Quick answer: To remove a password from a PDF, choose it here, type the password it opens with and press Unlock PDF: you get a copy that opens without one. PDFs that only restrict printing, copying or editing are unlocked without a password. This tool cannot crack or guess unknown passwords, and nothing is uploaded.
Tired of typing the password every time a bank statement or payslip opens? Enter it once here and save a copy without it. Restricted PDFs that block printing or copying are unlocked without a password.
Unlock PDF at a glance
| Price | Free, no sign-up, no watermark, no daily limit |
|---|---|
| Accepts | |
| Largest file | 200 MB per file, several files at once |
| Where it runs | In your browser: files are never uploaded |
| Works on | Any modern browser on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Send the result | Download it, or send it free with a link or by email (up to 20 GB) |
How to unlock PDF
- Choose the protected PDF; the tool tells you whether it needs a password or only has restrictions.
- Type the password if it asks for one.
- Press Unlock PDF.
- Save the unlocked copy, and keep it somewhere safe.
Two kinds of PDF protection
| Protection | What you see | Unlock here |
|---|---|---|
| Open password | The PDF asks for a password before showing anything | Yes, with the password |
| Restrictions (owner password) | It opens, but printing, copying or editing is greyed out | Yes, no password needed |
Only unlock documents you are entitled to use, such as your own statements and files that were shared with you together with their password.
No password cracking
If you do not know the open password, this tool cannot help: it does not guess or crack passwords, and AES-encrypted PDFs cannot be opened without them. Ask the sender, or for bank and utility statements, check the letter or website: the password is often a date of birth or part of an account number.
Keep unlocked copies private
An unlocked copy can be opened by anyone who gets hold of it. Store it somewhere safe, and if you need to send it on, protect it again with Protect PDF or send it with a password-protected download link. Unlocking runs in your browser with QPDF; the PDF and password are never uploaded.
How this compares
| This tool | Online converters (e.g. iLovePDF, Smallpdf or Adobe Acrobat online) | Desktop apps (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Pro) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your file is uploaded | No | Yes, to their servers | No |
| Install or account | None | Account for some features | Install needed |
| Watermark or daily limits | None | Common on free plans | Depends on the app |
Plans of other services change; check their sites. More pdf tools.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove a password from a PDF?
Choose the PDF here, type the password it opens with and press Unlock PDF. The copy you save opens without a password.
Can I unlock a PDF without the password?
Only if it opens without one and merely restricts printing or copying. PDFs that ask for a password to open cannot be unlocked without it.
Why does it say wrong password?
PDF passwords are case-sensitive and exact. Check capital letters, spaces and the format the sender used, such as a date.
Is my PDF or password uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser on your device.
Need to send a big file?
Send files up to 20 GB with a download link or by email. Free, no account needed, original quality.
Send large files free