On Samsung Galaxy phones you often receive a .p7m file that won't open. No problem: let's see how to open a .p7m file on a Samsung phone in a simple way.
Why Samsung doesn't open .p7m
The .p7m file is a digitally signed document, sealed in a PKCS#7 / CAdES envelope. Android (and therefore Samsung) doesn't have a default app to open it, so it shows an unknown file. You just need to extract the document.
Step 1 — find and save the file with My Files
1. Open the File / My Files app on your Samsung.
2. Locate the .p7m file (often in *Download* or saved attachments).
3. Have it ready: you will open it with the tool below.
Step 2 — open the .p7m with P7M Viewer
With the Samsung Internet browser (or Chrome):
1. Open the Open .p7m tool of P7M Viewer.
2. Tap Choose File and select the .p7m.
3. View or download the original document.
If you prefer, install the free P7M Viewer app from Google Play and share the .p7m file directly to the app from your Samsung's Share menu.
Open a .p7m received on WhatsApp or email
Save the attachment to your phone first (from the app menu), then open it with P7M Viewer. This applies to invoices, contracts and deeds.
Frequently asked questions
On which Samsungs does it work? On all Galaxys with a recent version of Android.
Do I need to install an app? No, the site works in Samsung Internet; the app is just more convenient.
Is it free? Yes, opening a single file is free.
In summary
To open a .p7m file on a Samsung, save it with My Files and open it with P7M Viewer in Samsung Internet, or use the free app: the document appears in seconds, for free.
