Adobe Acrobat DC

Unlock your PDF file in seconds.

Learn how to unlock PDF files by removing password security when you no longer need it.

Start free trial

Adobe Acrobat DC

Unlock your PDF file in seconds.

Learn how to unlock PDF files by removing password security when you no longer need it.

Start free trial

Have a protected PDF file with password protection that is no longer needed? With Adobe Acrobat DC on your desktop, unlocking your file is as easy as removing the password.

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.

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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.