May 25 2026
Mobile PDF
10 min
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Learn how to use Xodo PDF Reader and Editor on iPhone and Android. Discover what the app is for, how to navigate your way around, where to access PDF tools, and how to begin reading, annotating, converting PDFs and more. Our guide will get you started with managing your PDFs directly from anywhere on your mobile device.
Working with PDFs on a phone can feel clumsy. Tools are hard to find. Edits don’t stick. Simple tasks can take way too long.
Xodo, however, changes that.
The Xodo PDF Reader & Editor mobile app gives you a complete PDF workspace on iOS and Android, designed for getting your work done on a small screen.
If you're new to Xodo and looking for an easier way to work on-the-go, this guide is for you.
We'll keep things practical. You’ll see where key tools live and can try the first workflows you're most likely to need right away.
What you’ll learn:
You can start with one document, complete one task, and build confidence from there.
Xodo Mobile is an all‑in‑one PDF reader and editor for phones and tablets, available on iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android. From reading and markup to scanning and signing, Xodo covers everyday PDF needs without switching tools.
The Xodo mobile app lets you:
For many mobile users, Xodo is already a familiar tool. As of 2026, it has 10M+ downloads on Google Play, a 4.2★ rating from 470K+ reviews, and a 4.5★ rating on the Apple App Store with 4.2M+ downloads..
Ready to try it yourself? Let’s start by installing Xodo and opening your first PDF.
Installing Xodo Mobile on your device, takes about a minute. On your mobile phone, download and install the app:
Once installed, you can open a PDF right away:
If your file isn't listed, tap on the + button > Open file to search your device, recent files, or cloud storage.
Navigating around Xodo Mobile's interface is easy. You can move around your PDF, find what you need, or access different tools at any point:
1) While in a PDF document: Once a document is open, there are menus and options in the bottom footer and in the toolbar:
While the viewing options remain the same for both platforms, the location of them slightly differ while you're in a document. Here's a look:
Android:
iOS:
Features like the Toolbox, for instance, is located in the menu, but still provides easy access and the same functionality.
2) When you need a specific file: If you have a file to open, you can tap on Files at the bottom and select your document from a number of places:
Tapping on the + button > Open file gives you access to more locations on your device and your cloud storage.
3) When you need a tool: You can also start from the Toolbox menu at the bottom. Just tap on the tool you need and select your file. For some tools, the task will automatically run once your PDF is opened.
With Xodo Mobile you can start simple document workflows. Here are a few common things you can do in Xodo on Android and iOS.
Once a document is open, Xodo focuses on reading first, allowing you to view PDFs the way you need to.
While some features can be activated by touching the screen, some of them can be found via the bottom toolbar or through the menus on the top toolbar. You can:
These tools make long readings, reports, and contracts easier to handle on a phone or tablet.
As noted above, accessing the same features on iOS will differ slightly.
While you go through a PDF, you can add notes right away. As a PDF editor, Xodo has advanced editing tools, but annotation is the best place to start.
To annotate a PDF, expand the drop down menu in the top left-hand side and select Annotate. The available tools will be displayed across the toolbar. You can:
This is ideal for class readings, document reviews, or feedback you need to send back quickly.
Xodo Mobile also gives you the ability to scan, create, and convert PDFs, as well, so you can start a workflow when your document doesn’t start as a PDF or you need an altogether different format.
The Xodo Mobile app includes a built‑in mobile scanner to turn paper documents, like receipts or signed pages, into quick and clean PDFs.
Just tap on the Scanner camera icon from the bottom, or from the Toolbox list > Scan Document), take a photo, and save.
Any scanned images you create, can be fine tuned with the scanner app's features.
You can also create PDFs from other file types (not just scanning), which is helpful when you have digital file to begin with.
To access the option, go into the Toolbox > Convert to PDF. Then select your file to start the process.
Xodo Mobile can convert common formats like PNG, JPG, HTML and Office formats into PDF. It's easy to turn photos or documents into PDFs.
Xodo Mobile also comes with a PDF converter that lets you turn PDFs into other file formats when needed so you don't have to install another app.
The option to convert from a PDF to another format can be accessed from the Toolbox > Convert PDF from. Choose your conversion output from the list, select your file, and let Xodo do the rest.
You can convert PDFs to formats like Word, Excel, or images like PNG and JPG.
When you start to regularly work with PDFs on your phone, Xodo gives you all the tools needed to help keep them manageable. Xodo keeps things simple with tools you'll need for a quick file cleanup.
You can use Xodo Mobile to shrink your PDF file size without affecting the content and share documents more easily while on the go.
To compress a PDF, go to Toolbox > Compress PDF or under the More Actions icon (top right-hand corner) while in a PDF document. You can then select your compression level (Low or High).
Using Xodo Mobile makes it easy to split PDFs apart or combine multiple PDFs into one right on the spot.
Extract only the pages you need or merge related files into a single PDF. The tools are perfect for reports or contracts that need to be modified.
Go to Toolbox > Manage PDF > Extract Pages or Merge Pages tools. You'll be able to choose which pages or files to split or merge with a few taps.
If pages are out of order, you can quickly reorganize them by rearranging, rotating, and inserting them.
To rearrange PDF pages in a PDF with Xodo Mobile, tap on the grid-looking icon at the bottom of the screen while viewing a PDF.
It will display your PDF pages as thumbnails. You can then long press and drag around the thumbnails of the pages to where you need them.
This is one of the most common mobile workflows. If you have a school form, an approval request, or a contract, Xodo lets you complete and sign PDFs right from your phone.
To fill out a form, select Fill & Sign from the dropdown list of tools while in your PDF. Then tap to add form fields on the page to fill in with your information where needed. You can:
To sign a PDF, go to the Fill & Sign tool (drop down menu) or eSign PDF (from the More Actions menu). Then tap on the signature tool and then the Create button.
Here, you can create a signature by typing, drawing or uploading an image of your signature.
After signing, you can send the document back immediately. No printing. No scanning. No extra steps.
Xodo Mobile saves changes automatically in most cases. You can also:
On Android: Tap on the 3 vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner to expand all sharing and exporting options.
On iOS: Tap on the horizontal 3 dots in the upper right-hand corner to access the sharing and exporting options.
This guide is meant to get you comfortable fast. If you want to start exploring Xodo Mobile, start here:
Each guide focuses on a single workflow in detail and because the interfaces are highly similar on both platforms, the tutorials can apply to both Android and iOS.
Yes. Xodo offers a free version with core PDF reading, annotation, scanning, and signing features. Note that some advanced options and tools require a paid plan.
The Xodo app is used to read, edit, and annotate PDF files. The app also comes with features to scan, convert, sign, and share PDFs from your mobile device.
Xodo supports secure file handling and works with trusted cloud storage providers. Files stay on your device or connected accounts unless you choose to share them.
Yes. The Xodo app is available for and fully compatible with iPad and supports Apple Pencil for annotation and writing.
Yes. Once a file is downloaded or opened, you can read and edit it without an internet connection.
Yes. Xodo is available on both Android and iOS platforms with similar features and workflows.
You don’t need a desk or a laptop to handle PDFs anymore. With Xodo Mobile, the basics are right where you expect them to be.
You get a clean starting point for everyday PDF tasks on a device you already use.
Looking to work with PDFs on your phone without the hassle? Start small. Try one task.
When you’re ready for more, the tools will be there.
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