Unlock PDF

Remove the password from a PDF you can open, and lift printing, copying and editing restrictions.

or drop a file here

Processed on your device – files are never uploaded

Typing a password every time you open a statement or a scanned contract gets old quickly, and some PDFs won't let you print or copy text. PDF4U saves an unlocked copy of the file, so it opens directly and works with every tool.

You need to know the password if the PDF asks for one when you open it – this tool does not crack passwords. Files that open normally but block printing or copying are unlocked without a password. Everything happens in your browser, so your documents and passwords stay private.

Banks, phone companies and payroll services often send statements as password-protected PDFs, with a password based on your date of birth or customer number. Once you have removed the password from a copy, you can merge it with other files, compress it or print it without typing the password again. Keep the original if you may need to prove that the statement wasn’t changed.

How to remove a password from a PDF

  1. Select the PDF

    Click “Select PDF file” or drop the protected PDF onto the page.

  2. Enter the password

    Click “Unlock PDF” and type the password when asked. Files that only have restrictions don't need one.

  3. Download

    Click “Download” to save the unlocked copy. It opens without a password and can be printed, copied and edited.

Frequently asked questions

Can I unlock a PDF without knowing the password?

If the PDF opens without a password but blocks printing, copying or editing, yes – those restrictions are removed automatically. If it asks for a password when you open it, you need that password; PDF4U does not crack passwords.

Is it safe to enter my password here?

Yes. The password and the file are processed by your browser on your own device and are never uploaded or stored.

Does unlocking change the content of the PDF?

No. Pages, text, images, links and form fields stay the same. Only the encryption and the restrictions are removed.

Which kinds of protection are supported?

All standard PDF password encryption: 40-bit and 128-bit RC4, AES-128 and AES-256, as used by Acrobat, Word, banks and scanners.

Is it legal to unlock a PDF?

Unlock only files that you own or are allowed to use, such as your own statements or documents someone shared with you together with the password.

How do I add a password again later?

Use Protect PDF to encrypt the PDF with a new password.

Can I remove a PDF password on my phone?

Yes. Open this page in your phone’s browser, select the PDF, enter the password and download the unlocked copy. Nothing is uploaded.