Recover a Forgotten PDF Password
Drop your encrypted PDF below. We detect the encryption type locally in your browser, run a free GPU-backed recovery, and deliver the password by email — free.
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Analyzed locally in your browser · PDF files only · Confirm ownership before submitting
Protection Cluster
Need to lock a PDF, not recover one?
We cover both intents: recovery for locked PDFs and free encryption for PDFs you want to protect before sending or archiving.
Password Protect PDF
Exact-match landing page for users searching to protect a PDF with a password.
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Encrypt PDF Online Free
Free-intent page focused on online PDF encryption without archive wrappers.
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How to Add Password to PDF
Step-by-step intent page for users looking for a simple how-to flow.
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How PDF Password Recovery Works
Recovery difficulty depends entirely on the encryption type used when the PDF was created.
Upload your PDF
Drop the file above. Your browser reads the encryption headers locally — nothing is sent to any server at this stage.
We detect encryption
The analyzer checks the revision (R value) and key length to classify difficulty and choose the right recovery method.
GPU recovery starts
Your file is queued on our GPU farm. For 40-bit PDFs, decryption is mathematically guaranteed. For others, we run dictionary attacks.
Get your password free
When found, you receive the password by email. Successful recoveries are currently delivered free on this site.
Live Recoveries
PDF Encryption — Recovery Chances by Type
| Revision | Encryption | Acrobat | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| R=2 | 40-bit RC4 | 3–4 | 100% GUARANTEED |
| R=3 | 128-bit RC4 | 5–6 | ~40–60% |
| R=4 | 128-bit AES/RC4 | 7 | ~30–50% |
| R=5 | 256-bit AES | 9 | Weak passwords only |
| R=6 | 256-bit AES | X+ | Very unlikely |
Popular PDF Password Guides
Hand-picked guides covering the most common questions about PDF passwords, recovery odds, legality, and platform-specific methods.
Forgot PDF Password?
Step-by-step guide when you've lost access to a PDF.
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Recovery Success Rates
Honest odds by encryption revision and password type.
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How PDF Encryption Works
Technical deep dive on RC4, AES, and key derivation.
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Is It Legal to Unlock PDF?
DMCA, CFAA, GDPR, and UK law — explained clearly.
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Best PDF Remover 2026
iLovePDF, Smallpdf, Adobe, and us — compared.
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Unlock PDF on Mac
Preview, Terminal, and qpdf methods for macOS.
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Unlock PDF on iPhone/iPad
iOS and iPadOS workflows using Files and Shortcuts.
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Chrome Print-to-PDF Trick
The famous browser trick — when it works and when not.
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PDF Password Recovery — Completely Free
Start with free local analysis, run a free fast scan, and recover password-protected PDFs through our temporary free satellite service.
Free analyzer
Detect the encryption type in your browser before upload. This tells you whether the PDF is old 40-bit, a common-password case, or a hard modern file.
- Local browser analysis
- No signup required
- Zero payment
Fast 5-min scan
Instant dictionary attack against common passwords, dates, names, and human patterns. Weak and reused passwords are often found quickly.
- GPU-backed scan
- Covers common patterns
- Free service for now
40-bit guaranteed
PDFs created by Acrobat 3–4 use 40-bit RC4 with a known mathematical weakness. These files are recoverable every time.
- 100% success rate
- Usually within hours
- Delivered free on satellite
This satellite currently promotes free recovery to regain search visibility.