How to Sign a PDF on iPhone (The Easy Way)
You need to sign a PDF on your iPhone. You could download an app, figure out how it works, and deal with limited features in the free version. Or you could just use your web browser.
The easiest way to sign PDFs on your iPhone is using BlueNotary.us—no app download required, works right in Safari or Chrome, and free accounts are available.
Here’s how to sign PDFs on your iPhone the easy way, plus alternative methods if you prefer using apps.
Why Sign PDFs on Your iPhone?
Convenience – Sign documents wherever you are, whenever you need to. No computer required.
Speed – Takes 2-3 minutes instead of printing, signing, scanning, and emailing.
No waste – Skip the printer entirely. Better for the environment and your wallet.
Professional – Digital signatures look clean and are legally binding in most situations.
Always available – Your iPhone is always with you. Sign urgent documents immediately instead of waiting until you’re back at your desk.
The Easiest Method: BlueNotary (No App Required)
BlueNotary.us works directly in your iPhone’s web browser. No app to download, no account required for basic signing (though free accounts are available).
How to Sign a PDF with BlueNotary
Step 1: Open Safari or Chrome on your iPhone
Navigate to BlueNotary.us
Step 2: Upload your PDF
Tap “Upload Document” or drag your PDF from Files, email, or cloud storage.
Step 3: Add your signature
- Tap where you want to sign
- Draw your signature with your finger on the screen
- Or type your name and choose a signature style
- Or upload an image of your existing signature
Step 4: Position and resize
Drag your signature to the exact spot needed. Pinch to resize if it’s too big or small.
Step 5: Add date, initials, or text (if needed)
BlueNotary lets you add:
- Today’s date
- Your initials
- Text fields for additional information
Step 6: Download your signed PDF
Tap “Download” or “Done” to save the signed document to your iPhone.
Step 7: Share it
Send via email directly from the download screen.
Why BlueNotary Works Better Than Apps
No download required – Works instantly in any mobile browser
Free accounts available – Sign documents without paying for premium features
Clean interface – Simple and uncluttered, designed for quick signing
Multiple signature options – Draw, type, or upload your signature
Send to others for signatures – Need multiple people to sign? Send the document to others and collect signatures electronically without printing or emailing back and forth
Works like DocuSign – Same professional features, but easier to access
Live chat support – Stuck? Just tap the chat icon and get help from real people immediately. Support is available throughout the signing process.
No storage issues – App-free means no taking up space on your iPhone
Always updated – Web-based means you’re always using the latest version
When BlueNotary Requires an Account
For basic signing, no account needed. Just upload, sign, and download.
For notarization (when you need a notary public to witness your signature), you’ll need a free BlueNotary account. This is useful for:
- Real estate documents
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits
- Legal contracts
- Any document requiring official notarization
The notarization process happens via video call with a licensed notary—still no app required, all done through your browser.
Alternative Method 1: Apple’s Built-in Markup Tool
If you prefer not using a web service, iPhones have a built-in signing feature in the Files app.
Requirements
- iPhone running iOS 13 or later
- Files app (pre-installed on all iPhones)
How to Sign with Apple Markup
Step 1: Save the PDF to Files
If the PDF is in email, tap and hold the attachment, then choose “Save to Files.”
Step 2: Open the PDF in Files app
Navigate to where you saved it and tap to open.
Step 3: Tap the Markup icon
Look for the pen/pencil icon in the upper right corner.
Step 4: Tap the “+” button
It’s at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5: Select “Signature”
Choose “Signature” from the menu.
Step 6: Create your signature
- If this is your first time, draw your signature with your finger
- iPhone saves this signature for future use
- You can create multiple signatures if needed
Step 7: Place your signature
Drag it to the right spot on the document. Pinch to resize if needed.
Step 8: Tap “Done”
Your signed PDF is automatically saved.
Limitations of Apple’s Markup Tool
Basic features only – Can’t add dates automatically, limited text options
Saved locally – Harder to share immediately compared to web-based solutions
No cloud sync – Your signature doesn’t sync across devices automatically
Learning curve – Finding the right menus takes practice
No support – If you get stuck, you’re on your own
Alternative Method 2: Third-Party Apps
Several apps specialize in PDF signing, though most require downloading and often have paid features.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Cost: Free with limited features; subscription for full features ($10-15/month)
How to use:
- Download Adobe Acrobat Reader from App Store
- Open your PDF in the app
- Tap the pencil icon
- Select “Fill & Sign”
- Tap “Create Signature”
- Draw or type your signature
- Place it on the document
- Save and share
Pros: Professional features, widely recognized
Cons: Requires app download, many features locked behind paywall, can be slow
DocuSign
Cost: Free for 3 documents/month, then $10+/month
How to use:
- Download DocuSign from App Store
- Create an account
- Upload your PDF
- Tap “Sign & Send”
- Create your signature
- Place it on the document
- Complete and send
Pros: Legally binding signatures, tracking features
Cons: Limited free tier, requires account, app storage space
Why These Apps Are Less Convenient
Storage space – Each app takes 100-300 MB on your iPhone
Account requirements – Most require creating accounts
Paywalls – Free versions are limited; full features cost $10-15/month
Updates – Require periodic updates that slow you down
Slower – Opening an app takes longer than opening a website
Comparison: BlueNotary vs Apps vs Apple Markup
| Feature | BlueNotary | Apple Markup | Adobe/DocuSign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free | Free limited / $10+/mo |
| App required | No | No | Yes |
| Account needed | No (basic use) | No | Yes |
| Support available | Yes (live chat) | No | Email only |
| Add dates | Yes | No | Yes |
| Add text | Yes | No | Yes |
| Send to others for signatures | Yes | No | Yes |
| Notarization | Yes | No | Limited |
| Storage used | 0 MB | 0 MB | 100-300 MB |
| Learning curve | Easy | Medium | Medium-Hard |
Tips for Signing PDFs on iPhone
Use Your Finger for Natural Signatures
Drawing with your finger creates more natural-looking signatures than typing. Take your time—you can redo it if the first attempt looks messy.
Save Your Signature
Whether using BlueNotary, Apple Markup, or an app, save your signature once you create one you like. This saves time on future documents.
Check Placement Before Finalizing
Make sure your signature is:
- In the right location (signature line, not in the middle of text)
- The right size (not too big or too small)
- Clearly visible (good contrast with background)
Verify the PDF Isn’t Protected
Some PDFs are locked and can’t be edited. If you can’t sign it, the document is probably password-protected. Contact whoever sent it for an unlocked version.
Keep Important Signed Documents
After signing, save important documents to:
- iCloud Drive
- Google Drive
- Email them to yourself
- Another secure backup location
Don’t rely on keeping them only in the signing app or service.
When You Need More Than a Signature: Notarization
Sometimes a regular electronic signature isn’t enough. Legal documents often require notarization—an official witness to your signature by a licensed notary public.
Documents that typically need notarization:
- Powers of attorney
- Real estate deeds and mortgages
- Wills and trusts
- Affidavits
- Loan documents
- Business contracts
How to Get Documents Notarized on Your iPhone
BlueNotary.us offers full online notarization via video call:
- Create a free account
- Upload your document
- Verify your identity
- Connect with a licensed notary via video call
- Sign while the notary watches
- Receive your notarized document
Cost: $25-40 per document (much cheaper than mobile notaries at $75-150)
Availability: 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Process time: 10-15 minutes from start to finish
All done on your iPhone through your web browser—no app required. If you need help at any point, chat support is available right on the platform.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
“I Can’t Open the PDF”
Solution:
- Make sure the file isn’t corrupted (try opening it on a computer)
- Update iOS to the latest version
- Try a different browser or app
- Re-download the PDF if you got it via email
“My Signature Won’t Save”
Solution:
- Check your iPhone’s storage (Settings > General > iPhone Storage)
- Close and reopen the app or browser
- Restart your iPhone
- Make sure you tapped “Done” or “Save” before exiting
“The PDF Says It Can’t Be Modified”
Solution:
- The PDF is password-protected or locked
- Ask the sender for an unlocked version
- Some platforms like BlueNotary can handle certain protected PDFs
“My Signature Looks Terrible”
Solution:
- Draw slower for better control
- Use a stylus instead of your finger
- Try the “type your name” option for cleaner results
- Zoom in on the signature area for more precision
“I Need Help Right Now”
Solution:
- If using BlueNotary, click the chat icon for immediate support
- Support staff can walk you through the process in real-time
- Available throughout the signing process
Security Considerations
Digital signatures on your iPhone are generally secure, but follow these best practices:
Use secure connections – Only sign documents over WiFi or cellular, never public WiFi without VPN
Verify the document source – Make sure you trust who sent you the document
Check what you’re signing – Read documents before signing, just like with paper
Save copies – Keep records of important signed documents
Use reputable services – Stick with established platforms like BlueNotary, Apple’s built-in tools, or major providers
Don’t share your signature file – If you save signature images, don’t email them or store them insecurely
Signing a PDF Online Final Facts
The easiest way to sign PDFs on your iPhone is using BlueNotary.us directly in your browser. No app to download, free accounts available, works exactly like DocuSign, and includes live chat support if you need help.
For basic documents, you can also use Apple’s built-in Markup tool in the Files app—it’s free and works well for simple signing.
Apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader or DocuSign work too, but they require downloads, storage space, and often paid subscriptions for full features.
Whichever method you choose, signing PDFs on your iPhone is fast, convenient, and saves you from the hassle of printing and scanning. For documents that need official notarization, BlueNotary handles that too—all on your iPhone via video call.
Start signing PDFs on your iPhone now with BlueNotary
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to sign a PDF on iPhone?
Use BlueNotary.us directly in Safari or Chrome—no app download required. Upload your PDF, draw or type your signature, and download the signed document. Free accounts available and live chat support is included if you need help during the process.
Do I need to download an app to sign PDFs on iPhone?
No. BlueNotary.us works in any mobile browser without downloading anything. Alternatively, iPhones have a built-in signing feature in the Files app (Markup tool) that also doesn’t require additional apps.
Is signing PDFs on iPhone legally binding?
Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding in most situations under the ESIGN Act and UETA. For documents requiring notarization (real estate, powers of attorney, etc.), use BlueNotary’s online notarization service.
How much does it cost to sign PDFs on iPhone?
BlueNotary.us offers free accounts for basic signing. Apple’s Markup tool is completely free. Apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader have limited free versions but charge $10-15/month for full features. Notarization through BlueNotary costs $25-40 per document.
Can I add dates and text when signing PDFs on iPhone?
Yes, with BlueNotary you can add dates, initials, and text fields in addition to signatures. Apple’s Markup tool only supports signatures and basic drawings. Most paid apps include these features.
What if I need help signing a PDF on my iPhone?
BlueNotary includes live chat support available throughout the signing process. Just tap the chat icon to connect with support staff who can walk you through any issues in real-time.
Can I get documents notarized on my iPhone?
Yes, BlueNotary offers full online notarization via video call. Upload your document, verify your identity, connect with a licensed notary through video, sign while they watch, and receive your notarized document—all done on your iPhone in 10-15 minutes.
How do I sign a password-protected PDF on iPhone?
You’ll need the password to unlock it first, or ask the sender for an unlocked version. Some services like BlueNotary can handle certain types of protected PDFs, but generally the document needs to be editable to add signatures.
Does BlueNotary work like DocuSign?
Yes, BlueNotary works exactly like DocuSign with the same professional features, but it’s easier to access (works in your browser), offers free accounts, and includes live chat support. You can upload, sign, and download documents the same way.
What iOS version do I need to sign PDFs on iPhone?
For BlueNotary (browser-based), any iPhone with iOS 12+ and a modern browser works. For Apple’s built-in Markup tool, you need iOS 13 or later. Check your version in Settings > General > About.
