Unlock PDF
Unlock PDF files with the password you were given, free, in your browser.
Unlock PDF files you already have the password for, so you don't have to type it every time or so another program can open them. Type the password once, and you get a copy that opens without it. This tool never guesses or cracks passwords: without the right password nothing happens. Many bank statements, salary slips and bills arrive locked with a password made from your details, such as part of your ID or date of birth; the email that came with the file usually explains the rule. Everything happens in your browser, and neither the file nor the password leaves your device.
- Free, no sign-up
- Files never leave your device
- Up to 100 MB per file
Drop a PDF file here
or
Up to 100 MB per file. Your files stay on your device.
Your file and your password stay on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
What next
- Keep the unlocked copy somewhere private: anyone who gets it can open it without a password.
- Need to share it again? Add a new password with Protect PDF.
How to unlock a PDF
- 1
Click “Choose a PDF file” or drag your PDF into the box.
- 2
Type the password you were given.
- 3
Press “Unlock PDF”.
- 4
Download the copy, which opens without a password.
When you would use it
Opening bank statements, salary slips and bills without typing the password every time.
Letting a program that can't handle passwords, such as a scanner app or an old reader, open a file.
Merging or editing a protected file you own, which our other tools need unlocked.
Removing printing limits from your own document with its owner password.
What to expect
You need the password. Nothing is guessed or cracked, and a wrong password is simply refused.
Opening with the open password removes the password but keeps the sender's limits on printing, copying and editing. Only the owner password lifts those.
The unlocked copy opens for anyone who gets it. Keep it private, or add a new password with Protect PDF.
A digital signature in the file stops being valid in the unlocked copy, because the file changes. Keep the original if the signature matters.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove a password from a PDF for free?
Yes, if you know the password. No sign-up, no daily limit and no watermark.
Can you open a PDF if I don't know the password?
No. This tool never guesses or cracks passwords. If you don't know it, ask the person or organisation who sent you the file.
My bank statement asks for a password. What is it?
Banks, employers and phone companies often lock statements with a password built from your details, such as part of your ID number, your date of birth or your account number. The rule is usually in the email or text message that came with the file, or on the organisation's website.
Is my file or my password uploaded?
No. The file is opened and the copy saved inside your browser, on your device. Neither is sent to us or anyone else.
The file opens, but I can't print or copy from it. Can you remove that?
Only with the owner password, the second password the sender used to set those limits. If you don't have it, ask the sender for an unrestricted copy.
Why can I still not print after unlocking?
You unlocked the file with its open password, which removes the password but keeps the sender's limits on printing, copying or editing. Only the owner password lifts those.
Does it work with old PDFs and AES-256 files?
Yes. It opens files protected with AES-256 and AES-128, and older ones with RC4, as long as you type the right password.
It says the password is wrong, but I'm sure it's right.
Check capital letters and the keyboard language: a password typed with the Arabic keyboard on is different from the same keys in English. Also check the rule in the email, such as whether dates include slashes.