How to merge PDFs on iPhone without uploading them

Need one attachment from several PDFs? On iPhone you can merge with Apple's Files app, automate with Shortcuts, or use a dedicated on-device app.

We make PDF Tools Pro (method 3). Methods 1–2 use built-in iOS tools and may need recent iOS versions.

Method 1: Files (drag to create one PDF)

On many iOS versions you can long-press a PDF in Files, choose Share or drag files into a new PDF bundle depending on your iOS build. Apple changes menu labels between releases — if you only see Quick Look, use Method 2 or 3 and verify the page order before you delete originals.

  1. Put the PDFs you need into one folder in Files.
  2. Open the first PDF, tap Share, and look for Create PDF or merge options if your iOS version shows them.
  3. Repeat for remaining files or use drag-and-drop in List view when available.
  4. Rename the merged file so you do not overwrite a source by mistake.

Method 2: Shortcuts (automate page order)

Shortcuts can combine PDFs when you chain Get File actions with Make PDF or Combine PDFs (wording varies by iOS). Build a shortcut that asks for multiple files, merges them, and saves back to Files.

  1. Open the Shortcuts app → +.
  2. Add Select Files (allow multiple).
  3. Add Combine PDFs or Make PDF if your device lists it.
  4. Add Save File and run the shortcut from the share sheet when you receive scans by email.

If a step is missing, your iOS build may not expose PDF merge actions — use PDF Tools Pro instead.

Method 3: PDF Tools Pro (offline, drag to reorder)

  1. Open PDF Tools Pro → Tools → Merge PDF.
  2. Pick two or more PDFs from Files or iCloud Drive.
  3. Drag thumbnails to set order, remove mistakes, tap Merge.
  4. Save or share the output; processing stays on your device.

Advanced merges count toward the same per-device free advanced quota as Split and Protect tools; Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase after the trial outputs.

Download on the App Store

Core tools are free. Merge is an advanced tool: three successful advanced outputs to try on each device, then Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase. No subscription.

Tips

  • Merge travel receipts first, then statements, so page order matches your accountant's checklist.
  • Password-locked inputs must be unlocked before merge (see our unlock guide).
  • Need only a browser? Try JoocGame's free merge PDF tool — still no upload API.

FAQ

Can I merge PDFs on iPhone for free?
Files and some Shortcuts workflows are free when your iOS version exposes merge actions. PDF Tools Pro includes core tools free with a limited number of advanced outputs per device.
Does merging upload my PDFs?
Not with the methods on this page. Files, Shortcuts, and PDF Tools Pro keep documents on your iPhone unless you choose to share them.
How many files can I merge at once?
PDF Tools Pro supports multi-file merges in the app; browser limits differ on the free web tool. For very large jobs, merge in batches.
Can I change the page order after picking files?
Yes in PDF Tools Pro via drag-and-drop thumbnails before you tap Merge.
What about the free JoocGame web merge tool?
At /tools/merge-pdf you can combine PDFs in the browser with pdf-lib — handy on a desktop, still no upload API.

Split or extract PDF pages online in your browser — nothing uploaded →Merge PDF files free in your browser — nothing uploaded →

Merge PDF on iPhone: Files, Shortcuts & Offline App