In a fast-paced digital world, we’re used to doing everything quickly—including sharing documents from our phones or laptops.
Messaging apps now make it even easier with built-in document-sharing features. Sending Word or PDF files through WhatsApp (WA) has become second nature for many of us.
But if you’re not familiar with how to send a PDF on WhatsApp, there are a few things worth knowing. How do you send a PDF from your phone? How do you upload one? How do you even convert something into a PDF?
And equally important: Is it actually safe to send PDF files on WhatsApp?
This article covers everything—from the step-by-step process to the security risks and how you can protect your documents.
PDF is one of the most widely used document formats. Here’s how you can create, upload, and send a PDF through WA:
Before sending it on WhatsApp, make sure your document is already saved as a PDF.
Common ways to create a PDF:
From Microsoft Word / Google Docs: Save or download as PDF
Scan a physical document: Use apps like VIDA App or Adobe Scan
From your phone: Open the file or image → choose “Print” → select “Save as PDF”
And this is you send a PDF file through WhatsApp on your phone:
Open WhatsApp
Choose the chat or group where you want to send the file
Tap the attachment icon (paperclip) → select Document
Browse your device (or Google Drive/OneDrive) and choose the PDF
Send
Wait for the upload to finish, and the recipient will be able to preview or download the file directly in WA.
Think about how many documents you’ve shared on WA. The question will eventually pop up:
“Is it really safe to send PDFs on WhatsApp?”
Short answer: Safe enough for most everyday uses.
But not without risks, especially when handling sensitive or confidential documents.
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning the PDF you send can only be viewed by you and the intended recipient.
No third party (including WhatsApp itself) can read the content while it’s being sent. So technically, sending PDFs through WA is secure during transmission. However, security risks can still arise before or after the file reaches WhatsApp.
When a PDF file is saved on your device, the risk no longer comes from WhatsApp—but from your phone or laptop.
If your device is infected with malware, the attacker can read or steal the documents stored in your folders. Where does the malware come from?
modified WhatsApp versions (WhatsApp MOD)
pirated PDF readers
cracked file manager apps
These apps often contain spyware that secretly uploads your files to a hacker’s server.
Mobile malware is rising in Indonesia:
Malware like Tria Stealer targets Android users, stealing data and hijacking WhatsApp or Telegram (source: Katadata).
CNN Indonesia reported 411,000 new malware samples detected per day in 2023.
Many people install File Manager apps to organize their documents. But some of these apps request full device access—including all files. If you open a PDF from WA using such an app, your file could be viewed, copied, and uploaded without your permission. So, always check the permissions before installing.
Trojan and info-stealer malware can extract personal documents, photos, login data, and cloud backup files. This type of attack surged significantly in 2024.
Large-scale data breaches in Indonesia such as an 82GB leak from a major institution (reported by Daily Security Review) show how easily sensitive data can be exposed.
Even if the file is safely delivered, the recipient still has full control. They can forward it, upload it elsewhere, share it with unauthorized people, and edit it. Once you send it, you lose control of where it may end up.
Sharing documents is now part of everyday life, but convenience should not make us ignore security risks. Especially if you regularly send important or confidential documents, make sure your PDFs are protected, accessible only to authorized recipients, and traceable with audit logs.