When using Safari, Chrome, or the Mail app, your iPhone will automatically open PDF files for easy viewing. You can choose to save PDFs to your device, or you can sync it to the Apple Books app for offline viewing. If you download a PDF to your iPhone, you can easily find it in the “Downloads” folder of the Files app. You can also read the documents aloud by adjusting your Accessibility settings. This guide will show you how to open, read, and download PDF files using an iPhone.

Before you start: Ensure you have the latest iOS version installed on your iPhone.

How to open and download PDF files on an iPhone

Follow these simple steps to open, read, and save PDF files on your iPhone.

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  • Navigate to a PDF link in the Safari app. You can also use the Google Chrome app to open PDF files.
  • Tap the PDF link. PDF files open natively in the Safari app.
  • View the file. You can pinch the screen to zoom in and out.
  • To copy text, long-press the text, then drag the two circles to select it. Tap Copy, and then paste it in another app.
  • Send the PDF to Apple Books (optional). Tap the Share button at the bottom of the page.
  • Tap the Books app. If the app isn’t visible, scroll right and tap More. Select Books from the list.
  • Open Apple Books to view your PDF.

Opening PDF files in Mail

  • Open the email with the PDF file. Tap the message to view the attachment link.
  • Tap the PDF file to open it in the Mail app viewer.
  • View the file. Pinch the screen to zoom in and out.
  • To copy text, long-press the text, then drag the two circles to select the text. Tap Copy, and then paste it in another app.
  • If the PDF was created by scanning, you may not be able to highlight text.

Downloading PDFs in Safari

  • Open a PDF file in Safari. Tapping a link to a PDF will open it in the browser.
  • Tap Save to Files. Select a location, the default being the Downloads folder.
  • Tap Save to store the file on your device.
  • Open the Files app. It has a blue file icon with a white background.
  • Tap Browse in the bottom-right corner.
  • Tap On My iPhone, then tap Downloads.
  • Open your PDF by selecting it from the list of downloaded files.

Reading PDFs aloud

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Tap Accessibility.
  • Tap Spoken Content.
  • Highlight the text you want spoken and tap Speak. If you selected Speak Screen, tap the speech controller and then tap Play to read the PDF.
  • If you don’t see the Speak option, save the PDF to your iPhone, then open it from the Files app.

Pro tip: To enhance your reading experience, explore different PDF reader apps available on the App Store for additional features.

Using these methods, you can seamlessly manage your PDF files on your iPhone. The convenience of accessing PDF documents anytime is especially beneficial for on-the-go users. Knowing how to utilize your device effectively will enhance your productivity and ensure that crucial documents are always at your fingertips. Whether for work or leisure, mastering these functions can significantly simplify your digital life.