How to Share PDFs From iPhone to Samsung Devices

by

Sharing files between different mobile platforms can sometimes feel tricky, especially when moving documents like PDFs from an iPhone (iOS) to a Samsung (Android) device. Unlike Apple’s AirDrop, which works seamlessly across iPhones, transferring PDFs to Android requires a few extra steps.

This guide covers all the reliable methods to share PDFs from iPhone to Samsung, from cloud solutions to direct transfers, while maintaining file quality and security.

1. Using Email for Quick PDF Sharing

Email remains one of the simplest ways to share PDFs across platforms.

Steps

  1. Open the Mail app on your iPhone.
  2. Compose a new email → attach the PDF file.
  3. Send it to your own email or the recipient’s email.
  4. On the Samsung device, open the email and download the PDF.

✅ Pros:

  • Works without additional apps.
  • Maintains original PDF quality.

❌ Cons:

  • File size limits (typically 25MB for most email providers).
  • Slower for multiple or large PDFs.

2. Using Cloud Storage Services

Cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive provide cross-platform access for PDFs.

Google Drive (Recommended for iPhone → Samsung)

  1. Install Google Drive on your iPhone.
  2. Upload the PDF to Google Drive.
  3. Tap the file → Share → enter the recipient’s email or generate a shareable link.
  4. On the Samsung device, open Google Drive or paste the link in a browser to download.

Dropbox or OneDrive

  • Upload PDF from iPhone → Share link with Samsung user.
  • Both platforms preserve formatting and quality.

✅ Pros:

  • Supports large files.
  • Automatic syncing across devices.

❌ Cons:

  • Requires internet/Wi-Fi.
  • Free storage is limited.

3. Using Messaging Apps With File Support

Apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or Gmail allow direct PDF transfers.

Steps (WhatsApp example)

  1. Open WhatsApp on iPhone → Open chat with recipient.
  2. Tap Attach > Document → select the PDF.
  3. Send the file.
  4. On Samsung, open WhatsApp → download the PDF.

✅ Pros:

  • Instant delivery over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
  • Works cross-platform.

❌ Cons:

  • File size limits (WhatsApp: 100MB for documents).
  • Some apps may compress files, reducing quality.

4. Using Cross-Platform File Transfer Apps

For direct device-to-device PDF transfer, apps like Send Anywhere, SHAREit, or Xender are excellent options.

Send Anywhere Example

  1. Install Send Anywhere on both devices.
  2. On iPhone, open the app → select PDF → tap Send.
  3. A 6-digit key or QR code appears.
  4. On Samsung, open Send Anywhere → tap Receive → enter the code or scan the QR.
  5. Transfer occurs over Wi-Fi Direct, fast and without internet.

✅ Pros:

  • Large files transferred quickly.
  • No compression; preserves PDF integrity.

❌ Cons:

  • Both devices need the app installed.

5. Using Cloud Collaboration Tools

If PDFs are for work or collaborative projects:

  • Google Docs / Google Drive: Upload PDFs → share with team members via email or link.
  • Microsoft OneDrive / Office 365: Share PDFs directly with permission controls.

✅ Pros:

  • Ideal for team collaboration.
  • Provides permissions and version control.

❌ Cons:

  • Requires cloud accounts and stable internet connection.

6. Tips for Secure PDF Sharing

  • Encrypt sensitive PDFs with a password before sharing.
  • Use apps with end-to-end encryption (Signal, ProtonDrive) for private files.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi unless using a VPN to prevent interception.
  • Delete shared PDFs from temporary apps or cloud links once they’re no longer needed.

7. Summary of Methods

Method Pros Cons Best For
Email Simple, no extra apps File size limits Quick, small PDFs
Google Drive / Dropbox Cross-platform, large files Needs internet Large PDFs, multiple files
Messaging Apps (WhatsApp) Instant, convenient Compression, file size limits Quick sharing, casual
Send Anywhere / SHAREit Fast, no internet, no compression Requires app installation Large files, offline
Cloud Collaboration Tools Team access, permission control Needs cloud account & internet Work/Projects

Final Thoughts

Sharing PDFs from iPhone to Samsung is straightforward once you know the right tools:

  • For casual or small files → Email or messaging apps.
  • For large files → Google Drive or cross-platform apps like Send Anywhere.
  • For collaborative work → Cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive.

By choosing the right method, you can transfer PDFs quickly, securely, and without losing quality across iOS and Android devices.

Also Read : 

  1. Avoid These Mistakes When Sharing Data Between Devices
  2. How to Share Contacts Between iOS and Android Devices
  3. Google Drive vs iCloud: Which Cloud Works Better Across Devices?

Leave a Comment