Short answer: To remove a password from a PDF on a phone, open arcanizepdf.com/tools/unlock in your browser, select the PDF, type its password once and tap Unlock PDF. You get a copy that opens without a password. You must know the current password, and the file is not uploaded.
How to remove a PDF password on Android or iPhone in the browser
This works in Chrome, Safari and other mobile browsers, and on a computer.
- Open arcanizepdf.com/tools/unlock.
- Tap Select File and choose the locked PDF.
- Type the PDF's current password.
- Tap Unlock PDF.
- Tap Download File to save the unlocked copy.
The first run takes longer because the browser downloads the processing engine. The PDF and the password are handled on your phone and are not sent anywhere.
How to remove a PDF password with the Arcanize Android app
The Arcanize app does the same without an internet connection.
- Install Arcanize from Google Play.
- Open Unlock PDF.
- Select the locked file.
- Enter the password once.
- Save the unlocked copy to your phone.
What this can and cannot do
| Situation | Can it be unlocked? |
|---|---|
| You know the password and want a copy without it | Yes |
| The PDF is a bank statement and you know the bank's format | Yes, once you work out the password |
| You have forgotten the password | No. The tool does not guess or crack passwords |
| The PDF belongs to someone else and you were not given the password | No, and you should not try |
Finding the password for statements and bills
Statements and bills are locked with a password built from your own details, and the email that carries the file explains the format.
- Bank statement PDF password list for SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak and Union Bank
- HDFC Bank statement password
- SBI statement password
- Airtel bill password
When removing the password makes sense
- A loan, visa or tax portal rejects password-protected PDFs.
- You need to merge or compress the file, and those tools cannot open a locked PDF.
- You open the same statement often for your own records.
Remember that the unlocked copy is no longer protected. Keep it somewhere safe, and delete copies you no longer need. If you have to send it to someone, you can add a new password of your own first.
If the password is rejected
- Capitals. PDF passwords are case-sensitive.
- Leading zeros. A birthday on 5 March is
0503, not53. - Extra spaces. Copying a password from a message often adds a space at the end.
- Wrong file. Banks use different passwords for account statements and credit card statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a password from a PDF on my phone for free?
Open the Arcanize Unlock PDF tool in your phone's browser, select the PDF, type its password and tap Unlock PDF. Then download the copy, which opens without a password.
Can I remove a PDF password without knowing it?
No. You need the correct password. The tool removes a password you already know; it does not recover or crack forgotten ones.
Is it safe to unlock a bank statement this way?
The file and the password are processed on your own device and are not uploaded. The unlocked copy is no longer protected, so store it carefully.
Does removing the password change the PDF?
No. The pages stay the same. Only the password requirement is removed from the new copy.
Can I add a password back later?
Yes. Use the Protect PDF tool to lock the file again with a password you choose.