Best 10 Free Tools to Remove Password from PDF Online
If you've ever received a PDF you couldn't open or edit because it was password-protected, you're not alone. Many businesses, schools, and individuals protect sensitive files with passwords for security reasons. There are some online tools that claims to remove PDF password for free.
If you're wondering which one to choose, you're in the right place. This review walks you through the 10 best free PDF unlock tools and explains how to remove password from PDF online securely.
- Part 1. Is It Safe to Remove Password from PDF Online?
- Part 2. Top 10 Free Online PDF Unlock Tools HOT
- Part 3. Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking a PDF Online
- Part 4. Alternative Methods to Remove PDF Password (Offline)
- 1. Adobe Acrobat Pro
- 2. TunesKit File Password Recovery [Remove Owner & User]
- Part 5. FAQs Related to Removing Password from PDF
- Part 6. Final Thoughts
Part 1. Is It Safe to Remove Password from PDF Online?
The short answer is YES! Most reputable online PDF unlock tools process your files securely, often using HTTPS and automatic file deletion after a short time. Some services even perform decryption locally in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
However, it's wise to avoid uploading highly confidential or sensitive documents to online services unless they specifically state that the process happens locally.
How Online PDF Password Removal Works
When you use an online PDF unlocker, you're essentially using a tool that removes or bypasses the access restrictions on the file. There are two types of PDF passwords:
- User (open) password: Required to open the file.
- Owner (permission) password: Controls actions like editing, printing, and copying.
Some online tools can only remove owner restrictions, while others require you to enter the user password to unlock the file.
Part 2. Top 10 Free Online PDF Unlock Tools (Compared)
The internet offers many free and fast ways to unlock secured PDF files online. Below are 10 of the best and most effective tools currently available, each with unique advantages.
| Tool | Upload Required? | Free Usage | Signup Required? | Password Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. iLovePDF | ✅ | Yes | ❌ | Owner & User |
| 2. Smallpdf | ✅ | Yes | ❌ | Owner & User |
| 3. Online2PDF | ✅ | Limited | ❌ | Owner |
| 4. PDF2Go | ✅ | Yes | ❌ | Owner |
| 5. PDF Candy | ✅ | Yes | ❌ | Owner & User |
| 6. PDFgear | ❌ (local) | Yes | ❌ | Owner |
| 7. PDFBeast | ✅ | Limited | ✅ | Owner |
| 8. Lumin PDF | ✅ | Yes | ❌ | Owner |
| 9. Syncfusion PDF Tools | ✅ | Yes | ✅ | Owner & User |
| 10. HiPDF | ✅ | Yes | ❌ | Owner & User |
1. iLovePDF
iLovePDFis a popular all-in-one PDF management tool. Its unlock feature is straightforward: upload the file, enter the password, and unlock it instantly. iLovePDF unlocks both owner restrictions and open passwords from your PDF files. Besides, it allows batch unlocking, integrates with other tools like merge and compress.
Pros:- The processing speed is fast;
- It supports bulk file unlocking;
- It offers clean user interface.
Cons:- Limited free features;
- Not working on complicated passwords.
Best for:
Users handling multiple PDFs in one go.
2. Smallpdf
Smallpdf is one of the most widely used online PDF password removers worldwide. It offers a dedicated PDF unlock feature that allows you to drag and drop your file, enter the password if required, and get an unlocked version in seconds.
Pros:- Simple drag-and-drop interface;
- The unlocking process is quite fast;
- It will delete your PDF automatically after unlocking.
Cons:- Requires password for open-password files;
- Limited free usage per day for non-registered users.
Best for:
Individuals who need a fast, no-hassle way to unlock PDFs occasionally.
3. Online2PDF
Online2PDF is a veteran in the PDF tool space and offers advanced unlocking options. It can remove only owner restrictions and unlock files with a provided password. Online2PDF supports batch processing, and offers advanced options and editable settings.
Pros:- It can handles complex restrictions;
- It's totally free, no watermark after unlocking.
Cons:- Interface looks outdated.
Best for:
Power users who need control over unlocking settings.
4. PDF2Go
PDF2Go provides an intuitive unlock interface and supports only the owner password removal. It's compatible with desktop and mobile browsers. The tool is easy to use, with no technical skills needed.
Pros:- The interface is clean and intuitive;
- Supports multiple file formats;
- Integrates with other editing tools.
Cons:- May take longer to process large files.
Best for:
Casual users and students who need quick access to files.
5. PDF Candy
PDFCandy is another powerful online PDF password remover that removes both open and permissions passwords for your PDF files. It's well known for its clean output—unlocked files maintain their original formatting without unwanted watermarks or conversion errors.
Pros:- No watermark on unlocked files;
- Fast performance, with simple steps.
Cons:- Free usage limit may apply.
Best for:
Designers, businesses, and anyone who values formatting quality.
6. PDFgear
PDFgear is a standout because it performs the unlocking entirely in your browser, meaning no data is uploaded to any server. This is ideal for confidential files. Besides, this is a useful tool to help remove password from PDF online for free, requiring no sign-up.
Pros:- Top-level privacy as your file will not send to any server;
- Removes password protection from PDF online for free forever.
Cons:- No cloud storage or advanced editing features.
Best for:
Unlocking sensitive PDFs like contracts, reports, and legal files.
7. PDFBeast
Unlike most online tools, PDFBeast stands out because it can unlock both user and owner passwords of your PDF files. The tool is easy to navigate with user-friendly interface and no ads. Besides, it is a feature-rich online PDF platform that combines editing, conversion, OCR, and unlocking in one place.
Pros:- Intuitive interface suitable for beginners;
- Cloud-based access, works on any browser.
Cons:- Privacy and file retention policy less transparent than some competitors;
- Advanced features may require a paid plan.
Best for:
Users who want a multi-functional PDF platform and light unlocking tasks, not for highly sensitive documents.
8. Lumin PDF
Lumin PDF is also a free tool to remove password from PDF online. However, it can only remove the restrictions password. Beyond unlocking, it's a full PDF editor with real-time collaboration features, such as annotate, edit, and share documents online.
Pros:- Versatile tool that is integrated editor;
- Trusted by educational institutions.
Cons:- Require sign-up before unlocking.
Best for:
Teams or educational institutions that need both unlock and editing functions.
9. Syncfusion PDF Tools
Syncfusion PDF Tools can help you remove the permission password from PDF files online. Unlike some free tools, it provides a more enterprise-grade approach to handling your files. Syncfusion states that files are automatically deleted after processing, giving users more confidence in data protection.
Pros:- Fast cloud-based processing;
- Modern, lightweight interface.
Cons:- No batch unlocking at the moment;
- May not support highly encrypted files requiring brute-force recovery.
Best for:
Professionals who want a trusted online unlocker backed by a reputable software company.
10. HiPDF
HiPDF offers a clean, modern interface and emphasizes security. It also requires you to sign up before using unlocking your PDF files. It's backed by a Wondershare company known for enterprise-grade tools, which makes it a strong option for professional use.
Pros:- Can remove password from PDF free online.
Cons:- Require a free account;
- Sometimes it failed.
Best for:
Professionals who need a reliable and secure unlocking solution.
Part 3. Step-by-Step Guide to Unlocking a PDF Online
Unlocking a PDF file is typically fast and straightforward. Most online tools have almost the same process to remove password from PDF. Here, let's take iLovePDF as an example and show you how to do it:
Step 1Upload Your PDF
Go to your chosen tool's website such as iLovePDF. Then upload your locked PDF by clicking "Select PDF files" or drag-and-drop.
Step 2Enter Password (If Required)
If your file has an open password, you'll need to enter it to unlock the file. Some tools can remove both open passwords and restriction password.
Step 3Unlock and Download
Click "Unlock PDF" and the tool will start unlocking it. Once processed, click "Download unlocked PDFs" to download the unlocked PDF. You can now open, edit, or print it without restrictions.
Pro tip:For sensitive files, always choose browser-based like PDFgear or locally processed tools in Part 4.
Part 4. Alternative Methods to Remove PDF Password (Offline)
While online unlockers are convenient, offline methods are often safer and more reliable for confidential files. Desktop software gives you full control over your files without uploading them to third-party servers. Try the following tools if your files are important and sensitive.
1. Adobe Acrobat Pro
Adobe's professional version allows you to remove owner passwords legally if you're authorized. If you know the password, open the file in Acrobat Pro, enter the password, and then save a new copy without security settings.
Best for:
Users who need to remove permissions password from PDF when they know the open password.
2. TunesKit File Password Recovery
There are also many offline PDF unlock software options that don't require internet access. These can be useful in corporate or security-sensitive environments.
If you've forgotten your PDF password entirely, TunesKit File Password Recovery offers an effective offline solution. This powerful software uses advanced decryption algorithms to recover or remove passwords from protected PDFs (and other file types) without an internet connection.
Unlike most online tools, TunesKit gives more control and handles complex password-protected files that typical web unlockers may not support.
Key Features of TunesKit File Password Recovery
- Supports multiple attack modes (dictionary, brute force, smart combination).
- Works entirely offline, ensuring privacy and data security.
- Compatible with common PDF encryption methods.
50,000+ Downloads
21,000+ Downloads
Best for:
Users who need to unlock or recover forgotten passwords on personal or work-related PDFs securely.
Part 5. FAQs Related to Removing Password from PDF
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1. Can I unlock a PDF without the password?
For most online tools, you can remove owner restrictions without knowing the password in some cases, but you'll need the user password to open password-protected files. Fortunately, TunesKit File Password Recovery allows you to remove both user and owner password from PDF without a password easily.
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2. Are free PDF unlockers safe?
Reputable tools like Smallpdf, iLovePDF, and PDFgear are generally safe. Always verify the site's HTTPS connection and privacy policy.
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3. Can I unlock multiple PDFs at once?
Yes, some online tools like iLovePDF and Online2PDF support bulk processing.
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4. Does unlocking a PDF reduce file quality?
No. Unlocking doesn't affect file resolution or layout. Tools like PDFCandy and PDFgear preserve formatting.
Part 6. Final Thoughts
Unlocking a PDF online can be done in just a few clicks, but the best method depends on your needs. If you want fast and easy unlocking, go for tools like iLovePDF or Smallpdf. If you care about privacy, choose browser-based options like PDFgear.
Whatever tool you choose, make sure to unlock only files you have permission to access and protect your data after unlocking. For sensitive or confidential documents, always use local tools like TunesKit File Password Recovery to keep your information secure.
