Skip to main content

How to Fix PDF Import Issues on the iOS App

Having trouble importing a PDF? Here are common causes and quick fixes:

Written by Fransiska Gunawan


Importing PDF files, especially large ones, requires a good, strong, and stable internet connection.

During the import process, you must not minimize/close the iOS Speechify application, end the session, or switch to other applications; otherwise, the process will be interrupted/not completed, and the file will not be fully loaded (the processing state will remain forever). It's best to wait for the whole import process to complete - the app will read the file automatically after the import.

Here are common issues and quick tips on how to fix them:

  • Large file size - Big PDFs can cause issues. Try compressing the file or splitting it into smaller parts.

  • PDF is not selectable - If you can’t highlight or copy the text, it means the PDF is just an image. Use an OCR tool (Optical Character Recognition) to convert it into readable text.​

  • Unstable internet - A weak or unstable internet connection, especially when importing from Google Drive or Dropbox, can cause the process to hang. Try switching networks.

  • App issue - Try to troubleshoot by uninstalling the application, restarting the device, reinstalling the app, and restarting the app twice to clear any internal errors. Then, you can try to reimport the file again.

  • Corrupt or unusual format - Open the PDF and re-save it using “Print to PDF” to generate a fresh file.

  • Network connection issue - Enable a VPN and/or disable any ad blockers or similar tools before trying to import the file again.

  • Outdated version - Make sure you’re using the latest version of Speechify from the App Store.

If the problem persists, please drop us a message via email at [email protected] for further assistance.


Did this answer your question?