4 Best Ways to Send PDF from iPhone to Android

Apple’s Airdrop works like a charm for transferring files between Apple devices. But sharing files from an iOS to Android can be tricky. As an iPhone user, a person usually sends a PDF file to other Apple users via iMessage. But when you try to do the same thing with an Android user, it doesn’t work. You must be wondering how to share PDF files from iPhone to Android. Here are 4 different ways to do it.

The following methods will work for all occasions whether the Android user is near or far. Some apps may be installed on your phone, others you will need to download. If downloading an app is not a good idea, we also have an alternative option.

Let us show you four different ways to send PDFs from iPhone to Android phones or tablets.

1. Using Chat Apps

Most popular instant messaging apps running on all platforms support file sharing. You can use them to transfer PDF from iPhone to Android. Some of the chat apps that can be used are WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack etc.

Now let’s see how to use these apps.

How to Send PDF Files from WhatsApp

Stage 1: Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone.

Step 2: Open the person you want to share the file with. Tap the add (+) icon in the lower left corner. Select Document from the list.

Stage 3: Browse to the folder containing your PDF using the Browse option. Tap the PDF file to select it.

Step 4: You will be shown a preview of the PDF file. Tap on Send.

Fly: If you have accidentally sent a wrong file, you can unsend it on WhatsApp.

How to Send PDF Files from Telegram

Stage 1: Launch the Telegram app and open the contact.

Step 2: Tap the attachment icon at the bottom. Choose File from the menu.

Stage 3: Select iCloud Drive. Navigate to the PDF file and tap on it to send.

Pro Tip: Find out how Telegram differs from Discord and which one to use.

2. Use Web Based File Sharing Tools

You can also use web-based sharing tools like Snapdrop and Sharedrop to transfer PDFs from iPhone to Android. They are similar to Apple’s Airdrop but work across platforms using any browser. From your iPhone, tap your Android phone’s avatar or name and select Browse from the menu.

Open ShareDrop

Open Snapdrop

Let’s check out the steps to transfer PDF files using ShareDrop.

Stage 1: Open the ShareDrop website on your iPhone and Android device from any browser.

Step 2: You will see the names of people connected to the same Wi-Fi network. From your iPhone, tap your Android phone’s avatar or name and select Browse from the menu.

Stage 3: Find the PDF you want to send and tap on it. Both the sender and receiver will be asked to confirm whether they want to send and receive. Accept the confirmation and your PDF will be sent to your Android phone.

Note: Tap on the add (+) icon at the top, in case sending PDF files directly by tapping on the avatar doesn’t work. Scan the QR code from your Android phone and then send the PDF from iPhone to Android.

3. Use Cloud Storage Services

Google Drive, Dropbox etc. cloud storage services such as can also come in handy for sending PDFs from your iPhone to Android. You have to upload your PDF to cloud service and then share a link with Android user. Alternatively, if you are sharing personal devices, you can log into your account on the same service on your Android phone. Your PDF will magically appear. You can use it directly or download it to your phone.

Here’s how to do the whole procedure via Google Drive.

Stage 1: Launch Google Drive on your iPhone.

Step 2: Tap the add (+) icon at the bottom. Select Install and then Browse.

Stage 3: Navigate to the folder containing your PDF and tap it to upload it to Google Drive.

Step 4: Once added to Google Drive, tap the three-dot icon next to the PDF file in Drive and select Copy Link. Paste the link and send it to the Android user.

Note: Before sharing files, learn about Google Drive sharing permissions. And what happens when you send a Google Drive link.

4. Use Ebook Reader Apps

If you want to share an e-book in PDF format with your Android phone, you can get help from cross-platform E-book reader apps. For example, Google Play Books, Kindle app and even Adobe Acrobat reader will help. Upload the PDF from iPhone to your Ebook reader app and open the same app on Android. Then download the PDF file.

Let’s see how to use Adobe Reader to transfer PDF from an iOS device to Android.

Stage 1: Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Go to the PDF file. Tap and hold the file. Select Share from the menu.

Stage 3: Choose Import To Acrobat from the Sharing menu.

Step 4: Once successfully added, open Acrobat Reader on your Android phone. Sign in with the account you use on your iOS device.

In Acrobat Reader, tap the three-dot icon next to the PDF file and select Save a copy.

Fly: Did you know that you can use the Apple Books app to save and bookmark PDFs on your iPhone and iPad?

let’s transfer

These are the methods I use to transfer PDF from iPhone to Android. We may have overlooked your personal favorite method. Let us know in the comments below. Also, check out various ways to transfer videos between Android and iPhone.

Next: Confused about which note-taking app to use on your iOS device? Check out the comparison between Apple Notes and Google Keep in the next link.