How to Remove Password from a PDF

By Author thumbnail image Emily Shaw | on


PDF files are one of the most popular formats for sharing and storing documents securely. However, dealing with password-protected PDFs can be inconvenient. Whether you’ve forgotten the password or no longer require password protection, knowing how to remove a password from a PDF can save you time. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through methods for unlocking your PDF document using DocFly, and explore options for different devices such as macOS, Windows, Linux, and mobile platforms. Additionally, we’ll address challenges you might face during the process and provide solutions.




Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Password from a PDF with DocFly

Step 1: Upload Your Password-Protected PDF

Visit DocFly and upload your password-protected PDF file. Once the upload is complete, the document will appear on the dashboard.

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Step 2: Enter the Password and Unlock the PDF

Click on the file to open it within DocFly’s PDF editor begin the unlocking process. You'll be prompted to enter the password to access the document. Once the correct password is entered, you'll be able to unlock PDF and remove the password.

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Step 3: Remove the Password

In the editor, navigate to the "Organize" tab and select "Protect". This will enable you to remove the existing password that enabled viewing. You may also wish to remove other passwords that apply additional security features, such as restricting edit PDF functions or printing.

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Step 4: Download or Export your File

After removing the password from your PDF, download or export your PDF files. You can now edit locked PDF files!

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Removing Passwords from PDFs on Different Devices

If you're looking for a tutorial on PDF password removal, online tools can streamline the process, whether you're working with Excel files, Word docs, or a secured PDF. Such tools allow you to decrypt the file once the correct password is entered, such as a permissions password or owner password. For example, Google Chrome offers extensions that act as a PDF password remover, and it's also possible to unlock a password-protected PDF file within Google Drive.

If you're an Apple user, native apps on macOS make it simple to remove a PDF password without needing an internet connection, while Android devices have similar capabilities via mobile apps. However, be careful when sharing PDFs with sensitive information, as removing the password makes the file accessible. You can use tools to edit or even convert PDFs without worrying about document security.

Additionally, you can remove watermarks. After decrypting the file, you can export a new PDF without a watermark. Look for the drop-down menu within these apps, as this is usually where the "remove password" options are found.

Finally, regardless of the device you're using, ensure that the permissions on your PDFs are secure, especially if you're working online.

How to Remove a Password from a PDF on Windows

On Microsoft Windows, there are several ways to remove a password from a PDF, but using PDF software like Adobe Acrobat makes it simple:

  • Open the PDF: Launch the file and enter the password.
  • Remove Security: Go to "File" > "Properties" > "Security" and choose "No Security" to disable the password.
  • Save the File: Save the PDF with the security method removed.

How to Remove a Password from a PDF on macOS

If you're using a Mac, removing a password from a PDF is straightforward with the Preview app:

  • Open the PDF: Launch the PDF in Preview by double-clicking the file or selecting "Open With" from the file menu.
  • Enter the Password: When prompted, enter the password to unlock the document.
  • Export the PDF: Once unlocked, go to the "File" menu and select "Export."
  • Uncheck Encryption: In the export window, uncheck the "Encrypt" option to remove the password.
  • Save the File: Choose a new location to save the password-free PDF.

How to Remove a Password from a PDF on Mobile Devices

Removing a password from a PDF on a mobile device is easy using mobile apps or web-based services:

  • Use a Mobile App: Apps like Adobe Acrobat or PDF Expert allow you to unlock a password-protected PDF directly on your phone or tablet. Open the PDF in the app, enter the password, and then save the file without security.
  • Use an Online Service: On your mobile browser, visit a PDF editing site such as DocFly, upload the PDF, enter the password to unlock it, and download the password-free version.
  • Save and Access: Once the password is removed, you can easily save and access the PDF on your mobile device without any restrictions.

 

Common Challenges and Solutions for PDF Password Removal

Challenge 1: Forgotten Password

One of the most common issues is simply forgetting the password to unlock the PDF.

Solution: If you’ve forgotten the password, try reaching out to the original creator of the PDF for the password.

Challenge 2: Restricted Editing or Printing

Even after unlocking a PDF, you may still encounter restrictions that prevent you from editing or printing the document.

Solution: To bypass these restrictions, you'll need to remove the security permissions associated with the PDF. This can be done using software like Adobe Acrobat or online tools like DocFly, where you can remove all security settings after entering the correct password.

Challenge 3: Unsupported Devices or Software

Some users face issues when their device or software doesn’t support PDF unlocking or password removal features.

Solution: If your device doesn’t support native PDF unlocking tools, try using a web-based service like DocFly, which works across different operating systems and devices.

Challenge 4: High-Level Encryption

In certain cases, PDF files are encrypted with strong security protocols, making it challenging to unlock them without specialized tools.

Solution: For highly encrypted PDFs, use professional-grade software like Adobe Acrobat Pro, which offers advanced decryption features.

 

Conclusion

Whether you're using a web-based tool like DocFly or native software on your device, following the right steps can help you quickly unlock your document. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth experience in unlocking and managing your password-protected PDFs.



Author image

Emily Shaw is the founder of DocFly. As a software developer, she built the service from scratch and is responsible for its operations and continued growth. Previously, she studied engineering at the University of Hong Kong and mathematics at the University of Manchester.