How to Sign a Document on Mobile
Step by Step guide
In the digital age, it is becoming increasingly common for people to need to sign documents from anywhere, anytime. It is no longer necessary to print a file, sign it manually and then scan it to send it back. Today, thanks to mobile technology, you can sign a document directly from your smartphone in a matter of minutes.
In this article, we’ll explain how you can sign documents on your cell phone quickly and easily, whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone. We will also explore the advantages of signing documents digitally, the most popular applications for doing so, and how you can make sure your digital signature is legal and secure.
1. Advantages of Signing Documents on the Mobile Phone
Before delving into the “how to”, it is important to understand why more and more people prefer to sign documents from their cell phones. Here are some of the main advantages:
1.1. Speed and Convenience
Signing a document on your mobile is incredibly fast and convenient. You don’t need to be in front of a computer or printer, which is perfect for situations when you are traveling or working remotely. Plus, you can handle urgent documents in a matter of minutes, no matter where you are.
1.2. Saving paper
Signing documents digitally also helps the environment. By reducing the need to print and scan documents, you save paper and contribute to a more sustainable work environment.
1.3. Security
Although it may seem otherwise, signing digitally can be even more secure than signing on paper. Digital signatures are stored securely and can be encrypted, making it difficult to forge or alter them.
1.4. Storage and Organization
Applications that allow you to sign documents on your cell phone also offer the possibility of storing all your files in the cloud. This makes it easier for you to access your documents at any time and from any device, avoiding the loss of important papers.
2. Mobile Document Signing Apps
Signing a document on your mobile is very easy thanks to specialized applications. There are several tools that allow you to add your digital signature to any file in PDF, Word or other formats. Here are some of the most popular applications and how they work:
2.1. Adobe Acrobat Reader
One of the most popular apps for signing PDF documents is Adobe Acrobat Reader, available for both Android and iOS. Besides being a widely used PDF reader, this app allows you to digitally sign any document. To do so:
- Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Tap the pen icon to open the signature tool.
- Select “Fill & Sign”.
- Draw your signature using your finger or a stylus.
- Place the signature in the correct place in the document and save the file.
2.2. DocuSign
DocuSign is one of the leading applications for electronic signatures worldwide. It is specifically designed to sign, send and manage electronic documents legally. Its interface is very intuitive and works on both Android and iPhone devices. To sign a document with DocuSign:
- Open the app and load the document you need to sign.
- Select the “Signature” option to create your digital signature.
- Use your finger to draw your signature or select a pre-designed one.
- Place the signature on the document and, if necessary, add the date or other data.
- Save the signed document and send it directly from the application.
2.3. SignEasy
SignEasy is another popular application that allows you to sign documents from your cell phone. It is known for its ease of use and offers integration with cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive. To sign with SignEasy:
- Open the app and upload the document from your mobile or cloud.
- Select “Add signature” and draw your signature on the screen.
- Adjust the signature to the correct place in the document.
- Save and share the document directly from the application.
2.4. PandaDoc
PandaDoc is a business-oriented application that allows you to sign and send documents securely and efficiently. Although it is mainly used for contract management, it is also an excellent choice for any document that requires an electronic signature:
- Upload your document into the application.
- Use the signature option to draw your digital signature or use a pre-designed one.
- Place the signature on the document and adjust its size.
- Send the signed document through the application or save it to your cell phone.
3. How to Sign a PDF Document without Downloading Applications
If you prefer not to download an app, you can also sign documents directly from your mobile browser. Some online tools allow you to upload and sign documents without downloading additional software.
3.1. Smallpdf
Smallpdf is an online tool that allows you to sign PDF documents for free. You can access Smallpdf from your mobile browser by following these steps:
- Access the Smallpdf website from your browser.
- Upload the PDF document you need to sign.
- Select the “Signature” option and draw your signature directly on the screen.
- Place the signature in the corresponding place and download the signed file.
3.2. PDFfiller
Another online option is PDFfiller, a platform that allows you to edit and sign documents without downloading apps. It works on both Android and iOS devices, and its interface is very intuitive. To sign a document:
- Upload the document to the PDFfiller website.
- Choose the “Signature” option and draw your signature on the mobile screen.
- Place the signature where appropriate and save the file.
4. Is it legal to sign a document on a cell phone?
Yes, signing a document on your cell phone is completely legal, as long as you use an electronic signature that complies with the legal requirements of your country. In the European Union, electronic signatures are regulated by the eIDAS Regulation (Electronic Identification and Trust Services Regulation), which recognizes advanced and qualified electronic signatures as legally binding.
Qualified electronic signatures, such as those offered by DocuSign or Adobe Sign, provide an additional layer of security, as they require identity verification through an accredited process. However, most digital signatures created with applications such as Adobe Acrobat or Smallpdf are also legally recognized in most cases, especially if both parties agree to use them.
5. Tips for Securely Signing Documents on the Mobile Phone
While the digital signature is an extremely useful tool, it is important to follow some security precautions to protect your personal information and ensure that the signature is valid.
5.1. Use Trusted Applications
Make sure you use reliable and reputable applications, such as those mentioned in this article. This will ensure that your digital signature is secure and that your documents are not altered or stolen.
5.2. Verify the Authenticity of the Document
Before signing any document on your mobile, make sure it comes from a trusted source. Verify that the signature request is legitimate and not a fraud or phishing attempt.
5.3. Use Identity Verification
Some applications, such as DocuSign, offer the option of additional identity verification. This adds a layer of security and confirms that only authorized persons can sign or access the document.
5.4. Store Documents in the Cloud
For added security and organization, it is advisable to store your signed documents in the cloud. Services such as Google Drive or Dropbox allow you to access your files at any time and from any device, which prevents the loss of important documents.
6. What to do if you need multiple signatures?
If you need multiple people to sign the same document, most mobile signature apps allow you to add multiple electronic signatures. You can send the document to each recipient to be digitally signed, and then save the final file with all the collected signatures. This is particularly useful in remote work situations or when the people involved are in different locations.
Conclusion
Signing documents on mobile is a practical, fast and secure way to manage paperwork and contracts at any time and from anywhere. By using the right applications and following some security tips, you can simplify this process and protect your personal information. The digital signature is especially useful for expatriates and people who work remotely, as it eliminates the need to be physically present to complete important documents.