How to Download a PDF on iPhone
Downloading a PDF on your iPhone is simple once you know where to look.
Whether it’s from an email, website, or message, your iPhone gives you easy ways to save and read PDFs offline. You can view them anytime in the Files app, Books app, or share them with others.
Below is a quick overview and a step-by-step guide to help you manage PDFs like a pro.
Ways to Save PDFs on iPhone
| Source | Best Way to Save | Where It’s Stored |
|---|---|---|
| Website (Safari) | Tap Share → Save to Files | Files app |
| Email or Gmail | Open attachment → Save to Files | On My iPhone / iCloud Drive |
| WhatsApp or Messages | Open PDF → Share → Save to Files | Downloads / Documents |
| Cloud Link (Google Drive, Dropbox)** | Download → Save to Files or Books | Files or Books app |
| Reading Mode | Add to Books | Books app (for easy reading) |
1. Open the PDF You Want to Download
Begin by launching the PDF file you want to view.You might find it in:
A Safari browser link
An email attachment (Mail or Gmail app)
A WhatsApp chat or iMessage
A cloud link such as Google Drive or Dropbox
Once you tap the link or file, the PDF opens in a preview window on your screen.
2. Tap the Share Icon
Next, tap the Share icon — a square with an arrow pointing upward.
You’ll find it at the bottom or top-right corner of your screen.
This opens the Share Sheet, showing options like:
Save to Files, Add to Books, or Share via Messages.
Why it matters: The Share Sheet is where you decide where and how your PDF will be saved for easy access later.
3. Choose “Save to Files”
From the Share options, tap Save to Files.
This saves your PDF inside the Files app, which works like your iPhone’s file folder.
You can select where to keep it:
On My iPhone → saves directly to your phone.
iCloud Drive → saves online for access from any Apple device.
After choosing a folder, tap Save in the top-right corner.
4. Find Your PDF in the Files App
Open the Files app from your home screen.
Your PDF will appear in the folder you selected earlier (like Downloads or Documents).
You can now:
Rename or move it
Share it through AirDrop, email, or social media
Tip: Use the Search bar in the Files app — just type part of the PDF’s name, and it will appear instantly.
5. (Optional) Save to Books for Easier Reading
Want to read your PDFs like eBooks? Save them in the Books app.
Here’s how:
Open the PDF again.
Tap the Share icon.
Choose Books (or “Add to Books”).
Now your PDF appears in your Books app library, where you can:
Zoom and adjust brightness
Bookmark pages for later
Bonus Tip: Save PDFs Directly from Safari
If you often open PDFs from websites:
Open the PDF in Safari.
Tap the Share icon.
Choose Save to Files or Add to Books.
Your file will instantly save to your chosen location — no extra app needed.
FAQs
Q1: Where do downloaded PDFs go on iPhone?
They’re saved in the Files app, under On My iPhone or iCloud Drive.
Q2: Can I download a PDF without internet?
No. You need to be online to open and download it. Once saved, it works offline.
Q3: How can I organize my PDFs?
Create folders in the Files app or store them neatly in the Books app.
Q4: Can I highlight or write on a PDF?
Yes. Open it in Files, tap the Markup icon, and add notes, highlights, or signatures.
Q5: Can I share a saved PDF with someone else?
Absolutely! You can AirDrop, email, or send it through any messaging app.
