How do I find and open an attachment or PDF sent in an email?
Direct Answer
Open the email, scroll to the bottom (or look right beneath the subject line), tap the file box with the paperclip or document icon, and it will open on full screen.
Why You Might Want to Do This
- To view medical forms, insurance cards, tax documents, or family flyers sent by email.
- To save or print a document sent to you.
Before You Start
- Open the email from the person who sent the document.
Only open attachments from people and organizations you recognize.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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1
Open the email message
Tap to open the specific email in your Mail, Gmail, or Outlook app.
👀 Email message open on screen.
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2
Locate the rectangular attachment box
In Apple Mail, the attachment appears at the bottom of the email text. In Gmail, it appears as a rounded card with a red PDF or picture icon.
👀 Rectangular box showing file name (e.g. Document.pdf).
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3
Tap once directly on the attachment box
Tap the file name or thumbnail image. The document will load and display on your full screen.
👀 Full screen document viewer appears.
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4
Optional: Share, save, or print
Tap the Share icon (square with arrow pointing up on iPhone, or three connected dots on Android) in the corner to print or save to Files.
👀 Share icon in top or bottom corner.
If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.
If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting
If the attachment says "Tap to Download" or shows a downward arrow
Tap the downward arrow icon once. Wait 5 seconds for the file to finish downloading, then tap it again to open.
Good to Know
- Opening a PDF on your phone does not cost any money.
- You can zoom in on small text in the document by spreading two fingers apart on the screen.