Electronic certificates on Android mobiles

Android-How to import an electronic certificate

To import an electronic certificate to the mobile device, you must have a valid copy of it. The icon of a valid copy will be an open envelope with a certificate peeping out and a key, and the extension .pfx or. p12.

A copy of the same certificate can be imported several times. If the same name is indicated, it will be overwritten. Otherwise, it will appear repeated in the certificate selection window when signing, with each name that has been established.

There are several options for importing a copy of the certificate depending on the location of the file:

Import a copy from email

You must access the certificate, sent as a file attached to the email, from the email manager used or from the browser.

When downloading the file, the installation wizard is started. Enter the backup password for the copy and once entered, click "OK." If no lockpattern or PIN is established (depending on the Android version, one or the other may be required), the system does not allow the certificate to be installed.

Then, if you prefer, the "Certificate name" can be modified (a letter and number code may be displayed).

Finally, enter the PIN or unlock pattern to complete the installation (if it does not, it will force it to be set). If it is the first certificate installed, you will also be asked for the device's PIN.

Import a copy from any location on the device

The certificate can be imported from any location on the device, not only from the SD memory. If it is from an SD memory, go to the "Settings," Security, "Install certificates from SD.".

By default, it shows the copies of certificates available. Once a copy has been imported, it disappears from the SD card. And therefore from the list. If you have the copy outside of the device, it can be imported again.

Install certificates from the certificate selection window

Certificates can also be installed from the certificate selection window, which is enabled when accessing a procedure that requires identification with an electronic certificate, by clicking on "Install":