How to Remove a Password From a PDF (Free, When You Know It)
Bank statements, salary slips, tax forms and phone bills often arrive as password-protected PDFs. Typing the password every time is annoying, and many tools cannot merge, compress or convert a locked file. If you know the password, you can remove it in a few seconds for free.
Two kinds of PDF passwords
- Open password: the PDF asks for a password before it opens. Banks often use one, for example based on your date of birth or part of your account or ID number. Check the bank's email or website for the format.
- Permissions password: the PDF opens normally, but printing, copying or editing is blocked.
Our tool handles both, as long as you are allowed to open and use the file.
How to remove the password
- Open Unlock PDF and choose your locked PDF.
- Type the password you use to open it. If the file opens without a password but blocks copying or printing, leave the box empty.
- Press Unlock PDF.
- Download the unlocked file. It opens without a password from now on.
Forgot the password?
We cannot remove a password you do not know, and we do not guess or crack passwords. Instead:
- Check the email or message that came with the PDF. Banks usually explain the password format there.
- Download a fresh copy from your online banking or the sender's website.
- Ask the sender for the password or an unlocked copy.
What you can do after unlocking
- Put several statements into one file with Merge PDF.
- Get transactions into a spreadsheet with PDF to Excel. Our guide How to Convert a PDF Bank Statement to Excel shows how.
- Make the file small enough to upload with Compress PDF.
- Hide your account number before sharing with Redact PDF.
Keep your documents safe
- An unlocked PDF can be opened by anyone who gets it. Store it in a safe place and delete copies you no longer need.
- Before sending it to someone, you can lock it again with your own password using Protect PDF. See How to Password Protect a PDF.
- Never send bank passwords or OTP codes to anyone who asks for them.
Frequently asked questions
Can you remove a password if I forgot it?
No. Our tool removes a password only when you type the correct one. It does not guess or crack passwords.
Is my file or password uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser, so your file and password stay on your device.
My PDF opens without a password but I cannot copy or print. Can this help?
Yes. Leave the password box empty and press Unlock PDF. Only do this for files you own or are allowed to change.
Is it legal to remove a PDF password?
Removing the password from your own document, or one you are allowed to change, is normal. Do not unlock documents that belong to someone else without permission.
How do I add a password back later?
Use Protect PDF to lock the file again with a new password.
Can I unlock a PDF on my phone?
Yes. It works in the browser on Android and iPhone, with no app to install.