Change encryption settings

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn how to modify the encryption settings for a PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.

Open the encrypted PDF and select All tools > Protect a PDF > Set security properties.

In the Document Properties dialog box, select the Security tab.

Select Change Settings.

Take any of the following actions as required:

  • To encrypt different document components, select that option.
  • To change the Encryption Algorithm, select it from the menu.

Modify the following recipient permissions as required:

  • To check a trusted identity, select the recipient and then select Details.
  • To remove recipients, select one or more recipients, and then select Remove. Only remove your certificate if you want access to the file using that certificate.
  • To change the permissions of recipients, select one or more recipients and select Permissions.
Certificate Security Settings dialog in Acrobat showing recipient list and options to search, browse, remove, view details, and set permissions.
Manage certificate recipients and set individual permissions when applying security policies to a PDF.

Select Next, and then select Finish.

Select OK to close the Document Properties dialog and apply your changes.

Remove encryption settings

Open the encrypted PDF and select All tools > Protect a PDF > Remove security.

When prompted, type the permissions password.

If you don’t know the password, contact the PDF author.