PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Get an Electronic Signature Credential in Acrobat Sign

Anum Mushtaq Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to locate and use an electronic signature credential or digital certificate to sign documents within the Acrobat Sign mobile application.

How to Get an Electronic Signature Credential in Acrobat Sign

Product: Adobe Acrobat Sign
Device & OS: Android, iOS
Scenario: Signing a secure PDF document that requires a verified digital certificate on a mobile device.
Observed behavior: The user is looking for the correct procedure and menu options to apply digital signature credentials within the mobile app environment.

Before you start

Ensure you have the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat Sign mobile app installed on your Android or iOS device, and that your authorized digital certificate is properly configured and accessible.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply Digital Signature Credentials in the Acrobat Sign Mobile App

Follow these steps to access and apply your digital certificates when signing documents on either an Android or iOS device.

The interface for signing with digital certificates is nearly identical across both Android and iOS versions of the Acrobat Sign app. When a document requires a high-assurance digital signature, the app will automatically prompt you to use your credentials.

Open the Document

Launch the Acrobat Sign mobile app on your Android or iOS device and tap on 'Waiting for You' to locate and open the document that requires your signature.

Tap the Signature Field

Navigate through the document and tap on the designated signature field. If the sender required a digital certificate, a specific 'Sign with a Digital Signature' prompt will appear.

Select Your Digital Credential

Choose your authorized cloud signature provider or select the local digital certificate stored on your device. You may be asked to log in to your provider's portal to authenticate your identity.

Authorize and Apply

Once authenticated, confirm the action to apply the digital certificate to the document. The signature field will update to display your verified digital credential.

Finish and Send

Tap the 'Finish' or 'Complete' button at the top or bottom of the screen to finalize the document and securely submit the signed PDF back to the sender.

Apply Digital Signature Credentials in the Acrobat Sign Mobile App

Cloud Signature Providers: If your organization uses a Cloud Signature Consortium (CSC) provider, you must ensure you have an active account with them before attempting to sign the document in Acrobat Sign.

Efficient PDF Signature Solution

Sign PDF Documents Easily with WPS PDF

If you need a fast, straightforward way to sign your PDFs without navigating complex credential setups, WPS PDF offers a highly intuitive built-in signature tool. You can easily draw, type, or insert image-based electronic signatures across all your devices seamlessly.

1. Open your PDF: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document that needs to be signed.
2. Access the Signature Tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Insert' tab on the top toolbar and click on the 'Sign' button.
3. Create a New Signature: Click 'Create Signature'. You can choose to type your name, draw your signature using a mouse or touchscreen, or upload an image of your physical signature.
4. Apply and Save: Drag the created signature to the appropriate field in the document, resize it if necessary, and save your PDF file.

Free and lightweight PDF reader, editor, and signing toolCreate, save, and apply electronic signatures effortlesslyFully compatible with standard Adobe PDF document formatsCross-platform support for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital certificate in Acrobat Sign?

An electronic signature is a digital representation of your agreement (like a typed name or drawn signature). A digital certificate, however, is a highly secure, encrypted file issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) that strictly verifies the signer's identity.

Why can't I find the digital signature option when signing a document on my mobile device?

The digital signature credential option only appears if the sender specifically configured the document to require a digital certificate, or if your enterprise account has digital credentials explicitly enabled for your profile.

Can I use smart card-based digital certificates with the Acrobat Sign mobile app?

Typically, mobile devices require cloud-based digital certificates or credentials securely stored directly within the device's keychain. Physical smart card readers are generally utilized in desktop environments.

Do I need a separate app to use cloud signatures on Android or iOS?

You do not necessarily need a separate app to sign the document, as the Acrobat Sign app handles the process. However, you may need a separate authenticator app or web login to verify your identity with your specific Cloud Signature Provider during the signing step.

PDF Troubleshooting