Unlock PDF — Remove Password Protection & Restrictions
Decrypt a password-protected PDF or strip permission restrictions without changing the content. Enter the password and download an unlocked copy. Everything happens locally in your browser.
Key Features
Remove Password Protection
Decrypt PDFs that require a password to open, so anyone can view the file without entering one.
Remove Permission Restrictions
Strip owner-password restrictions such as no-printing, no-editing, and no-copying, even when the file opens without a password.
100% Private
Your password and file are processed entirely in your browser and never leave your device.
Instant In-Browser Processing
No upload, no queue, no waiting — the document is decrypted instantly on your machine.
No Install, Free
Works on any device with a browser. No sign-up, no watermarks, and completely free.
What Is Unlocking a PDF?
Unlocking a PDF removes the encryption that restricts a document. There are two common cases: a file that requires a password to open, and a file that opens freely but has owner-password restrictions that prevent printing, editing, or copying. This tool handles both. After decryption, the output is a plain, unprotected PDF with the same content and quality, ready to open on any device. Remember that you should only unlock files you own or have permission to modify.
How to Unlock a PDF
Unlocking a PDF takes just a couple of steps. Everything runs in your browser.
Upload your PDF
Drag and drop the protected PDF file or click the upload area to select it.
Enter the password
Type the password. If the file only has owner-password restrictions and opens freely, leave the field empty.
Unlock the file
Click Unlock PDF. The document is decrypted locally and instantly.
Download the unlocked copy
Save the unlocked PDF. It opens without a password and no longer has the old restrictions.
Good to Know
You need the correct password to unlock a file that is protected with a user password. Files that open without a password but have owner-password restrictions (for example, printing or copying disabled) can be unlocked with an empty password. Only unlock documents you own or are authorized to modify. Permission restrictions are respected by honest readers but are not absolute protection against determined attackers.