PDF Password Remover

Unlock and remove the password from any PDF file — free, instant, private

Drop your password-protected PDF here

Or click to browse and select your locked PDF file

.pdfPassword protected

How to remove a password from a PDF online

When you have a PDF you own and know the password for, removing that password makes the document easier to open, share, and work with going forward. PDFTask's PDF Password Remover handles this entirely in your browser — enter the password once, and download a new copy of the file with no password protection at all.

When should you remove a PDF password?

  • You received a document with a password and want to save it without re-entering the password every time
  • You want to use the file with other PDF tools that don't support password-protected files
  • You're archiving documents and want them to remain accessible without managing a password list
  • You want to merge or edit the PDF with tools like PDF Editor or Merge PDF that require an unlocked file

How this tool works

PDF password protection uses the AES encryption standard embedded in the file itself. To remove it, you need the correct password — this tool uses PDF-lib, a JavaScript library, to load the encrypted PDF in your browser, decrypt it using the password you provide, and re-save it without the encryption layer. The original file is not modified, and nothing is ever sent to a server.

What this tool cannot do

This tool removes passwords from PDFs you already know the password for. It is not a password cracker and cannot bypass or guess unknown passwords. If you have lost the password to a PDF you own, that's a different and considerably harder problem that requires specialized recovery software rather than a standard unlock tool.

For the best results after unlocking, use the file with PDF to Word or our full PDF Editor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know the password to remove it?
Yes. This tool removes the password from a PDF you already have the password for. It does not crack, guess, or bypass unknown passwords. You enter the correct password once, and the tool produces a new copy of the file without password protection.
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. Everything happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your PDF and your password are never transmitted to any server, which is especially important for sensitive documents like bank statements, contracts, or medical records.
What types of PDF password protection does this support?
This tool supports standard PDF open passwords encrypted with AES-128 and AES-256, which covers the vast majority of password-protected PDFs created by common software. Some very old PDF files using RC4 40-bit encryption may also work.
What is the difference between an open password and a permissions password?
An open password (user password) prevents the file from opening at all without it. A permissions password (owner password) allows viewing but restricts actions like printing or editing. This tool handles open passwords. Permissions restrictions on an otherwise viewable PDF are a different type of protection.
Why can't I use the PDF in other tools after removing the password?
After downloading the unlocked PDF, it should work with all standard PDF tools. If another PDFTask tool still can't open it, try downloading the file, closing your browser tab, and reopening the unlocked file fresh.
Can I remove a password on my phone?
Yes. This tool is fully responsive and works on iOS and Android browsers. Upload, enter the password, and download the unlocked file directly on your mobile device.