How to Remove Password from PDF: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

PDFs are often password-protected for security, but repeated password entry can be inconvenient.

If you are wondering how to remove a password from a PDF, this complete guide will help you. In this article, we explain multiple methods to remove PDF passwords, including online tools, desktop software, Google Chrome, and mobile solutions.

⚠️ Important Note: You should only remove passwords from PDFs that you own or have permission to unlock.

How to Remove Password from PDF: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

What Is a Password-Protected PDF?
Why Remove a Password from a PDF?
Types of PDF Password Protection
How to Remove a Password from a PDF Using Online Tools
How to Remove a PDF Password Using Adobe Acrobat
Remove PDF Password Using Google Chrome
How to Remove a Password from a PDF on Windows
How to Remove a Password from a PDF on a Mac
Remove PDF Password on Mobile (Android & iPhone)
Free vs Paid PDF Password Removers
Is It Safe to Use Online PDF Tools?
Common Problems and Solutions
FAQs on Removing Password from PDF
Final Thoughts

1. What Is a Password-Protected PDF?

A password-protected PDF is a document that requires a password to:

Open the file
Edit the content
Print the document
Copy text or images

PDF passwords are often used for legal documents, bank statements, eBooks, office files, and confidential reports.

2. Why Remove a Password from a PDF?

There are several valid reasons to remove a password from a PDF:

You enter the password every time you open the file.
You want to edit or print the PDF freely.
You forgot the password, but you still have access.
You want to share the PDF without restrictions.
You need to upload the file to a website or platform.

Removing the password improves usability, accessibility, and productivity.

3. Types of PDF Password Protection

Before removing a password, it’s important to understand the type of protection.

🔐 User Password (Open Password)

Required to open the PDF
Stronger security
Harder to remove without knowing the password

🔐 Owner Password (Permission Password)

Allows opening but restricts editing, copying, or printing
Easier to remove if you can open the file

Most methods below work when you know the password.

4. How to Remove a Password from a PDF Using Online Tools

Online PDF tools are the easiest and fastest way to remove passwords.

Popular Online PDF Password Removers

Smallpdf
iLovePDF
PDF2Go
Sejda PDF
Soda PDF

Steps to Remove PDF Password Online

Visit an online PDF password remover.
Upload your password-protected PDF.
Enter the correct password.
Click Unlock PDF
Download the unlocked PDF file.

Pros

No software installation
Works on any device
Fast and user-friendly

Cons

File upload required
Not recommended for sensitive documents
File size limits in free versions

5. How to Remove PDF Password Using Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is the most reliable and professional way to remove PDF passwords.

Steps Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro
Enter the password
Click File > Properties.
Go to the Security tab.
Set Security Method to No Security
Save the PDF

Advantages

Safe and offline
No file size limit
Maintains original quality

Disadvantage

Paid software

6. Remove PDF Password Using Google Chrome

Google Chrome can easily remove PDF passwords as well.

Steps

Open Google Chrome
Drag and drop the PDF into Chrome.
Enter the password
Press Ctrl + P (Print)
Choose Save as PDF
Save the new file

The saved PDF will no longer require a password.

Why This Method Works

Chrome prints the PDF as a new file without encryption.

7. How to Remove a Password from a PDF on Windows

Method 1: Using Microsoft Print to PDF

Open the PDF in any PDF reader.
Enter the password
Press Ctrl + P
Select Microsoft Print to PDF
Save the file

Method 2: Free PDF Software

PDFMate
PDF-XChange Editor
Foxit PDF Reader

These tools allow password removal when permission allows.

8. How to Remove a Password from a PDF on a Mac

Mac users can remove PDF passwords using Preview, which is built in.

Steps Using Preview

Open the PDF in Preview
Enter the password
Click File > Export
Uncheck Encrypt
Save the file

This is one of the simplest methods available.

9. Remove PDF Password on Mobile (Android & iPhone)

Android

Use apps like PDF Utilities, PDF Tools, or the iLovePDF app.
Upload the file
Enter password
Download unlocked PDF

iPhone

Use iLovePDF or the Adobe Acrobat app.
Open the PDF
Export without a password

Mobile apps are convenient but may have limitations.

10. Free vs Paid PDF Password Removers

Free Tools

Limited features
File size restrictions
Watermarks sometimes

Paid Tools

No limits
Faster processing
Better security
Batch PDF unlocking

For regular use, paid tools are worth the investment.

11. Is It Safe to Use Online PDF Tools?

Online tools are generally safe, but you should be careful.

Safety Tips

Avoid uploading confidential files.
Use trusted websites only.
Check the privacy policy.
Delete files after use.

For sensitive documents, offline tools are recommended.

12. Common Problems and Solutions

❌ Forgot PDF Password

Online tools won’t work.
Try the original source.
Use professional PDF recovery software (legal use only)

❌ Cannot Remove Password

PDF has strong encryption
Use Adobe Acrobat Pro

❌ File Size Too Large

Compress PDF first
Use desktop software

13. FAQs on Removing Password from PDF

Q1. Can I remove a PDF password for free?

Yes, using online tools or Google Chrome if you know the password.

Q2. Is it legal to remove PDF passwords?

Yes, if you own the file or have permission.

Q3. Can I remove the password without knowing it?

Generally no. Strong encryption prevents unauthorized access.

Q4. Will the quality reduce after removing the password?

No, if done correctly.

14. Final Thoughts

Removing a password from a PDF is simple and legal when done correctly. Whether you choose online tools, Adobe Acrobat, Google Chrome, or mobile apps, there is a solution for every device and need

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