How to Sign a Document on Your Phone

This is for you if… someone has sent you a form, agreement or letter and asked you to sign it, but you only have your phone with you.

I was helping someone in Newmarket who had been printing forms, signing them, taking photos and emailing them back. Their phone could do the whole job more neatly once we found the right tools.

Before you start

• Read the document before signing.
• Check who sent it and why.
• Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to.
• If it asks for money, bank details or identity documents, slow down and verify it first.

Step-by-step: sign a PDF on iPhone

1. Open the PDF or document on your iPhone.
2. If it opens in Mail, tap the attachment.
3. Look for the Markup button. It often looks like a pen tip.
4. Tap the Markup button.
5. Tap the plus button if you see one.
6. Choose Signature.
7. Use your finger to sign on the screen.
8. Tap Done.
9. Move the signature to the correct place.
10. Resize it if needed by dragging the corners.
11. Tap Done or Save.
12. Open the saved copy to check the signature appears.

Step-by-step: sign a document on Android

1. Open the document on your Android phone.
2. If it is a PDF, open it with your PDF viewer or Google Drive.
3. Look for an edit, pen, annotate or markup button.
4. Choose the drawing or signature tool.
5. Use your finger to write your signature.
6. Move it to the correct line if the app allows.
7. Save a copy.
8. Open the saved copy and check it looks right.
9. Attach the signed copy to an email or upload it where requested.

If you cannot edit the document

Some forms are locked. Ask the sender if they can send a fillable PDF, or whether a photo of a signed page is acceptable. Avoid downloading random signing apps unless you trust them.

Need help?

For ongoing help and peace of mind across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, see my membership. For one-off document help, you can book a visit.