Open the encrypted PDF and select All tools > Protect a PDF > Set security properties.
Last updated on
Sep 23, 2025
Learn how to modify the encryption settings for a PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.
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.
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.
