Document Sending and Signing Issues
- Common Document Sending and Signing Issues in signNow
- Troubleshooting Document Sending Problems
- Troubleshooting Document Signing Problems
- Platform-Specific Issues (Desktop, Mobile App, Mobile Web)
- Electronic Consent and Language Selection Issues
- Problems with Drafts, Declines, and Completing Signing
- Payment Request and Post-Signing Issues
- Best Practices to Prevent Sending and Signing Issues
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for resolving document sending and signing issues in signNow. Whether you’re a sender or a signer, encountering obstacles in your digital workflow can be frustrating. This page is designed to help you quickly identify, troubleshoot, and prevent common problems related to sending documents for signature and completing the signing process. We’ll cover platform-specific tips, electronic consent, language selection, handling drafts and declines, payment requests, and best practices to ensure your document workflows are seamless and stress-free.
Common Document Sending and Signing Issues in signNow
Understanding the most frequent challenges users face is the first step toward a smooth e-signature experience. In signNow, issues can arise at various stages — from preparing and sending documents to recipients, to signers completing required fields and finalizing their signatures. Common problems include missing required fields, trouble accessing signing invites, confusion over electronic consent, language mismatches, difficulties saving drafts, and payment request confusion. By recognizing these patterns, you can proactively address them and minimize disruptions in your workflow.
Troubleshooting Document Sending Problems
If you’re having trouble sending documents for signing, start by ensuring your document is properly prepared. All required fillable fields must be added before sending. If recipients report not receiving invites, double-check their email addresses or SMS numbers for accuracy. Sometimes, invites may land in spam or junk folders, so remind recipients to check those locations. If you’re using advanced recipient options like authentication, expiration dates, or reminders, verify these settings are correctly configured. For issues with sending to multiple recipients or using roles like 'View only' or 'Carbon copy,' ensure each recipient is assigned the correct permissions and that no required fields are left unassigned. If you encounter persistent errors, try resending the invite or consult the signNow support team for further assistance.
Troubleshooting Document Signing Problems
Signers may face issues such as not being able to access the signing session, confusion about required fields, or trouble completing the process. If a signer cannot open the invite, confirm that the link is still valid and has not expired. For required fields, the Guide Me feature helps signers navigate through all necessary inputs. If a signer is stuck, remind them to use the Tab key on desktop or arrow keys on mobile to move between fields. If the document cannot be completed, check that all required fields are filled — optional fields are lighter in color and can be skipped. If a signer accidentally declines or closes the session, the invite can be reopened from the original email or SMS. For signature issues, signNow supports typing, drawing, uploading, or capturing a signature via camera, ensuring flexibility for every user.
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Platform-Specific Issues (Desktop, Mobile App, Mobile Web)
signNow is designed to work seamlessly across desktop web browsers, mobile apps (iOS/Android), and mobile web browsers. However, certain features and limitations are platform-specific. For example, freeform invites cannot be signed on the mobile web — they must be completed on desktop or in the mobile app. If a signer opens an invite on a mobile device without the app installed, they’ll be redirected to the mobile web version. For the best experience, encourage signers to use the latest version of their browser or the signNow app. If issues persist, such as buttons not responding or fields not displaying, clearing the browser cache or updating the app often resolves the problem.
Electronic Consent and Language Selection Issues
Electronic consent is a critical part of the digital signing process. If the sender’s organization requires electronic consent, signers must agree before proceeding. If consent is declined, the signing session cannot continue until consent is granted. Some users may be confused by the consent pop-up or unsure how to change the signing session language. signNow allows signers to select their preferred language at the start of the session or via the settings menu. The platform supports over 20 languages, ensuring accessibility for global users. If the wrong language appears, it may be due to browser or device settings — simply select the correct language from the dropdown.
Problems with Drafts, Declines, and Completing Signing
Saving progress as a draft is a valuable feature for signers who need more time. Drafts can be saved on desktop, mobile web, and mobile apps for all email-based invites, but not for signing links. If a signer cannot find their draft, they should reopen the original invite link. Declining to sign is always an option — signers must provide a reason, which is shared with the sender. If a signer accidentally declines, the sender can resend the invite. To complete signing, all required fields must be filled and the Finish button clicked. If the Finish button is unavailable, double-check for any missed required fields.
Payment Request and Post-Signing Issues
Some documents may include a payment request after signing. Payment is always optional and does not affect the completion status of the document. If a signer is unsure whether payment is required, clarify that the document is considered signed once all required fields are completed and the Finish button is clicked. Payment can be made immediately or postponed by reopening the invite. If there are issues with payment processing, check the payment provider’s status or contact support. For post-signing issues, such as not receiving a copy of the signed document, remind signers to check their email (including spam folders) or download the document directly from the confirmation page.
Best Practices to Prevent Sending and Signing Issues
To minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth workflow, follow these best practices:
- Prepare documents thoroughly: Add all necessary fillable fields and assign them to the correct recipients before sending.
- Double-check recipient information: Ensure email addresses and phone numbers are accurate to avoid delivery failures.
- Use clear instructions: Customize invitation messages to guide recipients through the signing process.
- Test the workflow: Send a test invite to yourself or a colleague to verify the signing experience.
- Stay updated: Use the latest version of signNow’s app or supported browsers for optimal performance.
- Communicate with signers: Let recipients know what to expect, including the need for electronic consent or payment requests if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Why didn’t my recipient receive the signing invite?
There are several reasons why a recipient might not receive a signing invite. First, confirm that the email address or phone number entered is correct. Sometimes, invites may be filtered into spam or junk folders, so ask recipients to check those locations. If the invite was sent via SMS, ensure the recipient’s device can receive messages. If the issue persists, try resending the invite or contact signNow support for further assistance.
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What should I do if a signer cannot complete the document?
If a signer is unable to complete the document, check that all required fields have been filled. The Guide Me feature can help signers navigate to any missed fields. If the Finish button is not available, it usually means a required field is incomplete. Encourage the signer to review the document carefully or use the navigation tools provided.
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Can signers save their progress and finish later?
Yes, signers can save their progress as a draft on desktop, mobile web, and mobile apps for all email-based invites. This feature is not available for signing links. To resume, signers should reopen the original invite link from their email or SMS.
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How can I change the language of the signing session?
Signers can change the language at the start of the signing session using the language dropdown in the welcome or consent pop-up. The language can also be changed in the settings menu during the session. If the wrong language appears, it may be due to browser or device settings — simply select the correct language from the available options.
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What happens if a signer declines to sign?
If a signer chooses to decline, they must provide a reason, which is shared with the sender. The document will not be completed, and the sender will be notified. If the signer changes their mind, the sender can resend the invite to allow another attempt.
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Is payment required to complete a signing session?
No, payment is always optional in signNow. If a payment request is included, the signer can choose to pay immediately or later. The document is considered signed and complete once all required fields are filled and the Finish button is clicked, regardless of payment status.