pdfvelo
Mobile guide

How to merge PDFs on an iPhone

iPhones don't include a built-in way to combine multiple PDFs into one file from the Files app alone (Markup lets you merge into a photo scan, which is different). Doing it in Safari is faster than downloading a dedicated app.

Why use Safari instead of an app

Any app you install to merge PDFs needs permission to access your files, and many upload them to a server to do the actual merging. Using a browser-based tool in Safari skips the install entirely and keeps the file handling on your device.

Steps on iPhone

  1. Open Safari and go to the Merge PDF tool.
  2. Tap the upload area, then choose "Browse" to select PDFs from the Files app or iCloud Drive.
  3. Add each file you want included — you can select multiple at once from the Files picker.
  4. Reorder them by dragging the thumbnails if needed.
  5. Tap Merge, then save the result to Files or share it directly from the download prompt.

Notes for iOS Safari

iOS handles downloads through the Files app by default. After merging, look for a share sheet or a download banner — tapping it lets you save the combined PDF to "On My iPhone" or iCloud Drive, or share it straight to Messages, Mail, or another app.

Ready to try it yourself?

Merge PDFs on your iPhone →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install an app to merge PDFs on iPhone?+

No — Safari can run the merge entirely as a web page, with no app install required.

Will this work on iPad too?+

Yes, the same steps work in Safari on iPad.