How to merge PDF files on an iPhone
The Files app can combine PDFs on an iPhone or iPad: select the files and choose Create PDF. The order it uses is not always the one you meant, which is where a browser tool in Safari earns its place.
The built-in way on an iPhone or iPad: Files
- 01
Put the PDFs in the same folder in the Files app.
- 02
Tap Select (or the ⋯ menu → Select), then tap each PDF in the order you want them combined.
- 03
Tap the ⋯ button in the bottom corner and choose Create PDF.
- 04
A new combined PDF appears in the same folder. Rename it by long-pressing and choosing Rename.
Where it falls short
- The page order follows the file selection order, and there is no preview or reorder step before the file is written.
- There is no way to add pages from a third file later without repeating the whole process.
Do it in the browser instead
The same Merge PDF tool as the main page, running in Safari on an iPhone or iPad. Nothing is installed and the file is processed on your device.
Drop your PDFs here
PDF · up to 100 MB each · add two or more to merge
Processed in your browser. This file never leaves your device.
- 01
Add your PDFs
Open the tool in Safari, tap Choose file, and pick the document from Files or Photos.
- 02
Put them in order
the arrows beside each file set the page order, and you can see it before merging.
- 03
Download the result
Tap Merge PDFs, then Download. The combined file lands in Files, ready to share.
Files or the browser tool?
| Files | PDF Spree | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, built in | Free, no account |
| Text stays selectable | Yes | Yes |
| File leaves your device | No | No — processed in the browser |
| Works on other devices | No, this platform only | Yes, any modern browser |