The Ultimate Guide to Signing Documents on Your Android and iPhone

In today's digital world, the need to sign important documents such as contracts, agreements, and forms while on the go has become increasingly common. Fortunately, with the advancements in technology, signing documents on your Android or iPhone has never been easier. There are a variety of apps and methods available that allow you to digitally sign documents directly from your mobile device. In this guide, we will explore the best ways to sign documents on your Android and iPhone, making the process efficient and hassle-free.

Using Built-in Features

Both Android and iPhone devices come with built-in features that allow you to sign PDF documents. Here's how to do it on both platforms:

Android Devices

Open the PDF: Locate the PDF document you need to sign using the file manager or email app on your Android device.
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader: If you haven't already installed the Adobe Acrobat Reader app, download and install it from the Google Play Store. Open the app and locate the PDF you want to sign.
Add Signature: Tap on the pen icon at the bottom of the screen, then select "Fill & Sign." Tap on the signature icon and choose "Create Signature." You can then sign with your finger, stylus, or select an existing image of your signature.
Save and Share: Once you've added your signature, save the document and share it via email, messaging apps, or cloud storage.

iPhone Devices

Open the PDF: Find the PDF document on your iPhone, either in the Files app or through an email attachment.
Use Markup Tool: Tap on the PDF to open it, then tap on the Markup icon (a pen tip inside a circle) at the top right corner of the screen.
Add Signature: Tap on the "+" icon and select "Signature" to add your signature. You can sign with your finger, Apple Pencil, or import a pre-made signature image.
Save and Share: After adding your signature, save the document and share it using the options available on your iPhone.

Using Third-Party Apps

If you're looking for more advanced features and a seamless document signing experience, third-party apps offer a wider range of options and integrations. Here are some popular apps for signing documents on both Android and iPhone:

Adobe Fill & Sign (Android and iPhone)

Adobe Fill & Sign is a versatile app that allows you to electronically fill, sign, and send any form or document. It also provides additional features such as saving your signature for future use and securely storing your documents. Here's how to use Adobe Fill & Sign:

Open the App: Download and install Adobe Fill & Sign from the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iPhone.
Import the Document: Open the app and import the document you need to sign from your device's storage or cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud.
Add Signature: Tap on the signature icon and select "Create Signature." You can then sign using your finger, stylus, or import a pre-made signature image.
Fill and Sign: Use the app's tools to fill out any necessary form fields, then add your signature in the appropriate location.
Save and Share: After signing the document, save it and share it using the app's built-in sharing options.

DocuSign (Android and iPhone)

DocuSign is a leading electronic signature app that offers a robust set of features for signing, sending, and managing documents. It is widely used in business settings and provides seamless integration with popular cloud storage services. Here's how to use DocuSign:

Install the App: Download and install the DocuSign app from the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iPhone.
Import the Document: Open the app and import the document you need to sign from your device's storage or cloud storage services.
Sign the Document: Use the app's tools to add your signature, initials, date, and other required fields to the document.
Send for Signature: Once the document is signed, you can send it to others for their signatures or approval directly from the app.
Save and Share: After completing the signing process, save the document and share it using the app's sharing options.

Cloud Storage Integration

In addition to the dedicated signing apps mentioned above, many popular cloud storage services offer built-in document signing capabilities. Here's how you can sign documents using two of the most widely used cloud storage platforms:

Google Drive (Android and iPhone)

Google Drive allows you to open and edit PDF documents using the built-in PDF viewer and Google's productivity tools. Here's how to sign a document using Google Drive:

Open the PDF: Locate the PDF document you need to sign in Google Drive.
Use Google's Tools: Select the PDF and tap on the "Open with" option, then choose "Google PDF Viewer" or "Google Docs."
Add Signature: Once the PDF is open, use the "Draw" tool to add your signature directly onto the document.
Save and Share: After adding your signature, save the document and share it using the built-in Google Drive sharing options.

iCloud (iPhone)

If you are using an iPhone, you can use iCloud's built-in document signing features to sign PDFs directly from the Files app. Here's how to do it:

Open the PDF: Locate the PDF document you need to sign in the Files app on your iPhone.
Use Markup: Tap on the PDF to open it, then tap on the Markup icon (a pen tip inside a circle) at the top right corner of the screen.
Add Signature: Tap on the "+" icon and select "Signature" to add your signature using your finger, Apple Pencil, or an imported signature image.
Save and Share: Once the document is signed, save it and share it using the options available in the Files app.

Conclusion

Signing documents on your Android or iPhone has never been easier, thanks to the variety of built-in features, third-party apps, and cloud storage integrations available. Whether you prefer using the native tools provided by your device, opting for dedicated signing apps, or utilizing cloud storage platforms, there is a solution to fit your specific needs.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can streamline the document signing process and eliminate the need for traditional paper-based signatures. Embracing digital signatures not only saves time and resources but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly approach to document management. With the convenience and security offered by these digital signing methods, you can confidently sign important documents while on the go, directly from your Android or iPhone device.