To sign a Word document on an Android phone, open it in the Microsoft Word app, tap Edit (the pencil icon), then switch to the Draw tab and use a pen to write your signature with your finger or a stylus. If you need a cleaner result, you can insert a picture of your signature with Insert > Pictures, or save the document as a PDF and sign it with a PDF app such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Google Drive’s PDF tools.
Below are the steps for each method, how to make a reusable signature image, and how to send the signed document.
Method 1: Draw your signature in the Word app
- Open the document in the Microsoft Word app. Sign in with a Microsoft account if asked.
- Tap the pencil icon to edit.
- Tap the three dots or the arrow at the bottom to open the ribbon, then tap Home and switch to Draw.
- Choose a pen and a dark color, such as black or blue, and set a thin line width.
- Zoom in on the signature line and sign with your finger or stylus.
- Tap the lasso or select tool to move or resize the signature if needed.
- The document saves automatically to OneDrive, or tap Save if it’s stored on your phone.
Editing in the Word app is free on most phones. Some features require a Microsoft 365 subscription on larger devices such as tablets.
Method 2: Insert a signature image
A signature photo looks neater than finger drawing and can be reused.
- Sign your name in dark ink on white paper.
- Take a photo of it in good light and crop it tightly in your Photos or Gallery app.
- In Word, tap where the signature should go, then tap Insert > Pictures and choose the photo.
- Resize it with the corner handles and tap Wrap Text > In Front of Text to position it freely.
For a transparent background, use a photo editor or background remover on the image before inserting it.
Method 3: Sign a PDF version
If the person who sent the document needs a PDF:
- In Word, tap the three dots > Save as or Export > PDF.
- Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader and tap Fill & Sign, or open it in Google Drive and use the annotate pen.
- Create your signature, place it, and save.
Which method should you use?
| Method | Looks | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Draw in Word | Handwritten, sometimes shaky | Quick informal signatures |
| Signature image | Clean and consistent | Documents you sign often |
| Sign as PDF | Clean, can’t be edited easily | Forms that must be returned as PDF |
| E-signature service | Legally tracked | Contracts and official documents |
Send the signed document
Tap the Share icon in Word, then choose Send a copy and pick Word or PDF format. Select Gmail or another app to email it. Sending as PDF prevents the recipient from accidentally changing your signature.
Is a drawn signature legally valid?
In many places, electronic signatures are legally accepted for most documents, but rules vary by country and document type. For contracts, real estate, or anything where proof of identity matters, the requester may want an e-signature service that records who signed and when. If in doubt, ask the person or organization what they accept.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I see the Draw tab in Word for Android?
Update the Word app from the Play Store, and make sure you’re in edit mode. On very small screens, the ribbon is hidden behind the arrow or three-dots button.
Can I sign without the Word app?
Yes. Open the file in Google Docs or save it as a PDF and sign it in a PDF app.
Can I save my drawn signature to reuse it?
The Word app doesn’t save drawn signatures. Use a signature image or a PDF app that stores your signature.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.