Respond to security warnings

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn how to handle security alerts when opening PDFs in Adobe Acrobat.

Security warnings in Adobe Acrobat Pro protect your system from potentially harmful content in PDF files. These warnings appear when a PDF attempts to perform actions that could pose security risks, such as running scripts or accessing external resources. Understanding how to respond to these warnings ensures you can safely work with PDFs while maintaining effective security measures.

For trusted sources

Open the PDF.

When a security warning appears, carefully read the message.

Select the Options, Allow, or Play button in the warning dialog box. Button names may vary depending on the specific warning.

Confirm any additional prompts to fully enable the PDF features.

Note

If no options are visible, contact your IT administrator for assistance.

For untrusted sources

Open the PDF.

When a security warning appears, carefully read the message.

Select Close or Cancel to dismiss the warning.