How to Convert XPS to PDF on iPhone

iOS has no native XPS support. The Files app shows .xps files as a generic document icon, Mail cannot preview them, and there is no App Store application from Apple or Microsoft for opening XPS on iPhone. The solution is to convert the file to PDF in Safari, then save the result to Files or Books — all without installing anything.

Converting in Safari

Open this page in Safari on your iPhone. The upload area works as a tap-to-upload button on iOS:

1. Tap the upload area. Safari opens the Files picker.
2. Find your .xps file — check Downloads, iCloud Drive, or On My iPhone depending on where it was saved.
3. Tap the file to select it. Leave the output format on PDF and tap Convert.
4. When the PDF is ready, tap Download. Safari downloads the file and shows it in the Downloads indicator in the toolbar.

Saving the PDF to Files or Books

After the download, tap the Downloads indicator in Safari's toolbar and tap the PDF filename. From the share sheet you can:

• Save to Files — stores it in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone, accessible from any app.
• Add to Books — Apple Books opens and stores the PDF so you can read it offline without needing the Files app.
• AirDrop — send the PDF wirelessly to a nearby Mac, iPad, or another iPhone. The recipient gets a standard PDF that opens in Preview.

Getting the XPS file into the converter

If the XPS arrived as a Mail attachment, tap and hold the attachment, then choose Save to Files before opening the converter. The Files picker in Safari can then find it. Alternatively, if someone shared it via AirDrop, accept it — iOS will save it to Downloads automatically.

Files from WhatsApp or iMessage attachments can be saved by tapping the attachment and using the share sheet to save to Files first.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open an XPS file directly on my iPhone?

No. iOS has no built-in XPS reader and there is no official App Store application from Apple or Microsoft. You need to convert it to PDF first.

Does the converter work in Safari on iPhone?

Yes. The upload area acts as a file picker on iOS, and the download goes directly into Safari's Downloads folder.

How do I get the converted PDF into Apple Books on iPhone?

After downloading the PDF in Safari, tap the file in your Downloads, then tap the share icon and choose 'Add to Books'. It will appear in your Books library immediately.

Can I AirDrop the converted PDF to my Mac?

Yes. From the share sheet after downloading, tap AirDrop and select your Mac. The PDF arrives in the Downloads folder on the Mac and opens in Preview.

Is there a file size limit when converting on iPhone?

The limit is 25 MB per file and up to 20 files per batch. This applies regardless of the device you use.

Last updated: June 2026