Send Signature Requests via Text

Welcome to your guide on sending signature requests via text with signNow! In today’s fast-paced world, waiting for email responses or requiring recipients to download extra apps can slow down your business. With signNow, you can send signature requests directly via SMS or instant messaging, making it easier than ever for clients, partners, or teammates to sign documents on the go. Whether you’re in the office or out in the field, signNow’s SMS signature feature ensures your documents are signed quickly, securely, and with minimal hassle. This page will walk you through the benefits, step-by-step instructions for both mobile and desktop, and best practices for managing and securing your text-based signature workflows.

Benefits of Sending Signature Requests via Text

Sending signature requests via text message with signNow offers a host of advantages for businesses and individuals alike.

  • Instant Accessibility: Recipients receive signing links directly on their mobile devices, allowing them to sign documents wherever they are, without the need for additional downloads or complicated steps.
  • Faster Turnaround: SMS notifications are typically read within minutes, leading to quicker responses and faster document completion.
  • Improved Client Experience: By offering a simple, mobile-friendly signing process, you demonstrate professionalism and make it easy for clients or partners to do business with you.
  • Versatility: Signing links can be shared not only via SMS but also through instant messaging apps, emails, or even embedded in web content, giving you flexibility in how you reach your recipients.
  • Seamless Integration: The signNow mobile app and desktop platform work together, so you can initiate, track, and manage SMS signature requests from any device.
By leveraging SMS for signature requests, you streamline your workflow and ensure that important agreements are signed promptly, no matter where your recipients are located.

How Sending Signature Requests via Text Works in signNow

signNow’s SMS signature request feature is designed for simplicity and efficiency. Here’s how it works: you upload your document, add fillable fields, generate a unique signing link, and share that link via text message. Recipients simply tap the link, complete the required fields, and submit their signature—all from their mobile device, with no need to download an app or create an account.

On desktop, you can send SMS invites directly by entering the recipient’s phone number, ensuring a secure and direct delivery. The process is seamless for both sender and signer, and you’ll receive real-time notifications as soon as the document is signed.

signNow’s robust tracking and management tools ensure you always know the status of your signature requests, and signed documents are automatically stored in your account for easy access and compliance.

Preparing Your Document for SMS Signature Requests

Before sending a signature request via text, it’s important to prepare your document properly. Start by uploading your file to signNow—supported formats include PDF, DOC, DOCX, ODT, RTF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, XML, XLS, XLSX, PPT, and PPTX.

Once uploaded, use the signNow editor to add fillable fields such as signature, initials, text, checkboxes, and more. Assign these fields to the appropriate recipients to ensure a smooth signing experience.

When your document is ready, you can generate a signing link that will be shared via SMS. This link guides your recipient through the signing process, highlighting each required field and ensuring nothing is missed.

Upload your document to signNow
Step 1 – Upload your document to signNow

Make your document fillable in signNow
Step 2 – Make your document fillable

Step-by-Step: Sending a Signature Request via Text on Mobile

Sending a signature request via text on your mobile device is quick and intuitive with signNow. Here’s how to do it:

How to Send a Signature Request via Text on Mobile

  1. Upload Your Document Add your file to signNow from your mobile device. Open the signNow app and tap Create, then select Files & iCloud or another source to upload your document. signNow supports a wide range of file types, so you can work with PDFs, Word documents, images, and more.

    Upload document in signNow mobile app
  2. Make Your Document Fillable Add signature and other fields for your recipient. Open your uploaded document in the signNow editor. Tap the FIELDS FOR RECIPIENTS tab to add signature, initials, text, checkbox, or radio button fields. Assign each field to the correct recipient, then tap Done to save your changes.

    Add fillable fields in signNow mobile app
  3. Generate a Signing Link Create a unique link for your document. Tap the vertical ellipsis (the More button) next to your document and select Create Signing Link. A pop-up will display your signing link—tap it to copy the link to your clipboard.

    Generate signing link in signNow mobile app
  4. Share the Signing Link via Text Message Send the link to your recipient using SMS. Open your device’s Messages app, paste the signing link into the message body, select your recipient, and send the SMS. Your recipient will receive a text with the link—no downloads or sign-ups required.

    Share signing link via SMS on mobile

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Step-by-Step: Sending a Signature Request via Text on Desktop

If you prefer working from your desktop, signNow makes it just as easy to send signature requests via SMS. Here’s how:

How to Send a Signature Request via Text on Desktop

  1. Prepare Your Document Upload and edit your file in signNow. Log in to your signNow account on your desktop. Upload your document and use the editor to add all necessary fillable fields for your recipients.
  2. Proceed to Send Invite Access the invitation workflow. Once your document is ready, click Continue in the top-right corner to move to the Send Invite section.
  3. Choose SMS as the Delivery Method Select how your recipient will receive the invite. In the Send Invite section, you’ll see options to send via email or SMS. Select SMS and enter your recipient’s phone number. The standard SMS invite will include a secure signing link.
  4. Send the SMS Invite Deliver your signature request instantly. Click Send Invite. Your recipient will receive a text message with a link to the document. They can open the link, complete the required fields, and submit their signature—all from their mobile device.

    Send SMS signature request from desktop

Managing and Tracking SMS Signature Requests

With signNow, you’re always in control of your signature workflows. After sending a signature request via text, you can track the status of each document in your signNow dashboard. Real-time notifications alert you when a recipient opens, signs, or completes a document, so you’re never left wondering about progress.

All signed documents are automatically stored in your signNow account, making it easy to retrieve, download, or share them as needed. You can also set up reminders, expiration dates, and even request payments as part of your signing workflow. This level of visibility and automation ensures you stay organized and responsive, even when managing multiple signature requests at once.

Security and Compliance for Text-Based Signature Requests

Security is a top priority when sending signature requests via text. signNow uses industry-leading encryption and secure link generation to protect your documents and recipient data. Each signing link is unique and can only be accessed by the intended recipient, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Additionally, signNow complies with major eSignature regulations, ensuring that signatures collected via SMS are legally binding and recognized in court. You can further enhance security by enabling authentication methods, setting expiration dates, and requiring additional verification steps for sensitive documents.

For more information on compliance and security, visit our Security & Compliance page.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with SMS Signature Invites

While sending signature requests via text is generally smooth, you may occasionally encounter issues such as undelivered messages, incorrect phone numbers, or recipients having trouble accessing the signing link. Here are some tips to resolve common problems:

  • Check Recipient Details: Ensure the phone number is correct and includes the appropriate country code.
  • Resend the Link: If a recipient doesn’t receive the SMS, try resending the signing link or sharing it via an alternative messaging app.
  • Test the Link: Open the signing link yourself to confirm it’s working as expected.
  • Contact Support: If issues persist, reach out to signNow’s support team for personalized assistance.
By following these steps, you can quickly resolve most issues and keep your signature workflows running smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started with SMS Signature Requests Today

Ready to streamline your document signing process? With signNow, sending signature requests via text is fast, secure, and incredibly convenient. Whether you’re closing deals, onboarding new clients, or managing approvals, SMS signature invites help you get documents signed anytime, anywhere.

Download the signNow app for iOS or Android, or sign up online to start your free trial. For more information on plans and features, visit our pricing page.

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