About the Unlock PDF
Tezmy's Unlock PDF tool saves a copy of a password-protected PDF that opens without the password, so you don't have to type it every time, and so you can merge, compress or edit it with other tools. You need to know the password: the tool doesn't guess or crack passwords. It also removes print, copy and edit limits from PDFs that open without a password. The pages are kept exactly as they are, not turned into pictures, and everything happens in your browser, so your file and password are never uploaded.
Updated September 2026
How to use the Unlock PDF
- 1Click Select PDF file and pick the protected PDF.
- 2Type the PDF's password (not needed if it only has print or copy limits).
- 3Click Unlock PDF.
- 4Download the unlocked copy.
Why remove a PDF password?
- You open the same bank statement or payslip often and are tired of typing the password.
- You need to upload the document to a form or portal that rejects protected PDFs.
- Other tools, like Merge PDF or Compress PDF, can't work with a locked file.
- You want to print or copy text from a PDF of your own that has those actions switched off.
Two kinds of PDF protection
An open password (user password) encrypts the whole document: without it, no app can show the pages. To remove it you need to type that password, and the tool checks it before doing anything, so you'll know straight away if it's wrong.
Permission limits (set with an owner password) let anyone open the file but ask apps to block printing, copying or editing. When you select a PDF like this, the tool tells you it only has limits, and it can save a copy without them, no password needed.
What you get
The unlocked PDF is the same document without its encryption. Nothing is re-drawn or converted, so text stays sharp and searchable, file size stays about the same, and links, bookmarks and form fields still work. The tool uses qpdf, a widely used open-source PDF library, running inside your browser. It opens PDFs protected with AES-256, AES-128 and the older RC4 encryption.
Tips
- Passwords are case-sensitive: “Smith1985” and “smith1985” are different. Tick Show password to check what you typed.
- For bank and government documents, the password rule is usually in the email that came with the file.
- Keep unlocked copies of private documents somewhere safe; they no longer ask for a password.
- Want to add a new password of your own instead? Unlock the file, then use Protect PDF.
Private and on any device
Unlocking happens entirely in your browser on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android and Chromebook, with nothing to install. Your file and its password are never sent to a server. Only unlock documents you own or have permission to change.
Features
- Removes the open password
- Removes print, copy and edit limits
- Tells you straight away if the password is wrong
- Keeps text, links and quality unchanged
- Works with AES-256, AES-128 and older encryption
- Private: file and password stay on your device
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove a password from a PDF?
Select the PDF, type its password and click Unlock PDF. Download the new copy: it opens without asking for a password. Your original file isn't changed.
Can I unlock a PDF if I don't know the password?
No. For PDFs that need a password to open, you have to type the correct password. The contents are encrypted with it, and this tool doesn't try to guess or crack passwords. If you've lost it, ask the person or company who sent you the file.
Why do bank statements and payslips have passwords?
Banks, employers and tax offices often protect PDFs with a password, commonly based on your date of birth, part of your account number or your ID number. The email or letter usually explains the format. Once you've opened it with that password here, you get a copy without it.
What about PDFs that open but won't print or copy?
Some PDFs open without a password but block printing, copying text or editing. Select one of these and the tool shows that it only has limits; click Unlock PDF to save a copy without them. Only do this for documents you own or have the right to use that way.
Does unlocking change the quality?
No. The tool removes the encryption and keeps everything else: text stays selectable and searchable, and images, links and bookmarks stay as they were. It doesn't turn pages into pictures.
Is it legal to unlock a PDF?
Removing the password from your own documents, like your bank statements, is fine. Only unlock files you own or have permission to change, and respect copyright and any agreement that came with the document.
Can I unlock a PDF on my phone?
Yes. It works in the browser on iPhone and Android: pick the PDF from Files or Downloads, type the password and download the unlocked copy.
Is my password sent anywhere?
No. The password check and the unlocking run in your browser. The first time, it downloads the unlock engine (qpdf, about 1.4 MB) from our site; your PDF and password never leave your device.