You expected the PDF to open. Instead, a password dialog. You either know the password and want to stop being asked, or you don't know it and need a route forward.
What's actually going wrong
The PDF is encrypted with a user password — required every time the file opens. The encryption is real, modern PDFs use AES-256, and the password must come from the original source.
If you have it, you can permanently remove the protection. If you don't, you need to recover the password from the source.
The quick fix
Have the password: Open the PDF, then upload to unlock PDF. Flint removes the encryption and produces a clean copy that opens without prompting.
Don't have it: Check email threads from when you received the file — the password is often in a separate message. Check password managers. For institutional PDFs (bank statements, tax forms), the password is often a known formula based on personal data.
If that didn't work
For truly lost passwords, contact the source. Banks, employers, government agencies can usually reissue documents. There's no legitimate technical bypass for strong PDF encryption.
If the file came from you originally (you created the password and lost it), check every password manager and notes app. Long-shot passwords from your past sometimes work — try common patterns you've used.
Prevent it next time
Store PDF passwords in a password manager keyed to the document. Use unique, memorable passwords for documents you'll access regularly. And keep unencrypted master copies of documents you control — encrypt only the distributed versions.
FAQ
Can I bypass a PDF password?
No, strong PDF passwords are mathematically secure. You need the original password to legitimately access the file.
What's the typical password for bank PDF statements?
Varies by bank, but often a formula based on personal data — birthdate, last 4 of account, first 4 of name. Check your bank's website for the specific formula.
Why does the password I'm sure of not work?
Case sensitivity, special character autocorrect, paste-from-formatted text issues. Try retyping manually, character by character, with no autocomplete.
Can Flint remove the password if I provide it?
Yes — that's exactly what unlock-pdf does. Provide the password, get a clean unprotected copy. Original file unchanged.
Got the password? Unlock in Flint and stop being asked. No password? Source recovery is your only legitimate path.