Unlock PDF
Remove the password or printing and copying restrictions from your own PDFs.
Drop PDFs to unlock
or select to choose from your device
Files are processed on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use Unlock PDF
- Add one or more PDFs.
- If a password is needed to open the file, type it. If the PDF opens normally but will not print, copy or edit, leave the box empty.
- Select Unlock PDF and download a copy with no password and no restrictions.
How it works
There are two kinds of PDF protection. An open password (user password) encrypts the file so it cannot be read without it. To remove it you must know the password: the tool decrypts the file with it and saves an unencrypted copy. It does not guess, crack or bypass unknown passwords.
A permissions password (owner password) lets the file open normally but asks readers to block printing, copying or editing. Such files can be decrypted without the password, because the content is readable to anyone who can open it; the tool saves a copy without the restrictions. Use this only for documents you own or have the right to change.
The work is done by qpdf, an open-source PDF library, running in your browser. The file and the password are not uploaded.
Example
Your bank sends monthly statements locked with your date of birth. Enter that password once here to save unlocked copies for your accountant or your own archive.
Frequently asked questions
Can it unlock a PDF if I do not know the password?
Not if the password is needed to open the file: that is strong encryption and this tool does not attempt to break it. If the PDF opens without a password and only restricts printing or copying, yes, leave the password box empty.
Is it legal to remove a PDF password?
Removing protection from your own documents, or with the owner’s permission, is generally fine. Removing restrictions from copyrighted or confidential material you are not entitled to change may break the law or a contract. That responsibility is yours.
Is my password sent anywhere?
No. Decryption happens on your device.
Why does it say the password is not correct?
Passwords are case-sensitive, and some senders use a specific format (for example a date as DDMMYYYY). Check the instructions that came with the file.
What if the PDF was not protected?
It is saved unchanged and the list says so.
Limitations
- Does not recover, guess or crack unknown open passwords.
- Does not remove certificate-based (digital ID) encryption or DRM used by e-book stores.
- For use on documents you own or are authorised to modify.
Last reviewed November 9, 2026. How we build and test tools.