logo
PDFelement: PDF Editor, Scanner

Edit, Convert, Annotate PDF

 OPEN
logo
PDFelement: PDF Editor, Scanner

Edit, Convert, Annotate PDF

 OPEN
Menu

iOS and Android are popular mobile operating systems with significant differences, which complicate file sharing between devices. Sending a PDF from an iPhone to an Android device can be challenging.

This article explores five methods for sending PDFs, including tools such as PDFelement Cloud and email. It also covers chat apps and cloud storage services. By the end of this guide, you’ll learn how to send PDFs from iPhone to Android. These simple techniques will help you transfer files quickly and easily. Let’s get started with these methods!

In this article
  1. How to Send PDF from iPhone to Android – Five ways
  2. Traditional Ways for Moving PDFs from iPhone to Android

Part 1. How to Send PDF from iPhone to Android – Five ways

Transferring PDFs from iPhone to Android can be tricky due to operating system differences. However, several effective methods make this process easier. Here, we explore five ways to send PDFs from iPhone to Android, including each method's pros and cons.

1. Via PDFelement Cloud

Wondershare PDFelement Cloud is a cloud storage system for your files. You can access it on desktop, Android, and iOS. That said, you can upload your PDFs from your iPhone and access them using an Android phone. All you need is the Wondershare PDFelement app, which is also available on Android and iOS.

Sending PDF from iPhone to Android Using PDFelement Cloud:

    1. Open the PDFelement app on your iPhone. Navigate to the PDF file you want to send.
opening the pdf on pdfelement ios
  • Tap the Share icon and select Copy Link. The file will be uploaded to the PDFelement Cloud.
uploading the pdf to pdfelement cloud
  • On your Android device, open the PDFelement app and sign in using the same Wondershare account.
getting the pdf from pdfelement cloud

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free
download pdfelement for ios download pdfelement for android

  • In PDFelement, go to the Cloud section and locate the PDF file you uploaded from your iPhone.
  • Tap the PDF to open it, then select the Download option to save it to your Android device.
Pros
  • PDFelement provides smooth integration between iOS and Android devices. It allows you to access your PDF files across platforms.
  • With PDFelement Cloud, there are no file size restrictions, so you can upload and share PDFs of any size.
  • If you need to edit the PDF before sending it, you can use the editing tools in PDFelement on both your iPhone and Android devices.
Cons
  • To use PDFelement Cloud, you need to have the PDFelement app installed on your iPhone and Android devices.
  • An active internet connection is necessary to upload PDFs to the cloud and download them on your Android device.

2. Via WhatsApp or Telegram

WhatsApp and Telegram are messaging apps you can use while connected to the internet. Like email services, you can type a message and attach files. You can use these apps on the Android phones and iPhones to transfer PDFs.

How To Send a PDF from iPhone to Android Using Telegram:

    1. Open WhatsApp or Telegram on your iPhone and navigate to the chat with the contact you want to send the PDF to.
    2. Tap the attachment icon, usually a paperclip symbol.
    3. Select "File" from the available options.
sending pdf using telegram
  • Locate the PDF file on your iPhone and select it.
  • Tap Send to share the PDF with your contact via the chat app.
Pros
  • Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram provide a fast and convenient way to share PDFs with your contacts.
  • These apps support transferring large PDF files compared to traditional SMS texting.
Cons
  • Both you and the recipient must have the same messaging app (WhatsApp or Telegram) installed on your devices.
  • Sending and receiving PDF files via chat requires an active internet connection.

3. Via Snapdrop

Snapdrop lets you send files to other nearby devices. Connect the iOS and Android devices to the same network. You should be able to detect the Android phone on the iOS device. That will allow you to send not just PDFs but also images, videos, and links.

How To Send PDF from iPhone to Android Using Snapdrop:

sending pdf using snapdrop
  1. Open a web browser on your iPhone and Android device and navigate to the Snapdrop website.
  2. On your iPhone, you should see the name of your Android device listed on the Snapdrop page.
  3. Tap on the name of your Android device to initiate the file transfer.
  4. In the file picker, select the PDF file you want to send and click the Open button.
  5. The PDF will be sent from your iPhone to your Android device through the local Wi-Fi network.
Pros
  • Snapdrop works directly through a web browser. So, there's no need to install any additional apps on your devices.
  • It provides a quick and easy way to share files, including PDFs, between devices connected to the same local Wi-Fi network.
Cons
  • iPhone and Android devices must be connected to the same wireless network for Snapdrop to work.
  • Snapdrop is limited to file types supported by the web interface, which may not include all PDF formats.

4. Via Cloud Storage Service (Google Drive/Dropbox)

As mentioned above, using cloud storage services provides you with an easy way to transfer files from one device to another. Besides PDFelement Cloud, your best options are Google Drive and Dropbox. These systems are secure, easy to use, and free.

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free
download pdfelement for ios download pdfelement for android

How To Send a PDF from iPhone to Android Using Google Drive:

otg flash drive
  1. Open Google Drive on your iPhone. Upload the PDF, then navigate to the location where your PDF file is stored.
  2. Tap three dots to open the PDF file, then tap Share > Share. Edit the General Access settings and click the Copy link option.
  3. Send the link to the recipient's email or messaging app.
  4. The recipient can open the link to access and download the PDF file on their Android device.
Pros
  • Cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox provide easy access to your files from any device with an internet connection.
  • Sharing PDFs via cloud links allows you to collaborate with multiple users. It also keeps everyone updated with the latest version of the document.
Cons
  • Uploading PDFs to the cloud and downloading them on your Android device requires an active internet connection.
  • Storage limits may apply depending on your cloud service plan. It could restrict the size or number of PDFs you can store and share.

5. Via Email

Sending the PDF via email is always an option. It does not matter what email service you are using on the iOS and Android device. If you know the recipient’s email address, you will be able to send it. However, please note that there is a file size limit. Thus, you may need to compress the PDF first before sending it via email.

How To Send a PDF to an Android Device via Email:

sending pdf via mail
  1. Open the Files app on your iPhone to locate the PDF you want to transfer.
  2. Find the PDF file in your iPhone's storage.
  3. Tap the Share icon (square with upward arrow) at the bottom left of the screen.
  4. From the share options, select Mail to compose a new email message.
  5. In the email composer, enter the recipient's email address.
  6. Review the subject and message if desired, then tap Send to deliver the email with the PDF attachment.
Pros
  • Emailing PDFs is a universal method that works with any email provider and is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
  • You don't need to install additional apps on either your iPhone or the recipient's Android device to send PDFs via email.
Cons
  • File size limits may apply depending on your email service provider, which could restrict the size of the PDF you can send.
  • Sending and receiving PDF files via email requires you and the recipient to have an active internet connection.

Part 2. Traditional Ways for Moving PDFs from iPhone to Android

While modern methods for transferring PDFs are convenient, traditional ways remain effective. These older techniques can be reliable, especially when internet access is limited. Here, we introduce two classic methods for moving PDFs from iPhone to Android: connecting to a PC and using a flash drive.

1. Connect to a PC

iphone connected to a pc
  1. Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes or Finder, depending on your operating system.
  3. Locate your iPhone and select it in the application.
  4. Navigate to the file-sharing section and find the PDF you want to transfer.
  5. Drag and drop the PDF to your computer's desktop or a designated folder.

Transfer to Android:

  1. Disconnect your iPhone and connect your Android device to the PC.
  2. Open the Android device's storage and locate the desired folder.
  3. Drag and drop the PDF from your computer to the Android device.

2. Use a Flash Drive

otg flash drive
  1. Obtain a flash drive with a Lightning connector for your iPhone.
  2. Connect the flash drive to your iPhone and open the file management app.
  3. Locate the PDF file you want to transfer and copy it to the flash drive.
  4. Safely eject the flash drive from your iPhone.

Transfer to Android:

  1. Connect the flash drive to your Android device using an OTG adapter if necessary.
  2. Open the file manager app on your Android device.
  3. Locate the flash drive and find the PDF file.
  4. Copy the PDF file to your Android device's storage.

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free
download pdfelement for ios download pdfelement for android

Conclusion

Let's wrap it up! There are many ways to transfer PDFs from iPhone to Android. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks. For a reliable solution, Wondershare PDFelement is highly recommended. It has an easy-to-use interface and robust editing features. PDFelement works well across different devices for easy sharing. This makes it a great choice for personal and professional use. Give it a try today and experience the convenience of a top-notch PDF solution!

People Also Ask

  • Can I send a PDF via text from iPhone to Android?
    No, you cannot send PDFs via text from iPhone to Android. Apple restricts sending files between different operating systems through the Messages app. While both iOS and Android support SMS/MMS, the file types and formats that can be shared are limited. PDFs are incompatible with the default text messaging functionality between the two platforms.
  • Can I send a PDF via the Messages App from my iPhone to my Android phone?
    No, the Messages app only allows sending PDFs to other iPhone users, not Android devices. Apple's proprietary messaging service, iMessage, is designed to work exclusively within the Apple ecosystem. When messaging an Android user, the Messages app reverts to standard SMS/MMS, which lacks support for file attachments like PDFs.
  • Can I send a PDF from iPhone to Android using Bluetooth?
    Bluetooth file sharing does not work for transferring PDFs between iPhone and Android devices. While both operating systems support Bluetooth connectivity, the file transfer protocols are incompatible. It is mainly used for connecting devices such as headphones, speakers, or smartwatches. However, it does not provide a reliable method for sending PDF documents from an iPhone to an Android smartphone or tablet.
Audrey Goodwin
Audrey Goodwin Sep 23, 24
Share article:
12 years of talent acquired in the software industry working with large publishers. Public speaker and author of several eBooks on technical writing and editing.

You May Also Like