Install guide
Install PDFlex on your phone
PDFlex isn’t on an app store yet, so you install it from a file. It takes a few minutes. Pick your phone below.
Android
- 1
Download the APK
Tap “Download APK” below on your phone. If you downloaded it on a computer, copy it to your phone first.
- 2
Open the file
Open it from the download notification, or from the Files / Downloads app.
- 3
Allow installs from this source
Android will say it can’t install unknown apps from your browser or file manager. Tap Settings, switch on “Allow from this source”, then go back. On Android 7 or older, enable “Unknown sources” in Settings → Security instead.
- 4
Tap Install
If Google Play Protect shows a warning because the app isn’t from the Play Store, choose More details → Install anyway. Only do this for files you trust.
- 5
Open the app
Tap Open, or find PDFlex in your app drawer. You can turn “Allow from this source” back off afterwards.
Verify this file
SHA-256
Check it with: shasum -a 256 PDFlex.apk
iPhone
You need a Mac or Windows computer, a cable and an Apple ID. A free Apple ID works, but the install lasts 7 days before it needs refreshing.
- 1
Get a sideloading tool on your computer
The iOS file is an unsigned IPA, so it has to be signed with your own Apple ID when you install it. Use Sideloadly (Mac or Windows) for a one-off install, or AltStore if you want automatic refreshing.
- 2
Download the IPA
Save the IPA file to your computer using the button below.
- 3
Connect your iPhone
Plug it in with a cable and tap Trust on the phone if asked.
- 4
Install with your Apple ID
In Sideloadly, drag the IPA in, enter your Apple ID and press Start. In AltStore, open My Apps → + and choose the IPA.
- 5
Turn on Developer Mode (iOS 16 or later)
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Developer Mode, switch it on and let the phone restart. The option only appears after a sideloaded app is installed.
- 6
Trust the developer profile
Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, tap your Apple ID under Developer App and choose Trust. Then open the app.
Verify this file
SHA-256
Check it with: shasum -a 256 PDFlex.ipa
If something goes wrong
The app closes right after I open it on iPhone
Check that Developer Mode is on and that you trusted your Apple ID in VPN & Device Management. Both are required once per device.
It stopped working after a week
Apps signed with a free Apple ID expire after 7 days. Re-install with Sideloadly, or let AltStore refresh it on the same Wi-Fi as your computer. A paid Apple Developer account lasts a year. Free accounts also allow only 3 sideloaded apps at once.
Android says “App not installed”
Remove any older copy of the app first, free up some storage and try again. If it still fails, re-download the file in case it was cut short.
Play Protect blocked the install
Tap More details → Install anyway. This warning appears for any app that doesn’t come from the Play Store. If the option is missing, your device may be managed by an organisation that blocks outside installs.