Locked PDF files are more common than you think. Over 60 percent of shared business documents are password protected, making access difficult when passwords are lost or forgotten. You might face this while trying to print, copy, or even open a crucial file. This not only disrupts workflow but also wastes valuable time.

A trusted PDF password remover can solve this in seconds without harming the content. This article brings you the top 10 most effective tools, including desktop software and online platforms, to unlock PDFs safely. With real user reviews, features, pros, and cons, you’ll find the best PDF unlocker here.

Some users feel more comfortable using a desktop program, while others prefer a quick online method. To help both types of users, we have listed the best tools in both categories. Each option is effective and secure. You can pick the one that fits your task and device.

In this article
    1. Wondershare PDF Password Remover- Dr.Fone - DocPassRemover
    2. PCVITA PDF Unlocker Software
    3. PDF Password Remover - Passper for PDF
    4. MacWareTools PDF Password Remover Tool
    5. FreeViewer PDF Password Remover Tool
    1. Soda PDF - Online PDF Password Remover
    2. iLovePDF - Online PDF Password Remover
    3. Smallpdf - Online PDF Password Unlocker

Part 1. Top 5 PDF Password Remover on Desktop

1. Wondershare PDF Password Remover- Dr.Fone - DocPassRemover

There are times when you receive a PDF file but don’t have the password to open or edit it. In such cases, Dr.Fone - DocPassRemover is a reliable solution. It works as a powerful PDF unlocker that clears restrictions like editing, printing, and copying—even if the password is unknown. This tool stands out as a trusted PDF password remover software for both personal and professional use.

It also offers a safe download pdf password remover link for quick setup.

Dr.Fone - DocPassRemover

Decrypt open passwords, remove restrictions & passwords - all in one go!

  • Convert secured PDF to PDF even if you don't know the open password.
  • The "Remove Password" feature is free when the password is already known.
  • Automatically detects the PDF file's name, location, and specific lock status.
  • Removes permission restrictions like editing, printing, and copying.
  • Clean and easy interface, perfect for all users—no technical skills needed.
3981454 people have downloaded it

1-1. Features

  • Works on both Windows and Mac
  • Supports multiple PDF files at once
  • Unlocks encrypted PDFs with a single click
  • Removes print and copy locks with ease

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Handles large files smoothly
  • Fast and efficient unlocking process
Cons
  • The free version has limited features

1-3. User reviews

  • This PDF password remover program is popular among students and professionals.
  • Most reviews praise it for speed and accuracy. It’s often ranked as one of the best PDF security password remover tools.

1-4. Step-by-step guide to using Dr.Fone – DocPassRemover:

Step 1 Download pdf password remover. Open the Wondershare pdf password remover tool on your system.

Step 2 Click the "Add Files" button to upload one or more PDFs.

Step 3 Look at the "Item" column for any file with a remove password icon. Choose the PDFs you want to unlock.

upload file & select remove password

Step 4 Hit the "Start" button to begin the file password remover process.

remove password pdf successfully

3981454 people have downloaded it

2. PCVITA PDF Unlocker Software

PCVITA PDF Password Remover Tool is a fast and reliable option for removing restrictions from PDF files. It works without altering any of the original content, keeping your data exactly as it is. This PDF password remover software is ideal when you need to unlock files for printing, copying, or editing.

pdf password breaker software pcvita

1-1. Features

  • Removes restrictions like print, copy, edit, extract, and read-only
  • Unlocks PDFs without needing the original password
  • Enables options like commenting, form filling, and signing
  • Breaks owner-level restrictions quickly
  • Allows bulk unlocking with file or folder uploads
  • Does not require Adobe Reader or Acrobat

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • Supports both user and owner-level restrictions
  • Works with multiple files at once
  • Bypasses permission locks with ease
Cons
  • Software updates are not released frequently

1-3. User reviews

  • The tool is praised by office users for its reliability. Many consider it a strong file password unlocker that performs consistently and securely.

3. PDF Password Remover - Passper for PDF

Passper for PDF helps users gain full access to protected PDF files by removing restrictions or recovering open passwords. It is a reliable PDF password remover tool built to unlock files quickly and securely. With support for both open and permission-level locks, it works well for personal and professional use.

pdf password remover tool passper

1-1. Features

  • Removes both permission and open passwords
  • Uses four advanced attack modes for recovery
  • Delivers a high success rate
  • Supports multiple files with batch processing
  • Saves progress if the process is paused

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • No limit on the number of PDF files
  • Ensures complete data safety with no risk of leakage
  • You can pause and resume unlocking anytime
Cons
  • The trial version has limits on speed and password length
  • A monthly subscription can be costly over time

1-3. User reviews

  • Many users call it one of the most accurate tools available. It has worked well, even on old or damaged files. It’s also recommended as a powerful PDF password recovery tool for stubborn or forgotten passwords.

4. MacWareTools PDF Password Remover Tool

MacWareTools Mac PDF Unlocker Tool offers a reliable and fast way to make your PDF files accessible on Mac. It helps remove restrictions so you can copy, print, edit, or extract content with ease. Whether your file has user-level or owner-level protection, this PDF password remover software gives you full control to unlock your file for any task.

1-1. Features

  • Lets you copy text, print, and edit locked PDFs on Mac
  • Grants access to commenting, form filling, signing, and extracting
  • No need to install Adobe Acrobat on your device
  • Gives the option to save or print the unlocked document
  • Works with both AES and RC4 128 and 256-bit encryption
  • Compatible with macOS 10.8, 10.9, and newer versions

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • Keeps the original password while removing editing restrictions
  • Recognized as one of the best tools for Mac users
  • Can unlock secured files for different tasks
Cons
  • Requires the original password once to unlock protected files

1-3. User reviews

  • Mac users appreciate its clean design and strong performance. It holds a solid 4.5-star rating for its simple interface and quick unlocking. It’s also considered a dependable locked PDF unlocker for macOS systems.

5. FreeViewer PDF Password Remover Tool

If you need a reliable PDF cracker that works without requiring a password, the FreeViewer PDF Unlocker Software is a great choice. It removes owner-level restrictions with ease and does not require Adobe Acrobat to function. This tool supports both Windows and Mac and works well with PDF files protected by 128 or 256-bit encryption.

pdf permission remover freeviewer

1-1. Features

  • Unlocks restrictions on printing, copying, editing, and text extraction
  • Enables functions like commenting, signing, and form filling
  • Removes owner-level protection without the original password
  • Unlocks multiple PDFs at once
  • Let you save or print the unlocked PDF without any hassle
  • Keeps the original folder structure after unlocking

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • Makes locked files editable and accessible
  • Gives the option to print or save the output file directly
Cons
  • Needs a password for user-level encrypted PDFs

1-3. User reviews

  • It’s often rated highly by students and solo users. Known for being a trusted PDF password remover freeware, this tool is especially useful for those looking for a simple and effective password remover in PDF without extra installations.

Part 2. Top 3 PDF Password Remover Online

Online tools offer a fast way to remove PDF passwords from anywhere without needing a computer or software. If you're looking for a pdf password remover for free that works through your browser, these top three picks are worth trying. They deliver instant results and support multiple devices.

1. Soda PDF - Online PDF Password Remover

Soda PDF is a web-based platform that lets you unlock PDF files easily from any device or browser. It supports both encryption and decryption, allowing you to share password-free files quickly. This PDF password remover website is simple to use and includes many helpful features.

pdf password remover program soda pdf

1-1. Features

  • Remove and apply password protection
  • Offers extra tools like editing, converting, merging, and splitting
  • Works as a free PDF security password remover
  • Change PDF permissions after unlocking

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • Very easy to use
  • Works across mobile and desktop browsers
Cons
  • Free version only removes passwords from up to three files

1-3. User reviews

  • Highly recommended by users on mobile. Many say it's the best PDF unlocker download alternative when working remotely.

2. iLovePDF - Online PDF Password Remover

iLovePDF is a popular PDF password unlocker that lets users open and read locked PDF documents online. It helps you remove security from files without installing any program. This PDF password remover website offers both free and premium plans based on your needs.

The basic version is free, but it comes with limits on usage. For more control and access to full tools, a premium upgrade is required.

pdf file password remover ilovepdf

1-1. Features

  • Compatible with both Windows and Mac
  • Easy to use with a clean and simple layout
  • Uses SSL encryption to protect your data
  • Works directly in your browser with no software installation
  • Let you use some PDF security password remover tools for free

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • Great for unlocking PDFs with user-level passwords
  • The basic version is free for light use
  • The interface is beginner-friendly
Cons
  • The free version adds a watermark on unlocked PDFs
  • May not fully remove permission-level restrictions

1-3. User reviews

  • Often used in schools and offices, it’s a favorite tool for processing large batches of files. Users appreciate its ease of use and dependability as a cloud-based PDF lock remover.

3. Smallpdf - Online PDF Password Unlocker

Smallpdf is a simple web-based platform offering a wide range of PDF tools, including a reliable PDF password remover tool. When users upload a protected PDF file, the system automatically begins the unlocking process without any complex steps. It’s one of the most convenient tools for quick password removal.

pdf password remover tool smallpdf

1-1. Features

  • Clean and easy-to-use interface
  • Removes PDF restrictions for free with limited use
  • Premium plans available at low cost
  • Files are processed in the cloud for added privacy
  • Offers OCR and additional PDF editing tools in the Pro version

1-2. Pros&Cons

Pros
  • No need to install any third-party software
  • Includes editing options and OCR for scanned files
  • Premium plan supports unlimited tasks, faster speed, and large files
Cons
  • Free version limits the number of tasks and file size
  • Online uploads may pose a privacy risk for sensitive documents

1-3. User reviews

  • Ideal for fast and one-time use. Many users consider it a dependable encryption remover PDF, especially when they need a quick and hassle-free unlock without downloads.

Part 3. Full Comparative Analysis of the Best PDF Security Password Remover

Still unsure which PDF password remover fits your needs best? Check the full table below. It will help you quickly compare all tools and pick the right PDF unlocker for your work.

Tool Operating System File Size Limit Usability Remove Permission Password Remove Open Password Rating
Dr.Fone - DocPassRemover Windows, Mac No limit Very Easy Yes Yes 4.9
PCVITA PDF Unlocker Software Windows 1 GB Easy Yes Yes 4.5
PDF Password Remover Windows, Mac No limit Moderate Yes Yes 4.4
MacWareTools PDF Password Remover Tool Mac 500 MB Easy Yes Yes 4.5
FreeViewer PDF Password Remover Tool Windows 300 MB Basic Yes Yes 4
Soda PDF Web 100 MB Very Easy Yes Yes 4.5
iLovePDF Web 100 MB Easy Yes Yes 4.6
Smallpdf Web 100 MB Very Easy Yes Yes 4.5

Based on the comparison, Dr.Fone - DocPassRemover stands out for its ease of use, no file size limits, and full support for both open and permission password removal. It's a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful PDF password remover tool.

Conclusion:

Dealing with locked PDFs can interrupt your work at the worst time. Whether it’s printing, copying, or just reading the file, being blocked by a forgotten password is frustrating. The right PDF unlocker can save hours and make your tasks smoother. In this guide, we explored the top desktop and online solutions for removing restrictions. While all tools serve different needs, some offer more flexibility and reliability than others.

One option stood out with consistent performance across categories. It balances simplicity, speed, and effectiveness—especially for users looking for a full-featured password remover in PDF without complexity. Choose what fits your workflow best, and keep your files accessible when it matters most.

3981454 people have downloaded it
James Davis

James Davis

staff Editor

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