Unlock PDF
Remove a password you know, or editing restrictions, from a PDF.
or drop files here
Free: files up to 100 MB · up to 10 files · 15 of 15 free tasks left today. See plans
Files are encrypted in transit and deleted after 2 hours. You can delete them sooner.
To unlock a PDF, add it to Unlock PDF, type its password if it has one and select Unlock PDF; you get a copy without the password or restrictions. PDFDaily does not crack unknown passwords.
How to remove a password from a PDF in 3 steps
- 1
Choose the locked PDF, or drop it anywhere on the page.
- 2
Enter the password if the file asks for one. For restriction-only files, confirm you may remove them.
- 3
Select Unlock PDF, then download the unlocked copy.
What can Unlock PDF do?
- Removes the open password when you know it.
- Removes printing, copying and editing restrictions from files you own.
- Each file shows its lock type: needs a password, has restrictions, or not protected.
- Unlock many files in one go and reuse one password for all of them.
- A wrong password is reported clearly and never counts as a task.
- Files are deleted automatically after 2 hours.
How do I unlock a PDF I have the password for?
To unlock a PDF you have the password for, add it to Unlock PDF, enter the password and select Unlock PDF; you get a copy that opens anywhere without it. If you added the same password to several files, tick Use this password for all locked files.
How do I remove PDF restrictions?
PDF restrictions are removed the same way, without a password, once you confirm you own the document or have permission. A restricted PDF opens normally but does not allow printing, copying text or editing; these files are marked Opens freely but has restrictions. After unlocking you can make changes with Edit PDF or convert the file with PDF to Word.
Is it safe to unlock a PDF online?
Yes. Only the protection changes: pages, text, images, bookmarks and forms are left as they were. Files are processed on our servers and deleted automatically after 2 hours. To lock the file again with a new password, use Protect PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Can you unlock a PDF without the password?
Only if the PDF opens without one and is just restricted from printing, copying or editing; Unlock PDF removes those limits once you confirm you own the document or have permission. If the file needs a password to open, you must enter it, because we do not crack unknown passwords.
Can you unlock a PDF for editing?
Yes. If a PDF opens but blocks editing, Unlock PDF removes the restriction so you can edit it in any PDF editor, including Edit PDF.
How do I remove a password from a PDF?
Add the PDF to Unlock PDF, type the password and select Unlock PDF. The copy you download opens anywhere without a password.
Does a wrong password use up a task?
No. A wrong password is reported clearly, and only successful runs count towards your daily limit.
What happens if the PDF is not protected?
We tell you the file is not protected and give it back unchanged. That does not count as a task.
Can you open PDFs locked to a certificate?
No. Those can only be opened by the owner's software, so we cannot unlock them.
Related tools
Last updated October 23, 2026