Completed FAFSA on mobile vs desktop? Phone verification issues driving me crazy!

I did mine completely on my Samsung Galaxy last month and it was mostly fine except for two things: 1) The parent contribution section was super glitchy and kept logging me out, and 2) The document upload part was a COMPLETE NIGHTMARE just like you're experiencing. The FAFSA mobile interface is garbage honestly. What worked for me was downloading the FAFSA app instead of using the browser - the upload function actually worked there when it wouldn't on Chrome.

I strongly recommend NOT trying to complete the entire FAFSA on mobile. While the site is technically mobile-responsive, it wasn't designed primarily for phones. The most common issues happen exactly where you're stuck - document uploads and the income verification sections. The mobile interface doesn't handle the secure connection for those functions consistently. Your best options are: 1. Borrow a computer (friend, family, library) 2. Use your phone for filling out basic info sections, then switch to a computer just for the document upload parts 3. Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center and ask if they can provide alternative submission methods for your documents Don't risk missing your priority deadline - those state grants are often first-come, first-served!

I did mine on my phone but regretted it!!! So many problems. The worst was when i entered all my tax info and hit save but it didnt actually save??!! had to redo all that stuff twice. and yeah the upload part suuuuuucks on mobile

I have a revolutionary idea... use a COMPUTER for important financial documents?? Like seriously people, just because you *can* do something on your phone doesn't mean you *should*. The FAFSA deals with your most sensitive financial information and determines THOUSANDS of dollars in aid. This isn't TikTok. Borrow a computer or go to a public library like a responsible adult instead of complaining that a complex financial form doesn't work perfectly on your tiny phone screen.

I've helped about 30 students complete their FAFSAs this year as a financial aid advisor, and here's what I've observed: - About 60% of students attempt FAFSA on mobile first - Almost none complete it successfully on mobile alone - Document upload and FSA ID verification are the biggest mobile failure points - SAI calculations sometimes display incorrectly on mobile browsers Your best bet is to use a computer for the sections giving you trouble. The FAFSA is designed to save your progress between sessions, so you can absolutely start on mobile and finish on desktop. Just make sure you completely finish and submit each section before switching devices. Also, be aware that if your SAI calculation seems unusually high or low, double-check it on a computer before submitting. We've seen cases where the mobile view miscalculated figures.

OMG I tried calling FSA about this exact issue last month!! Spent literally TWO HOURS on hold and then got disconnected. TWICE. The whole system is a disaster this year with all the FAFSA changes. So frustrating!

Honestly I've done my FAFSA on phone for 3 years now, this year was the WORST by far with all the new changes. The W-2 upload part IS possible on mobile but you have to use desktop mode in your browser (not the mobile view). Still janky but it eventually worked for me. Also make sure your file size isn't too big if you're taking pics of your documents. The FAFSA system has some weird file size limits that aren't clearly explained anywhere.

last week when i was filling out mine i found out you can actually email documents directly to fafsa!! they dont make it obvious but if your upload isnt working call them and ask for the direct document email. they verified my identity and then gave me a secure email to send my docs to!! way easier than the stupid upload system

Update: Tried desktop mode on my phone like some of you suggested, and it ALMOST worked but then crashed when processing my W-2 image. Went to my local library today but their computers don't allow file uploads for security reasons (so frustrating). My cousin is letting me borrow her laptop tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!