Drop a PDF file here or click to browse
Select a password-protected PDF to unlock
Drop file to add
You must know the password. This tool cannot crack or bypass unknown passwords.
Unlocking PDF...
0%
Result
Upload a protected PDF to unlock
Result
Password removed successfully
Original:
Unlocked:
Encryption removed — no password required to open
Files processed locally — never uploaded
Also try: AI Humanizer · Summarizer · Rewriter 3 free uses/day
How It Works
1
Upload PDF
Drop your password-protected PDF or click to browse.
2
Enter password
Type the password used to protect the file.
3
Download unlocked PDF
Get a clean copy that opens without any password.
FAQ
How does PDF unlocking work?
You provide the password for the encrypted PDF. The tool decrypts it using pdf-lib and saves a new copy without any encryption. The result is a standard PDF that opens without a password.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. Unlike iLovePDF which uploads files, everything runs locally in your browser. Your PDF never leaves your device. See also <a href="/ai/pdf/protect">Protect PDF</a> and <a href="/ai/pdf/merge">Merge PDF</a>.
What if I don't know the password?
You need the correct password to unlock the PDF. This tool cannot bypass or recover unknown passwords — it removes protection only when you supply the right credentials.
Can it crack PDF passwords?
No. This is not a password cracker or brute-force tool. It requires the actual password. If you've lost the password, contact the person who originally protected the file.
What encryption types are supported?
pdf-lib supports RC4 40-bit, RC4 128-bit, and AES 128-bit encrypted PDFs. AES 256-bit (PDF 2.0) may not be supported — if decryption fails, try a desktop PDF reader instead.
Will the content be changed after unlocking?
No. The content, layout, fonts, and images remain identical. The only difference is the encryption wrapper is removed, so the PDF opens freely without a password prompt.
Can I unlock multiple PDFs at once?
Currently one file at a time. Upload, enter the password, download the unlocked copy, then repeat for the next file.
Does it work on all PDF versions?
It works on most standard encrypted PDFs (PDF 1.0 through 1.7). Some PDFs with non-standard encryption, DRM, or certificate-based security may not be supported.
Is this legal?
Removing password protection from a PDF you own or have authorization to access is legal. Do not use this tool to bypass protections on documents you are not authorized to access.
What if the PDF has permission restrictions but no open password?
Some PDFs restrict printing or copying without requiring a password to open. This tool targets open-password encryption. For permission-only restrictions, try opening in a PDF reader and using "Print to PDF".
Can I re-protect the PDF the PDF after unlocking?
Yes. Use our <a href="/ai/pdf/protect">PDF Protector</a> to add a new password and set permissions on the unlocked file.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The tool runs entirely in your browser, so it works on any device with a modern browser — iPhone, iPad, Android, or desktop.
What is the file size limit?
There is no hard limit, but very large files (over 100 MB) may be slow or cause your browser to run out of memory. For best results, keep files under 50 MB.
Is it really free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. PDF unlocking runs in your browser at zero cost to us, so there are no usage limits or paywalls.
Can I pay with cryptocurrency?
Our premium plans accept USDT, USDC, and other cryptocurrencies — one of the few AI tool platforms that does. PDF unlocking itself is free, but crypto payment is available for pro features.
Do more with your documents
Summarize, rewrite, or translate the text in your PDFs with AI.
Coda One's PDF Unlocker removes password protection from encrypted PDF files. Enter the document password and download a clean, unlocked copy that anyone can open. All decryption happens locally in your browser — your files and passwords are never uploaded to any server.