I can't get rid of password security

[jms27204757]

I'm trying to get rid of the security password for a pdf. I went into document properties, security, then change settings next to Security Method. From there, I tried to unblock the box for a security password, but when I went to save the changes, it gives me the following message:

To apply security settings, please set either a Permissions Password or a Document Open Password.

To remove password security, first click Cancel in the Password Security Settings dialog, and then in the Document Properties dialog set the Security Method to No Security.

So, I went back to the Security Method, but I cannot change it to NoSecurity. The box is grey and locked on Password Security.

How do I get rid of the security password in this case?

[Test Screen Name]

To take the password security fully off you must set the security method to None. It's the only way. Not sure why that's grey, unless the document was signed after setting securiy.

[deborahn84811294]

Thanks I tried selecting 'No Security' and it asks me for a password -- which I never created in the first place!! It's making me crazy, I don't know how to fix this. I uninstalled and reinstalled. 

[deborahn84811294]

never mind, I resolved it!

[pitlana31510086q9h2]

Hi deborah,

how did you resolve it? i have the same problem.

[L28411146ei45]

Hello any luck here. I am having the same issue over and over again. Never assigned a password and now cannot get in pdf signed document since password protected. Any help here is deeply appreciated.

thank you!

[Bernd Alheit]

Do you use Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader?

[jms27204757]

I had Acrobat Pro DC but I recently canceled my subscription. When I open a pdf, it still says Acrobat Pro DC at the top of the window, but I'm pretty sure it is Acrobat DC or just Adobe Acrobat.

[Bernd Alheit]

Can you post a screenshot of the security settings?

[jms27204757]

[Bernd Alheit]

You must reactivate your subscription.

[jms27204757]

Ok, I was thinking that was the case but was hoping that I could manage the security password with the free version of Acrobat.

Thank you for your assistance.

[AnandSri · Accepted solution]

Hello Jeans,

Sorry for the delayed response and inconvenience caused. If you are the owner of the PDF and have applied the security settings using the password, only you can make changes in the security settings and can change the password from File > Properties after you open the PDF, and click the Security tab in the Properties dialog box to change the security settings. 

But, this cannot be achieved by Adobe Reader.

Note: If you have set the security settings in the PDF, only you can remove/change the password, or else you have to contact the owner to make the changes.

To know more about security settings, you can refer to Protect PDF files with permissions |

Feel free to update this discussion for any further assistance.

Regards,

Anand Sri.

[jms27204757]

I am not the owner of the PDF, and I am using Adobe Acrobat not Adobe Reader.

I was able to remove the security password of a similar file from the same owner before, by changing the Security Method, but this time it is not working.

I had a subscription to Acrobat Pro DC before. Is that what is needed to remove the security password?

[try67]

Yes, you must have Acrobat to be able to do it. You can't use the free (Acrobat) Reader for it.

[defaultztik9k7wrh2u]

I have the same problem you had 3 years ago. Have you already figured out how to solve this problem now? Because I want to know how to get rid of the password or how to change it.