How to eSign documents on mobile devices

Mobile devices, regardless of the operating system, are gradually becoming an almost complete replacement for desktop and laptop computers. They are small, portable and make it possible to manage business issues even while on the go. Document workflow is no exception. Signing is the final and a highly important step when working with documents. Many often ask; is it possible to eSign documents from your smartphone? Will they have legal standing? Is it a secure procedure? Below you will find the answers to these and other questions related to eSignatures on iOS and Android devices.

What is an electronic signature?

Due to the fact that more and more businesses are shifting to paperless workflows, the ability to sign documents electronically has become a necessity. This is where eSignature comes in. Simply, an eSignature is a legal way to provide approval/consent to doing business online officially. It can have several forms; an image of your hand-written signature (you can upload it from your device or cloud storage), your first and last name typed in a text field or you can use a cursor, stylus or finger to draw the signature right on your screen. Being a complete eSignature solution, airSlate SignNow offers all three options. Create a signature and save it and use it the next time you have to sign something.

What are the benefits of an eSignature?

In addition to being a preferable and sometimes the only way to sign documents in the present-day business world, eSignature has a number of advantages as compared to its hand-written equivalent. Have a look at the most notable:
  • 1. RemotenessYou are no longer dependant on your office or any other location — sign documents from anywhere in the world even while offline.
  • 2. SpeedIt takes less than two minutes to put your electronic signature on an e-document and send it back via email or another messenger.
  • 3. Cost-efficiencyUsing an eSignature solution eliminates the need for printers, paper, stamps, paperclips, courier, and everything else associated with outdated document workflows.
  • 4. Ease of use The instructions are very simple. For instance, airSlate SignNow makes it possible to eSign a document literally in a few clicks.
  • 5. Security eSignature services use different types of data protection. airSlate SignNow guarantees your documents’ security with advanced encryption and steps for authentication.

Electronic signature on mobile devices: how does it work?

In order to truly understand the benefits of eSignature mentioned above and how it works on your mobile device, it’s important to identify which operating system you’re using. The available options depend on the OS.
  • Android The Android operating system is the most widely used among mobile users. Yet, it doesn’t have any pre-installed solution for creating an eSignature. Therefore, it’s vital you install one. Mind that they can be quite expensive. The best solution, in this case, is airSlate SignNow because it combines quality, affordability, security and ease of use.
  • iOSThose who use iOS 9 or later versions can sign documents they receive right from their Apple Mail. The process is fast and easy. However, there might be cases when someone doesn’t or can’t access Apple Mail — for instance, they use earlier versions of iOS. A great reason why many choose to use mobile applications for signing docs. airSlate SignNow offers iOS users the ability to sign right from their phones without losing on security.
  • How to eSign a document with airSlate SignNow on a smartphoneRegardless of the operating system you’re using, airSlate SignNow’s simple instructions allow you to eSign documents on the go in a matter of seconds. Below are the steps you need to take:
    1. Run the application on your smartphone and open the document you want to eSign in it.
    2. Click on the Signature button at the bottom of the screen.
    3. Create your electronic signature (you can draw it with a touchpad or use the device’s camera to take a photo of a hand-written one).
    4. Select Accept and your eSignature will appear on the doc.
    5. Drag it to where it’s supposed to be and adjust it’s size.
    6. Choose OK (if u want to submit your eSignature) or Delete (to start the process all over again).

Are eSigned documents legally binding?

The documents you sign with the help of electronic signature solutions on a smartphone or tablet have the same legal effect as an ink-and-paper signed doc. Since the ESIGN Act was adopted in the US in 2000, eSignature receives the same legal value as its hand-written equivalent in all the states where the federal law is applicable.
The same year the European Union issued the eSignature Directive according to which eSignature became legally binding for all EU member states.
The majority of other countries, e.g., Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, etc., have also introduced their own legislation related to electronic signatures.

Conclusion

Nowadays it’s almost impossible to find someone who doesn’t own a smartphone, young or old. They are an essential part of life now. airSlate SignNow’s app for mobile devices makes it possible to sign contracts and close deals literally on the run. Choose airSlate SignNow and get the best solution at the most affordable price.
Yana Kryvosheina
Yana Kryvosheina
Digital content writer at signNow
May 13, 2020
GO BEYOND ESIGNATURES

Business Cloud

Automate business processes with the ultimate suite of tools that are customizable for any use case.

  • Award-winning eSignature. Approve, deliver, and eSign documents to conduct business anywhere and anytime.
  • End-to-end online PDF editor. Create, edit, and manage PDF documents and forms in the cloud.
  • Online library of 85K+ state-specific legal forms. Find up-to-date legal forms and form packages for any use case in one place.