Unlock a password-protected PDF
Remove password protection if you know the password.
Unlock PDF (complete guide)
Unlocking removes encryption from a PDF only if you know the password. This is useful when you have permission to work with a protected document and you need to run other tools (merge, split, extract, rotate, compress). The safe workflow is: unlock → edit/process → protect again if needed.
What this tool does (and does not do)
- Does: decrypt the PDF so it can be processed normally.
- Does not: crack passwords or bypass permissions. If you don’t have the password, we can’t unlock it.
Suggested workflow
- Run PDF info if you want to confirm encryption first.
- Unlock the PDF with the correct password.
- Run the tool you need: merge/split/extract/remove/rotate/compress.
- If sharing externally, protect the final output again with Protect PDF.
Privacy & retention
Files are stored temporarily for processing and deleted on scheduled cleanup (typically within 12 hours).
Troubleshooting
- Wrong password: verify keyboard layout and try copy/paste (watch trailing spaces).
- PDF still asks for password: the file may have restrictions or multiple layers; try again with the correct password.
- Processing fails after unlock: the PDF might be corrupted; try another copy.
How it works
- Upload a protected PDF.
- Enter the password.
- Download the unlocked PDF.
FAQ
Can you unlock without password?
No. You must know the password.
Is this legal?
Only unlock documents you own or have permission to decrypt.
Will this remove the password permanently?
Yes — the output file is no longer encrypted. Protect it again if needed.
Can I merge/split after unlocking?
Yes — unlocking is often required before other tools.
Does unlocking change quality?
No — it removes encryption; content stays the same.
Should I unlock before compressing?
Yes — many tools require an unlocked file first.
Can I unlock and then remove metadata?
Yes — a safe workflow is Unlock → Remove metadata → Protect.
Why does my password not work?
Check keyboard layout and hidden spaces. Try copy/paste carefully.
How long are my files stored?
Files are stored temporarily for processing and deleted on scheduled cleanup (typically within 12 hours).
What if I forgot the password?
We cannot recover or bypass it.
Related tools
Privacy note: files are stored temporarily for processing and deleted on scheduled cleanup (typically within 12 hours).