How to Extract Text and Images from a Password-Protected PDF on iPhone

TL;DR

When you import a PDF that needs a password, PDFExtract asks for it, unlocks the file on the device and extracts as normal. It does not crack passwords. The password is used for unlocking only and is not sent anywhere.

The problem

A bank statement, a contract or a paper from a publisher is password-protected. You know the password, but your usual conversion tools either refuse the file or ask you to upload it, which defeats the point of the password.

Steps

  1. Tap Import PDF (or share the PDF to PDFExtract).
  2. When the password prompt appears, enter the password and confirm.
  3. Extraction starts. The result is an ordinary project.

If you cancel the prompt, nothing is imported.

What the password is used for

It unlocks the PDF on your device so its text and images can be read. It isn’t uploaded; the app has no server for documents.

Things to know

  • The extracted Markdown and images are not protected. Anyone who can open the app or the exported files can read them. Delete projects you don’t need.
  • Some PDFs allow viewing but restrict copying or printing. If you can open a PDF with a password, you can import it; the app doesn’t remove permissions restrictions you haven’t unlocked.
  • Only use this on documents you’re entitled to process.

FAQ

Can it remove a password I forgot? No. You need to know the password. It does not guess or bypass protection.

Is my password stored or sent? It is used to open the document on the device. The app does not send it to a server.

What if the password is wrong? You can try again or cancel the import.

Does it work with Share sheet imports? Yes. A locked PDF sent from Files or Mail asks for its password the same way.

The app PDFExtract →