How to Unlock a PDF and Remove Its Password (Free, Online)

Banks, offices and universities often send PDFs protected with a password. Typing it every time is annoying, and some protected files cannot be printed or copied. If the file is yours and you know the password, you can remove it in seconds.

Two kinds of PDF passwords

Type	What it does	What to do
Open password	Asks for a password to open the file	Enter that password in Unlock PDF
Owner password (restrictions)	Opens freely but blocks printing, copying or editing	Leave the password empty and run Unlock PDF

How to unlock a PDF in SnapPDF

Open the Unlock PDF tool and add your file.
Type the password if the file asks for one. If it opens normally and only blocks printing or copying, leave the field empty.
Press the Unlock PDF button.
Download the PDF with no password.

What we will not do

SnapPDF never tries to guess or crack a password. If you forgot the password, we cannot recover it. Only unlock documents that belong to you or that you have permission to open.

After unlocking

Edit it with PDF to Word or Edit PDF.
Combine files with Merge PDF.
Protect it again with a new password using Protect PDF.

Is it private?

Your file is encrypted in transit and at rest and deleted automatically, by default within 2 hours. The password you type is never stored in our records. See the privacy page.

Frequently asked questions

Can you unlock a PDF if I forgot the password?

No. SnapPDF removes a password you already know. We never try to guess or crack passwords.

What if the PDF opens but I cannot print or copy?

That PDF has only restrictions. Leave the password empty and run Unlock PDF to remove them.

Is it legal to unlock a PDF?

Only unlock files you own or have permission to open. Do not use it to bypass protection on other people's documents.

Is my file safe?

Yes. It is sent over HTTPS, stored encrypted and deleted automatically, by default within 2 hours.

Try it now

Open the Unlock PDF tool and remove the password from your own PDF.