How to remove a password from a PDF
- Drop the protected PDF into the box above, or choose it.
- Enter the PDF's password.
- Select Unlock PDF and download the copy, which opens without a password.
You need the password: this tool doesn't crack, guess or get around passwords. It uses the password you enter to open the file and saves a copy without the encryption.
Which password you need
| What happens when you open the PDF | Password to enter | What the copy loses |
|---|---|---|
| It asks for a password | The open password, or the permissions password if you have it | The password, and any restrictions |
| It opens, but printing or copying is blocked | The permissions password | The printing, copying and editing restrictions |
Common uses
- Bank and card statements. Statements arrive locked with a password. Unlock them once to file, print or upload them to a loan or tax portal without typing the password every time.
- Portals that reject protected files. Visa, tax and job portals often refuse password-protected PDFs. Upload an unlocked copy instead of the original.
- Merging or editing protected files. Most PDF tools, including merge, split and compress, can't work on encrypted files. Unlock the file first, then carry on.
- Your own old protected files. A file you protected years ago is a chore to open every time. Unlock it with its password and keep a plain copy somewhere safe.