How to remove a password from a PDF on iPhone

Bank statements, payslips and insurance letters often arrive as password-protected PDFs. If you know the password, you can save a copy that opens without it, so you don't have to type it every time.

Important: these methods only work when you already know the password and have the right to use the file. Without the password, these methods won't open the file. If a file belongs to your employer or someone else, ask them for an unprotected copy instead.

We make PDF Tools Pro (method 2).

Method 1: Print to a new PDF (free, built in)

A widely shared workaround: open the PDF and enter the password, tap Share > Print, then in the print preview use Share > Save to Files. The new copy usually opens without a password. Apple doesn't document this as an unlock feature, menu names vary by iOS version, and the copy can differ from the original (for example, text may not be selectable), so check it before deleting the original.

Method 2: PDF Tools Pro (on device)

1. Open PDF Tools Pro, go to Tools and tap Protect or Unlock PDF.
2. Choose Unlock PDF and pick your file.
3. Enter the password you use to open it.
4. Save the new copy. The app checks that the new file opens without a password.

If the password is wrong, you'll see "The password is invalid." and nothing is used up from your free tries. The file and the password stay on your iPhone; nothing is uploaded.

Unlock is an advanced tool: every device gets three successful advanced outputs to try, then Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase with no subscription.

Download on the App Store

Core tools are free. Split, Extract and Protect/Unlock are advanced tools: three successful advanced outputs to try on each device, then Lifetime Pro is a one-time purchase. No subscription.

Why not use a website?

Online unlockers require uploading the file, and often the password too, to someone else's server. For bank statements, payslips or medical records, an on-device method is the safer choice.