How to Sign a PDF on Android (5 Free Methods)

Here's how to sign a PDF on Android: Download Adobe Fill & Sign (free) or use Google Drive's built-in tools. You can draw, type, or upload a signature image with Adobe Fill & Sign, then place it on your PDF document.

Methods Overview

---

Method 1: Adobe Fill & Sign (Recommended)

Adobe's free app is designed specifically for filling and signing documents.

Download and Setup

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search "Adobe Fill & Sign"
3. Install (free, no subscription needed)
4. Open the app

Sign a PDF

Step 1: Open your PDF

• Tap Select a file to fill in
• Choose from:
  • From PDF File (file manager)
  • From Link (URL)
  • From Email (attachments)
  • Take a Photo (scan document)

Step 2: Add signature

• Tap the Signature icon (pen in box)
• Choose Create Signature

Step 3: Create your signature Options:

• Draw: Sign with finger on screen
• Image: Use photo of your signature
• Camera: Photograph your signature

Step 4: Place signature

• Tap where you want to sign
• Drag to position
• Pinch to resize

Step 5: Save and share

• Tap the Share icon
• Choose Save to Device or share directly

Adobe Fill & Sign Tips

---

Method 2: Google Drive (No App Install)

Sign PDFs using Google Drive, which comes pre-installed on Android.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Upload PDF to Google Drive

• Open Google Drive app
• Tap + → Upload
• Select your PDF

Step 2: Open with Google Docs

• Tap the uploaded PDF
• Tap three dots menu (⋮)
• Select Open with → Google Docs

Step 3: Add signature

• Tap + (Insert)
• Select Image
• Choose your signature image

Or draw directly:

• Tap + → Drawing → New
• Draw your signature
• Tap Save and close

Step 4: Position signature

• Tap the signature image
• Drag to correct location
• Resize as needed

Step 5: Download as PDF

• Tap three dots menu
• Share and export → Save as → PDF

Limitations

---

Method 3: Microsoft Office App

The free Microsoft Office app handles PDF signing if you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Install Microsoft Office

• Download from Play Store (free)
• Sign in with Microsoft account (optional)

Step 2: Open PDF

• Open app
• Tap PDFs at bottom
• Select your PDF file

Step 3: Sign the document

• Tap Sign button
• Draw your signature
• Tap checkmark to confirm

Step 4: Place signature

• Tap where you want signature
• Resize and position

Step 5: Save

• Tap Done
• Choose save location

When to Use Microsoft Office

---

Method 4: Xodo PDF Reader & Editor

Xodo offers comprehensive PDF editing with excellent signing features.

Download and Setup

1. Install Xodo PDF Reader & Editor from Play Store
2. Open the app
3. Grant file access permissions

Sign a PDF

Step 1: Open your PDF

• Tap Browse Files
• Select your PDF

Step 2: Add signature

• Tap Annotate (pen icon) at bottom
• Scroll toolbar to find Signature
• Tap Signature

Step 3: Create signature

• Draw your signature on screen
• Tap checkmark when done
• Signature saves for reuse

Step 4: Place signature

• Tap document where you want signature
• Drag and resize

Step 5: Save

• Changes save automatically
• Or tap three dots → Save a Copy

Xodo Features

---

Method 5: DocuSign (For E-Signature Requests)

When someone sends you a document to sign via DocuSign.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Open email notification

• Find the DocuSign email
• Tap Review Document

Step 2: Review document

• Read all pages
• Check terms

Step 3: Sign

• Tap signature fields (yellow highlighted)
• Draw or type your signature
• Tap Adopt and Sign

Step 4: Complete

• Initial where required
• Add date if requested
• Tap Finish

Using DocuSign App

For better experience:

1. Download DocuSign from Play Store
2. Sign in or create free account
3. Access documents directly in app
4. Sign with saved signature

---

Creating Your Signature

First-Time Setup Tips

Saving for Reuse

Most apps save your signature:

Managing Multiple Signatures

Create different versions:

• Full formal name
• Initials only
• Stylized signature
• Quick signature

---

Adding Text and Dates

Adding Date

Most signing apps let you add text:

Adobe Fill & Sign:

1. Tap Text icon
2. Tap where you want date
3. Type the date
4. Resize if needed

Xodo:

1. Tap Text annotation
2. Place text box
3. Type date

Adding Initials

Same process as signature:

1. Create new "signature" with just initials
2. Use for initialing pages

---

Sharing Signed PDFs

Via Email

1. After signing, tap Share
2. Select Email or your email app
3. PDF attaches automatically
4. Send

Via Cloud Storage

1. Tap Share or Save
2. Choose Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
3. Upload signed document

Via Direct Share

1. Tap Share
2. Select app (WhatsApp, Messages, etc.)
3. Send directly

---

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Protected PDFs

If a PDF is password-protected:

1. Enter password when prompted
2. Some may block signing
3. Contact sender for editable version

Large Files

---

Comparison: Android Signing Apps

---

Legal Validity

Are Android Signatures Legal?

Yes. Electronic signatures created on Android are legally binding under:

• ESIGN Act (United States)
• UETA (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act)
• eIDAS (European Union)

Are e-signatures legal? →

For Important Documents

---

Security Tips

When Signing on Android

App Permissions

Only grant necessary permissions:

• Storage access (required)
• Camera (optional, for scanning)
• Contacts (optional, for sharing)

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for any signing app?

No. Adobe Fill & Sign, Xodo, and others offer free signing features. Paid tiers exist for advanced features you likely don't need.

Can I sign without downloading an app?

Yes, using Google Drive's built-in capabilities, though the experience is better with dedicated apps.

How do I add my initials?

Create a second "signature" with just your initials. Most apps let you save multiple signatures.

Can I sign on a Samsung tablet?

Yes, the same apps work on tablets. Using an S Pen provides better precision than finger signing.

Is my signature saved securely?

Signatures are stored locally on your device. Use device security (PIN, fingerprint) to protect access.

---

Conclusion

Quick recommendation:

1. Install Adobe Fill & Sign (free)
2. Create and save your signature
3. Open PDF, add signature, save
4. Share via email or cloud

Related guides:

• How to sign a PDF on iPhone →
• How to sign a PDF →
• Digitize your signature →

---

Last updated: January 29, 2026