- Published on
How to Sign Documents on iPhone (Without Downloading Any App)
- Authors
- Name
- Ayush Garg
- @01ayushgarg
You don't need fancy software or a desktop to sign documents anymore. If you're holding an iPhone, you're already equipped.
Let's walk through the easiest way to sign documents using only built-in iOS tools - no subscriptions, no downloads.
And if you ever need to send a document for someone else to sign, SignWith makes it just as effortless.
Use iPhone's Markup Tool to Sign Documents (Built-In, Free)
iPhones have a hidden gem called Markup built right into the system. Here's how to use it to sign a PDF:
If you received the document over email (Mail app):
- Open the email with the attached document.
- Tap the PDF to preview it.
- Hit the Markup icon (pen tip in a circle).
- Tap +, then choose Signature.
- Draw your signature (you can save it for future use).
- Place and resize it anywhere on the doc.
- Tap Done, then Reply with Attachment.
If the file is saved on your phone (Files app):
- Open the Files app and find the PDF.
- Long-press it → tap Markup.
- Add your signature the same way as above.
- Save it or share directly from the Files app.
Here's a demo of how it works:
| Works Great For | Not Great For |
|---|---|
| Quick self-signing | Sending documents to others for signature |
| Personal use | Tracking who signed what |
| Basic needs | Business/legal workflows |
What If You Need Others to Sign It Too?
Markup is great when it's just you. But what if you need someone else—a client, vendor, or partner—to sign?
That's where tools like SignWith come in.
Send a Document for Signature Using SignWith
If you're dealing with NDAs, invoices, or agreements that others need to sign - SignWith gives you a fast, no-friction option.
Here's how it works:
- Go to SignWith.co on your iPhone (no app needed).
- Upload your PDF or document.
- Add signature fields and recipient info.
- Send it - your recipient gets an email to sign instantly. They won't have to sign up or download any app.
Why SignWith is great:
- No subscriptions, it even gives you 3 free signatures per month
- If you need to sign more documents, you just pay per document. For as low as ~$0.5/document
- Works seamlessly on mobile and desktop
- Legally binding, audit-ready, and secure
Whether you're closing deals or onboarding freelancers, it's built for small teams, founders, and professionals who don't sign 20+ documents a day - but still need to get things done.
Other Tools That Let You Request Signatures
If you sign a lot of documents every week and want integrations, templates, or team dashboards, you might consider:
- DocuSign (starts at ~$15/month)
- Adobe Acrobat Sign (starts at ~$13/month)
- HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign)
Each comes with its ecosystem, but most require a monthly commitment.
iPhone Signing Methods Comparison
| Method | Cost | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone Markup | Free | Self-signing, personal use | No audit trail, can't send to others |
| SignWith | 3 free/month, then ~$0.5/doc | Sending to others, business use | Requires internet connection |
| DocuSign App | $15+/month | High-volume signing | Expensive, complex |
| Adobe Sign | $13+/month | Adobe ecosystem users | Subscription required |
TL;DR
If you just want to sign something yourself, use Markup on your iPhone.
If you need someone else to sign, try SignWith for a simple, no-login-required solution.
And if you're running a high-volume signature workflow, go explore the big platforms.
No matter which route you take, your iPhone's already halfway there. You just need to choose what kind of signing flow fits your needs.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I sign a PDF on my iPhone without downloading an app? | Yes. iPhones come with a built-in Markup tool that lets you open, annotate, and sign PDFs directly from the Mail or Files app. No need to download anything - just tap, sign, and send. |
| Is signing a document on iPhone legally binding? | In most cases, yes. Electronic signatures created through iPhone tools like Markup or eSignature platforms (e.g. SignWith) are legally valid under laws like the ESIGN Act and UETA, as long as both parties consent and the document's integrity is maintained. |
| How do I create and save a signature on iPhone? | Open any PDF in the Mail or Files app, tap the Markup icon, and select + > Add Signature. You can draw your signature using your finger. Once saved, it will be available for reuse on future documents. |
| Can I send a document from my iPhone for someone else to sign? | If you need someone else to sign, use a tool like SignWith - a simple pay-per-document e-signature tool that works directly in your mobile browser. |
| What's the difference between SignWith and apps like DocuSign or Adobe Sign? | Most popular apps like DocuSign and Adobe are super bloated with unnecessary features and require hefty monthly subscriptions, even if you only send a few documents. SignWith is simpler: a simple, no-subscription, e-signature tool. Just upload your file, add fields, and send. |
Ready to sign documents on your iPhone? Try SignWith.co - it's free, works on mobile, and doesn't require any app downloads.