Have a protected PDF file with password protection that is no longer needed? With Adobe Acrobat on your desktop, unlocking your file is as easy as removing the password.
Adobe Acrobat
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It's easy.
Quickly remove PDF password security from a PDF document you created if you no longer need the protection. Just type in the owner password, then opt to remove the PDF security. Now you have an unlocked PDF.
It's secure.
Not just anyone can unlock your PDF. Only people with permission can remove restrictions. If the PDF is secured with a server-based security policy, only the policy author or a server administrator can change it.
How to unlock a PDF to remove password security:
- Open the PDF in Acrobat.
- Use the “Unlock” tool:
Choose “Tools” > “Protect” > “Encrypt” > “Remove Security.” - Remove Security:
The options vary depending on the type of password security attached to the document.- If the document has a Document Open password, click “OK” to remove it from the document.
- If the document has a permissions password, type it in the “Enter Password” box, then click “OK.” Click “OK” once more to confirm the action.
Related features
Get more out of Adobe Acrobat with these tips:
Choose the Acrobat plan that works for you.
Acrobat Standard
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Convert, edit, e-sign, protect.
Acrobat Pro
US$19.99/mo
Annual, billed monthly plan, cancel within 14 days for a full refund. Windows and Mac.
Our most comprehensive PDF solution with full convert and edit capabilities, advanced protection, and powerful e-signature features.
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At Adobe, we’re serious about protecting your personal information. To ensure your account details are safe, we use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an industry standard for encrypting private data over the internet.
Frequently asked questions.
Yes, an Acrobat subscription or free trial is required to permanently remove password protection. Acrobat Reader or mobile versions can only open files with a password.
- Open the PDF in the Acrobat mobile app.
- Enter your password and tap Unlock.
- Save or share instantly from your device.
Yes. You can only unlock PDFs you have permission to access. Files protected by server-based security policies, digital signatures, or DRM cannot be unlocked via Acrobat tools.
Yes.
- Open the unlocked file in Acrobat.
- Go to Tools > Protect > Encrypt with Password.
- Set a new password or limit printing and copying permissions.
- Save your file — it’s now secured again.
Adobe uses enterprise-grade encryption in transit (upload and download) and at rest (for storage). Once unlocked, Adobe deletes the file from our servers.