work through these checks from the quickest to the most involved.
Step 1: check the basics
- Look at the file size. A file of 0 KB, or one much smaller than expected, didn't download properly.
- Download it again, ideally on a stable connection.
- Open it in another app, such as your web browser.
- On a phone, save the file first rather than opening it from the chat app.
Step 2: is it really a PDF?
Some files are renamed to .pdf without actually being one, and some downloads turn out to be error pages. If a PDF asks for a password, it isn't damaged, and Unlock PDF can help if you know it.
Step 3: try a repair
Upload the file to Repair PDF. It rebuilds the file's internal structure and saves every page it can read. This often fixes files whose index was damaged, including ones from interrupted transfers.
What can and can't be recovered
| Situation | Likely result |
|---|---|
| The file's index is damaged, but its content is intact | Usually fixed |
| The download stopped halfway | Only the pages that arrived |
| Part of the file was overwritten | Pages may be blank or missing |
| The file is empty | Nothing can be recovered |
If the repair doesn't work
Ask the sender for a new copy, or look for an older copy in your email, cloud storage or backups. If you made the PDF yourself, export it again from the original program. To protect important files, keep a copy in a second place.