To fill out an application sent by email on your phone, open the email, tap the attached PDF, and use your device's built-in tools to type into the form fields. The process differs between iPhone and Android, but both allow you to complete and return the document without a computer.
How to fill out an application sent by email on your phone: An introduction
Job applications, service forms, and other documents often arrive as email attachments, and completing them on a smartphone is a common need. The steps you take depend entirely on whether you use an iPhone or an Android phone, because the operating systems handle PDF forms differently.
For iPhone users: Fill out a PDF form in Preview
Apple provides a straightforward, documented method for filling out PDF forms on an iPhone. Apple documents this for iPhone Preview and notes that AutoFill can be used where offered. Follow these steps in order:
- Open the email that contains the application attachment.
- Tap the PDF attachment to open it.
- After tapping the PDF attachment, tap Preview in the toolbar to open it in Preview.
- Tap the Preview button in the toolbar that appears at the bottom of the screen. This opens the document in Preview, Apple's built-in PDF viewer.
- Tap any form field (a text box, checkbox, or dropdown) to select it. The onscreen keyboard will appear.
- Type your information using the keyboard. When available, use the AutoFill suggestion that appears above the keyboard to quickly insert saved contact details.
- To add a signature or a text box, tap the appropriate button in the toolbar (typically a pen icon or a plus sign).
- When the form is open, tap the form controls, enter text with the onscreen keyboard, and when finished tap the share button to send the completed document by Mail, Messages, or AirDrop.
After filling the form, return to the Mail app, reply to the original email, and attach the completed PDF from the share sheet. This is the only iPhone flow documented by Apple for this task.
For Android users: What to expect
Android does not have a single, official step-by-step method for filling out a PDF form sent by email. No current, official Android step-by-step path for filling a PDF or application sent by email is documented in the gathered sources. The exact process depends on the app you use to open the attachment. Common options include the Google Drive PDF viewer, Adobe Acrobat Reader, or another PDF editor you have installed. After opening the file, look for an icon that suggests editing, filling, or adding text, often a pencil, a pen, or a "Fill & Sign" button. No carrier-specific instructions for this task are documented in the gathered sources. Because no manufacturer or carrier has published a universal Android flow, you may need to experiment with the specific app on your device. If you frequently fill forms on Android, consider installing a dedicated PDF editor app that supports form fields.
How to add your signature
On an iPhone, after tapping the Preview button, look for the signature tool (usually a pen icon or a plus sign in the toolbar). Tap it, then choose "Add Signature." You can draw a new signature with your finger or insert one you have saved previously. On Android, the signature feature is app-specific. In apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Google Drive, open the document, tap the edit or markup icon, and select "Signature" to draw or insert a saved signature. The exact label and location vary by app.
How to return the completed application
After filling out and signing the form, you must send it back to the recipient. On an iPhone, tap the share button (the square with an upward arrow) while the document is open in Preview. Choose "Mail" from the share sheet to create a new email with the file attached, or select "Messages" or "AirDrop" if preferred. To reply to the original email, first close the document, return to the Mail app, open the sender's email, tap "Reply," then tap the attachment icon to attach the completed PDF from your files. On iPhone, return to Mail and reply with the completed file attached. On Android, use your email app's attach function: while composing a reply, tap the paperclip or attach icon, browse to the saved PDF, and select it. Ensure the file is attached before sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the application is not a PDF?
If the attachment is a Word document (.doc or .docx) or another format, you may need a compatible app such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or a third-party office suite. Open the file in that app, fill the fields, save it as a PDF or in its original format, then attach it to your reply.
Can I attach additional documents like a resume or cover letter from my phone?
Yes. Most email apps allow you to attach multiple files. After opening the reply or new message, tap the attach icon and select the additional documents from your phone's storage, cloud drive, or file manager.
How do I make sure the recipient can open my filled form?
Save and send the file in PDF format whenever possible. PDFs preserve formatting and are readable on almost any device. Avoid sending the form as a screenshot or image unless the recipient specifically requests it.
Will my phone let me fill out a form with checkboxes and dropdown menus?
On iPhone, Preview supports interactive form controls like checkboxes and dropdowns. Tap them directly to make selections. On Android, support depends on the PDF app you use; apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader handle most interactive fields correctly.
What if I need mobile check deposit help for a job application that requires banking info?
Some applications ask for bank details or require you to deposit a check later. For that separate task, look up mobile check deposit help from your bank's app or website, which typically provides step-by-step instructions for endorsing and photographing checks.
How can I confirm the form was received correctly?
After sending your reply, check your email's "Sent" folder to verify the message went through. If you want confirmation, politely reply to your own sent message asking the recipient to acknowledge receipt, or use a read receipt feature if your email app supports it.
Related reading: How To Make A PDF In Phone and How Do You Scan On An Android Phone.
