📱Enhancement

Signing on Mobile

Sign documents on mobile devices

5 min read
Beginner

Signing on Mobile

SignNXT is fully optimized for mobile devices. Signers can review and sign documents on any smartphone or tablet with the same ease as desktop. No app download required - just click the link and sign.

Mobile-First Design

Over 60% of signatures happen on mobile devices. SignNXT's signing experience is optimized for smartphones and tablets, making it easy for signers to sign on the go.

Why Mobile Signing Matters

⚡ Sign Anywhere, Anytime

Signers don't need to wait until they're at a computer. They can sign during their commute, at a coffee shop, or while viewing a property.

📱 No App Required

Signers just click the link in their email. No app download, no account creation, no friction. Works in any mobile browser.

✍️ Touch-Friendly

Draw signatures with your finger, tap to fill fields, and pinch to zoom. Everything is optimized for touchscreens.

🚀 Faster Completion

Mobile signing leads to faster document completion. Signers can sign immediately instead of waiting to get to a computer.

How Mobile Signing Works

Step 1: Receive Email on Mobile

When a signer receives a signing request, they can open the email on their smartphone or tablet.

What the email includes:

  • Document name
  • Sender's name
  • Personal message (if included)
  • "Review & Sign" button
  • Document details (number of pages, signers)
Email Optimization

SignNXT emails are optimized for mobile devices with large, tappable buttons and clear calls-to-action.


Step 2: Open Signing Link

Tap the "Review & Sign" button to open the signing page in the mobile browser.

What happens:

  • Opens in default mobile browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.)
  • No app download required
  • No account creation needed
  • Secure signing link (unique, one-time use)

Supported browsers:

  • Safari (iOS)
  • Chrome (Android & iOS)
  • Firefox (Android & iOS)
  • Samsung Internet (Android)
  • Edge (Android & iOS)

Step 3: Review Document

The signing page is fully optimized for mobile viewing:

Mobile-Optimized Features:

  • Responsive layout - Adapts to any screen size
  • Touch-friendly navigation - Large buttons and controls
  • Pinch to zoom - Zoom in to read fine print
  • Swipe to navigate - Swipe between pages
  • Portrait & landscape - Works in any orientation

Document information displayed:

  • Document name
  • Sender's name
  • Number of pages
  • Other signers (if multiple)
  • Required fields to complete
Reading on Mobile

Signers can pinch to zoom in on any part of the document to read fine print or review details before signing.


Step 4: Draw Signature with Finger

When the signer taps a signature field, a signature canvas appears:

Signature Options:

  1. Draw - Draw signature with finger (most common on mobile)
  2. Type - Type name and select font style
  3. Upload - Upload saved signature image (less common on mobile)

Drawing Signature:

  • Large canvas optimized for finger drawing
  • Smooth, responsive drawing
  • "Clear" button to start over
  • "Apply Signature" button when satisfied

Tips for mobile signatures:

  • Use landscape orientation for more drawing space
  • Draw slowly for smoother lines
  • Use a stylus for more precision (optional)
  • Can redraw as many times as needed
Landscape Mode

For easier signature drawing, rotate your phone to landscape mode. The signature canvas will expand to give you more space.


Step 5: Fill Other Fields

After signing, the signer fills any other required fields:

Field Types on Mobile:

Date Fields:

  • Tap to open mobile date picker
  • Scroll to select date
  • Automatically formatted

Text Fields:

  • Tap to open mobile keyboard
  • Type text
  • Auto-capitalization and suggestions

Checkbox Fields:

  • Tap to check/uncheck
  • Large, tappable area
  • Clear visual feedback

Initials Fields:

  • Same drawing canvas as signature
  • Smaller size for initials

Step 6: Submit Signature

Once all required fields are completed:

  1. Review all fields (scroll through document)
  2. Tap "Submit Signature" button (large, prominent)
  3. Confirmation message appears
  4. Email confirmation sent

What happens after submission:

  • Document is marked as signed
  • Sender receives email notification
  • Signed PDF is generated
  • Certificate of Completion created (if enabled)
  • Next signer notified (if sequential signing)
Instant Confirmation

Signers receive immediate confirmation on-screen and via email. No waiting, no uncertainty.


Mobile Signing Best Practices

For Senders

1. Keep Documents Mobile-Friendly

  • Use clear, readable fonts (minimum 10pt)
  • Avoid tiny text that's hard to read on small screens
  • Keep documents concise when possible
  • Use high-contrast colors

2. Place Fields Strategically

  • Don't place fields too close together
  • Leave space around signature fields
  • Avoid placing fields in margins
  • Test on mobile before sending

3. Add Clear Instructions

  • Include a personal message explaining what to sign
  • Mention if urgent or time-sensitive
  • Provide contact info for questions
  • Set appropriate expiry dates

4. Consider Timing

  • Send during business hours for faster response
  • Avoid sending late at night
  • Set reminders for mobile-friendly times (lunch, evening)

For Signers

1. Use Good Lighting

  • Sign in well-lit environment
  • Avoid glare on screen
  • Adjust screen brightness if needed

2. Take Your Time

  • Read the entire document
  • Don't rush through fields
  • Review before submitting
  • Ask questions if unclear

3. Use Landscape Mode

  • Rotate phone for signature drawing
  • More space for drawing
  • Easier to see document details

4. Check Your Connection

  • Use Wi-Fi when possible
  • Avoid signing in areas with poor signal
  • Wait for document to fully load

Supported Devices

Smartphones

iOS (iPhone):

  • iPhone 8 and newer
  • iOS 14 and newer
  • Safari or Chrome browser

Android:

  • Android 8.0 and newer
  • Chrome, Firefox, or Samsung Internet browser
  • Most modern Android phones

Tablets

iPad:

  • iPad (5th generation) and newer
  • iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini
  • iOS 14 and newer
  • Safari or Chrome browser

Android Tablets:

  • Android 8.0 and newer
  • Chrome or Firefox browser
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab, etc.
Browser Compatibility

SignNXT works in any modern mobile browser. No special requirements or plugins needed.


Mobile vs Desktop Experience

FeatureMobileDesktop
AccessEmail linkEmail link
BrowserAny mobile browserAny desktop browser
SignatureDraw with fingerDraw with mouse/trackpad
NavigationSwipe & tapClick & scroll
ZoomPinch to zoomMouse wheel zoom
FieldsTouch keyboardPhysical keyboard
SpeedFast (on the go)Fast (at desk)
ConvenienceSign anywhereSign at computer

Both experiences are fully functional and legally binding.


Troubleshooting Mobile Signing

Link Won't Open

Problem: Signing link doesn't open when tapped

Solutions:

  1. Copy link and paste in browser
  2. Try different browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
  3. Check internet connection
  4. Clear browser cache
  5. Request new signing link from sender

Signature Canvas Not Working

Problem: Can't draw signature with finger

Solutions:

  1. Refresh the page
  2. Try landscape orientation
  3. Clean screen (remove fingerprints)
  4. Try different browser
  5. Use "Type" signature option instead

Document Won't Load

Problem: Document preview not appearing

Solutions:

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Wait a few seconds (large documents take time)
  3. Refresh the page
  4. Try Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
  5. Try different browser

Can't Submit Signature

Problem: "Submit Signature" button not working

Solutions:

  1. Check all required fields are filled
  2. Scroll through entire document
  3. Look for red error messages
  4. Refresh page and try again
  5. Contact sender for help

Security on Mobile

SignNXT mobile signing is just as secure as desktop:

✓ Encrypted Connection

All data transmitted over HTTPS encryption

✓ Unique Signing Links

One-time use links that expire after signing

✓ IP Address Logging

Every signature includes IP address for audit trail

✓ Legally Binding

Mobile signatures are legally binding (ESIGN Act, UETA, eIDAS)


Common Mobile Signing Scenarios

Scenario 1: Real Estate Agent at Property Showing

Situation: Agent needs client to sign lease agreement while viewing property

Solution:

  1. Agent sends document from phone or laptop
  2. Client receives email on phone
  3. Client signs on phone while at property
  4. Deal closed immediately

Time saved: Hours or days

Scenario 2: HR Manager Onboarding Remote Employee

Situation: New employee in different city needs to sign employment contract

Solution:

  1. HR sends contract via SignNXT
  2. Employee receives email on phone
  3. Employee signs on phone from home
  4. Onboarding completed same day

Time saved: Days (no printing, scanning, mailing)

Scenario 3: Parent at School Pickup

Situation: Parent needs to sign field trip permission slip

Solution:

  1. School sends permission slip via campaign
  2. Parent receives email on phone
  3. Parent signs while waiting in car pickup line
  4. Permission granted immediately

Time saved: No need to remember to sign at home


Related Articles


Mobile-Optimized Signing

SignNXT makes it easy for signers to sign on any device. No app download, no friction, just fast, secure signing.

Was this page helpful?